Dear Readers:
It’s official; flu season has arrived in Sydney. As such, I am dedicating this week to sharing tips and remedies to help to avoid and fight the flu and stay healthy.
Very recently, I was reading Rodale’s 21st-Century Herbal: A Practical Guide for Healthy Living Using Nature’s Most Powerful Plants by Dr.. Michael J. Balick. There’s some really useful information in the book and I wanted to share some of the highlights for all of you.
Basil
Mainly used in traditional Mediterranian cuisine, this bright herb is known to help to reduce fevers and relieve symptoms of colds, coughs, and the flu.
Black Pepper
For many, a little goes a long way, but beyond adding a little spice to meals, pepper can alleviate phlegm from a cold.
Horseradish
Not only is this spicy root rich in vitamin C, but it also contains isothiocyanates and sulforphane, two compounds that clear congestion.
Marjoram
Forget decongestants: breathe easier with marjoram. “When taken into the respiratory system through steam inhalation, marjoram may help unblock sinuses and relieve laryngitis,” he says. You can even add marjoram essential oil to your bathwater to relax and ease cold and flu symptoms.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
There are tons of varieties of mint, but this gentle one is great for colds.. “In aromatherapy, it is used to treat fatigue as well as respiratory conditions, such as colds, coughs, and bronchitis,” He says.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
No list would be complete without echinacea, the poster child for healing herbs. “The herb is most effective if taken during the earliest stage of infection,” says Balick.
Garlic
With antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal benefits, garlic is the number- one cold and flu remedy.
Thyme
“Thyme tea eases coughs and bronchial spasms and helps clear congestion and mucus of a cold,” he says. “Thyme is also rich in disease-fighting antioxidants.”
Cinnamon
Another way to clear a stuffy nose? “Cinnamon is used to warm the body and clear mucous congestion due to colds and flus,” says Balick.
Ginger
Ginger is a diaphoretic (a compound that induces sweating). This makes it effective for breaking a fever and relieving other cold or flu symptoms
Much Love,
Jo