Winter eNews
2008/06/05 11:41
Winter eNews
The cold weather is fast approaching and here at The Modern Apothecary we have natural alternatives to help you beat colds and flu’s this winter!
The Common Cold and Influenza are both caused by a virus and symptoms usually include runny nose, sore throat, swollen glands, earache, fever, aches and pains, headache, cough and general malaise.
Winter eNews
The cold weather is fast approaching and here at The Modern Apothecary we have natural alternatives to help you beat colds and flu’s this winter!
The Common Cold and Influenza are both caused by a virus and symptoms usually include runny nose, sore throat, swollen glands, earache, fever, aches and pains, headache, cough and general malaise.
The most important key to recovery if you do get the flu is bed rest. This will allow the body to recover and for the immune system to regain strength. Ideally a day or two in bed is just as healing as a bottle of herbs!
It is also important to keep your fluid intake up, particularly and most importantly water. Herbal teas are a great way to keep your water intake optimal and to prevent dehydration. The warm water will heat the body, facilitating diaphoresis (sweating during a fever) and will also soothe the mucous membranes.
Herbal Teas
The Herbal Teas of the Month are our Immunity and Soothe. Immunity is a therapeutic blend of Echinacea, Elder, Rose hips, Yarrow, Ginger, Marshmallow root and peppermint- this tea will boost your immune system and improve resistance to infection. It is also great in the acute stages of a common cold to aid fever management, reduce catarrh, improve circulation, and reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.
Soothe is a combination of Elder, Licorice, Marshmallow root, Thyme and Ginger. This blend is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing for respiratory irritations such as infections, coughs and laryngitis.
Nutrition
Avoid sugar, saturated fats, salt, preserved and processed foods, fried foods, caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol during times of infection as these affect the immune system negatively, deplete important nutrients from the body and will prolong the duration of any symptoms.
To function efficiently the immune system requires adequate protein, essential fatty acids, Vitamins A, B, C, Iron and Zinc. While these vitamins and minerals can be found in the food we eat, sometimes it will be necessary to supplement.
Here at The Modern Apothecary our qualified Naturopaths are available to suggest nutritional supplements and herbal tonics to suit your specific requirements to help you boost your immune system and stay well this winter. For more information come and visit us in the store!
Foods to include in your diet that will assist in boosting the immune system include natural antibiotic foods such as garlic and onions, berries, kiwi fruit, citrus fruits, shitake mushrooms, barley, miso soup, and any yellow, green, orange and red fresh fruit and vegetables – which are high in Vitamins A and C.
Lifestyle
Avoid stress, as stress greatly reduces the strength of the immune system in fighting infections. If you are run down from the effects of stress, this should be addressed in order to prevent further illnesses from occuring.
Aromatherapy
Steam inhalations with essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Lavender, Pine,Tea Tree, and Peppermint may provide immediate relief from cold and flu symptoms such as congestion, coughs and respiratory catarrh.
Try this fantastic ‘Flu Brew’ at home-
Juice of 1 lemon
200mls water
1 teaspoon of grated ginger
1 clove of garlic (crushed)
Cloves/Cinnamon/Cayenne pepper if desired
Heat together slowly for 5 minutes.
Add brandy and honey (such as manuka honey) to taste and drink hot or gargle and swallow warm once or twice daily.
We look forward to seeing you soon,
The Staff at The Modern Apothecary
Disclaimer: This information is to be used as an educational guide only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for the advice and treatment of a qualified natural health care practitioner and does not intend to diagnose any health condition. Please consult a practitioner if you wish to receive more information, or call The Modern Apothecary
on (02) 9904 0084