Coughs and Sneezes Spread Diseases

This was the title of a 1946 NHS information film advising people to use a handkerchief to stop the spread of the cold and flu virus.

Unfortunately even today “they” haven’t found a cure or preventative towards colds or flu. The ramifications that come with vaccines make them no longer an option and reaching for remedies from nature is becoming more the norm for those that don’t trust the short and long term effects of over the counter drugs.

Grannies and great grannies used to advise rubbing goose fat on the chest, not so outrageous when you think of all the natural, easily made vapour rubs, (see www.mommypotamus.com/diy-vicks-vapor-rub for example) which, incidentally is best used rubbed on the feet and covered with a pair of socks at bedtime to stop the tickly cough that keeps you awake. Said to increase sluggish blood circulation at congested areas it is also thought to act on reflexology points. Fantastic non-intrusive remedy for babies and children.

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Echinacea, a personal favourite of mine, from the flower, was first used over 400 years ago by Native Indians for wounds and infections as well as a general “cure all”.Research has shown that using the above ground part of the plant is best for building up your immunity and relieving the symptoms of colds and flu. I would recommend A. Vogel’s Echinaforce liquid, a few drops in water, as it has a high concentrate of the above ground part of the plant.

Garlic, crunched up raw, releases the full gamut of antioxidant, antiviral, antibiotic properties of this superfood. Eaten raw releases 100% of the flu-busting effects, vitamin C, a slew of enzymes, and minerals such as sulphur and selenium.  Ahem, I think the smell is just enough to keep people at a distance so as not to give you the nasty virus, but that’s just me!

Honey and lemon with hot water relieves and soothes sore throats, the lemon has antibacterial properties. For extra oomph add a bit of chilli or chilli flakes as a decongestant, or if that’s too way out there, uses ginger instead, this contains gingerols that stops the yukky stuff blocking up your bronchial tubes. I’ll leave the recipes up to you.

Black pepper on your meals is a brilliant preventative, or if already in the throes of woolly headiness, gargle with a teaspoon of black pepper in water, the capsaicin in the pepper thins the mucus thus providing relief.

For the best decongestant essential oils look for Eucalyptus,  Tea Tree, Pine, Thyme or Rosemary, gentle Lavender for children, a couple of drops in a steaming bowl of water will clear your airways.
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The best possible advice I can give you this winter if you feel yourself coming down with a cold is to make yourself a honey and lemon drink, a touch of whiskey for taste, run a hot bath with a combination of Thyme, Tea tree, Lemon and Eucalyptus essential oils, light the candles and relax…..if that’s too much effort bung the oils in a burner, turn the heating on and curl up with a good book and the biscuit tin, well if you’re going to be ill you might as well enjoy yourself!

Best wishes
​Angie Fisk
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