There are many ways to help yourself or your family members if the cold or flu has hit. In severe cases you may need to visit the GP for antibiotics, but of course, these do not work with viruses and we really need to be mindful of how often we take them.
Dose yourself at the first sneeze
I think the first sign of a cold is when to act fast. I always look out for the first sneeze of the season. Many studies have looked at what vitamins or supplements to reach for. I’m always surprised when I read that Vitamin C is not that strongly proven, although there is something comforting about it and we do reach for the lemons or lemon-flavoured remedies when we are suffering. (Here is a systematic review which looked at the results of 29 clinical trials and didn’t find that it reduced the length of colds).
What remedies might work?
One herb that is well-researched in Asia is Andrographis paniculata. Andrographis is known as “the king of bitters” and is very drying and bitter to the taste, hence is taken in capsules. Another systematic review of clinical studies found that it relieved cold symptoms and reduce the duration. So if you can get hold of a good quality organic supplement, I would always keep that in my medicine cupboard.
Herbal teas and hot toddies
Other things can help with symptoms. Ginger, cloves and honey can be made into hot drinks and are all anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Drink several throughout the day. I love thyme from the garden which has wonderful-smelling essential oils, and I gargle with a thyme tea when I’ve a sore throat. Double-up with honey if you don’t like the savoury taste.
A hot toddy can also be effective with a tiny dash of whisky or brandy added to your mug. I find this particularly good to get off to sleep.
Going for raw!
If you do want to hit a nasty virus on the head, try raw garlic cloves or raw ginger. Mind these can be harsh on the tummy. But both will give you a good amount of compounds to help combat your symptoms.
Bedding down for the winter
It is quite natural to slow down when winter comes. A bit of hibernation does no harm! The earth and nature will be resting over the winter months, so why shouldn’t we. Give yourself time to re-charge, and if you need a bit of warming, reach for delicious spices like ginger and clove that we’ve already mentioned, but also cinnamon. If you do get a cold, the best thing you can do is stay indoors, have spicy warming soups and drinks, and take time to recover.
Summary
Act fast and dose yourself at the first sneeze or cough
Make soothing hot drinks with ginger, cloves and honey
Go for raw chunks of ginger or whole garlic cloves if you want a strong remedy
Bed down and take time to recover