- Kick chicken soup up a notch
When science proved that chicken soup really does help to fight colds, the legendary broth secured its place in the pantheon of healing foods. Chicken soup works not only because steam rising from the bowl helps to clear congestion, but also because anti-inflammatory compounds in the soup slow the movement of neutrophils, white blood cells that spur the formation of mucus in the lungs and nose. To notch up the cold-fighting abilities of chicken soup even further, add two peeled and crushed garlic cloves to simmering soup. Garlic contains antiviral sulphur compounds and it is also said to boost the immune system.
- Fire up the hair dryer
When you feel a cold coming on, inhaling heated air can stunt its severity. Studies show that warm air kills rhinoviruses that are working their way up the nose. In one UK test, subjects who breathed warm air had half the symptoms of those who inhaled air at room temperature. Set your hair dryer to warm (not hot), hold it at least 45cm from your face and inhale the warm air for as long as you can -preferably 20 minutes or so but 2-3 minutes at the very least.
- Sip (and gargle) echinacea tea
Echinacea purpurea, or purple coneflower, can indeed help to prevent colds and relieve the symptoms of colds and influenza alike. It works partly by boosting levels of the chemical properdin, which strengthens the body’s defence mechanisms against infections. Drinking 3 cups (750ml) of echinacea tea a day will guard against colds, but it’s best not to take it all the time. Limit consumption to three weeks in every four to avoid nausea, fevers and other side effects. You can also gargle echinacea tea up to three times a day to soothe a sore throat. Because it stimulates the immune system, echinacea should not be taken by people with autoimmune conditions such as lupus or multiple sclerosis, or by anyone with AIDS. It may also interact with some medications, so tell your doctor if you plan to take echinacea and are taking anything else.
- Cool a fever
In the first stages of a cold, you can help your body to bring down a fever by giving yourself a sponge bath every hour or so. Dip a sponge in tepid (not cold) water, lightly wring it out and use it to bathe your face, shoulders, chest and extremities. If the fever persists, drink 1-2 cups (250-500ml) ginger tea every few hours; the ginger will promote sweating, which is the body’s way of cooling itself.
- Fight coughs with thyme
Thyme is a natural expectorant, so brew a pot of thyme tea to fight a nagging cough. Just steep 2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves in 6 cups (1.5 litre’s) hot water for 10 minutes. Strain into a teacup, sweeten with honey, if desired, and sip a cupful two or three times a day.
- Three simple sore throat gargles
Invade the kitchen pantry rather than the medicine cabinet to cure your sore throat.
- Honey It coats the throat and has mild antibacterial properties. Stir 1-3 teaspoons honey into 1 cup (250ml) warm water and gargle two or three times a day.
- Salt Salt water has been used as a gargle for centuries because it works so well. It draws moisture from the mucous membranes (and helps to dilute the mucus) and helps to cleanse the throat of phlegm. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup (250ml) warm water and gargle the mixture three or four times daily.
- Peppermint The menthol in peppermint helps open the nasal passages, especially when you gargle strong peppermint tea. Pour 1 cup (250ml) boiling water over 3 peppermint tea bags and let steep for 4-5 minutes. Gargle with the cooled solution two or three times a day.
- A fiery gulp
For a practical way to get rid of a congested throat, use kitchen staples honey and Tabasco sauce. Whisk 1 teaspoon honey into 1 cup (250ml) warm water. Now whisk in 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce or hot chilli sauce. (If this is too spicy for you, experiment by adding a few drops at a time.) Drink the concoction slowly; follow it with a small glass of ginger ale, which will cool the burning feeling.
- Swat a flu bug with elderberry
If you feel that you’ve been bitten by the flu bug, drink 3-4 cups (750-1000ml) of elderberry tea daily or take 20-30 drops of elderberry tincture in a glass of water. In Europe, elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has a long history as an antiviral herb and research bears it out. In one study, 9 out of 10 test group subjects who had consumed elderberry saw their flu symptoms subside in two days, while symptoms in the group that consumed no elderberry continued for six days.
