The winter months bring with them far more than just poor weather – they are also brimming with viruses, coughs and colds, and the dreaded flu bug. We all spend a large proportion of the season trying to fend off these ailments, but you can bolster your immune system with some diet friendly ingredients which can help you to fight the colds.
Cinnamon:
A sweet and warming spice, cinnamon is a well-known antiseptic and can help to fight coughs and colds. Try making a concoction of powdered cinnamon stick, ginger and licorice which you add to boiling water and reduce by half – this will help to keep your lungs clear of congestion and boost your immune system.
Ginger:
Popular in ayurvedic medicine, ginger plays host to a number of health benefits. Ginger should be used fresh in order to reap the most rewards from it, as the active compounds in it help to alleviate phlegm which can cause respiratory problems. You can add it to stir-frys with plenty of vegetables, or added to hot drinks such as herbal tea.
Eucalyptus oil:
Eucalyptus oil is a great antiseptic and is particularly good for your lungs – this is one to inhale rather than consume, so try adding a few drops to a cotton ball or handkerchief to breathe in the vapours, or adding some to an inhaler to breathe in the scented steam.
Licorice:
Licorice is great for thinning mucus and helping the body to rid it from the lungs – it also benefits an irritable cough by coating the insides of the chest and throat. You can boil this with other herbs to make a health-boosting drink. If you’re pregnant, you should avoid this though, as it’s not advised. Natural licorice can also be chewed to help reduce the risk of building congestion with coughs and colds.
Soup:
Soups are great as remedies for illness, as they contain so many fantastic ingredients for fighting colds and other ailments. You can add whatever you like to a soup, but ingredients such as black pepper, garlic, galangal and chilies are particularly brilliant. These ingredients will helping you to breathe more easily and can reduce congestion.
Avoid:
If you’re already suffering with a cold, you should avoid dairy products such as cheese or yoghurt, as well as deep fried foods and processed products – these will only coat your insides and make your breathing and congestion worse.
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