My Top Cold & Flu Busting Tips!

It's time to avoid cold and flu viruses. With seasonal changes affecting the body's environment and with the wind, rain, and snow (not such an issue in Sydney) comes the colds, flu, aches, and pains. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stress, frustration, and unresolved anger can work together to throw your immune system off, allowing pathogens to affect your body. With all the stress in the world today it’s not surprising there are always lots of sickness about.

In the post Covid era it seems there are more and more bugs about and our isolation over the past few years has made many susceptible to catching more viruses than usual. However it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some of my top cold and flu busting tips to help you to stay healthy this winter:

• Wash your hands regularly
  Studies have shown that one of the main reasons that we catch colds and flu in the winter season is that we are indoors and in closer proximity to others in cold weather. Protect yourself by washing your hands regularly and try not to touch your face. Use a natural chemical free hand sanitiser.

• Get plenty of sleep
  The Nei Ching, an ancient Chinese classic, advised people to go to sleep early and rise late, after the sun's rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your own yang energy for the task of warming in the face of cold.

  If you do come down with a virus (including cold and flu)
  make sure you take time out to rest and recover.

• Reduce stress
  Find a way to relax and release stress on a daily basis. Such methods may include yoga, meditation, biofeedback, simple relaxation therapy, or whatever method you use to release the stress and pressures of modern life.

• Take immune boosting vitamins and minerals
  Vitamin C, bioflavonoids selenium, vitamin A, E and zinc will support your immune system and protect your mucous membranes and lungs during winter.

• Essential oils
  Essential oils used in diffusers, inhalations or nasal sprays can be extremely effective to boost immunity and reduce mucous and congestion.

  My top recommendation is to use a nasal spray with saline and a combination of either Cinnamon, Thyme, Eucalyptus and Peppermint. Use this before and after you leave the house together with a throat spray combining essential oils or herbs like Thyme, Cloves, Myrrh, and Sage. This is a great tip to stop bacteria and viruses colonising in the nose and throat.

• Herbal medicines are particularly effective during winter to support and build up our immune system, but also to relieve coughs and sinus congestion
  Some of my cold and flu favourites include:

  • Take herbs like Echinacea, Tinospora and Astragalus to build up your immune system and prevent colds and flu viruses;

  • Mushroom Extracts such as Reishi, Shitake, Cordyceps and Chaga have many health benefits not only do they build up and balance the immune system they also tone the adrenal glands and kidneys making them a welcome addition to your winter regime;

  • Elderberry is one of my all-time favourites to not only strengthen the immune system but is also highly effective against cold and flu viruses if taken in high doses in combination with vitamin C and zinc at first signs of cold and flu;

  • Some other great herbs to have on hand at first signs of cold and flu are Nigella Sativa (Black Seed Oil) Andrographis and Cats Claw.;

  • Lung infections and coughs can be a lingering problem during winter and some of my favourite herbs for coughs include Plantain, Marshmallow, Thyme, Euphorbia, Elecampagne, Licorice, Mullein, Ginger and Wild Cherry Bark;

  • For upper respiratory complaints like sore throats, and sinus congestion or mucous I love to use blends containing Pelargonium, Eyebright, Fenugreek, Horseradish, Cloves, Calendula, Golden Seal, Elder Flower and Wood Betony.

I love using my liquid herbal concoctions for all winter complaints but there are also many good tablet and powder options available for all ages.

For cold and flu busting product recommendations or tailor made immune solutions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Here is an infographic to keep handy, as a reminder of these great cold and flu busting tips.

Remember take the time to stay well this winter!