Traditional hot drinks for a cold really do help fight colds and flu, according to research by experts at Cardiff University’s Common Cold Centre and published in the journal Rhinology.

The study, which is believed to be the first scientific research of its kind, proved that a steaming hot cup of fruit juice not only tastes nice but actually helps to reduce the symptoms of colds and flu. The researchers studied the effects of either a hot or room temperature apple and blackcurrant (both high in immune boosting vitamin C) drink on 30 volunteers with cold symptoms. Those who sipped the hot drink found that it improved air flow through the nose and raised body temperature producing a feeling of well being as well as immediate and sustained relief from symptoms of a runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chillness and fatigue.

 

In addition to a hot fruit juice, another simple and cheap remedy to stop the sniffles is elderberry.  Elderberry juice can act as a remedy for coughs, cold infections, bronchitis and fever. Scientific tests have proven that elderflowers have anti-inflammatory properties and confirmed that elder can be beneficial for treating symptoms of flu. (You can also get good elderberry supplements to boost the immune system – see the Resources Page).

Q: I’ve read up a little about Epsom Salts or Magnesium Sulphate, and they sound great for some skin problems, helping the body to detox, as a muscle relaxant (good for muscle cramp/spasm?) and de-stressor. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the subject and if there are any cases where it would not be recommended (such as during pregnancy?).

A: We think of magnesium generally as nature’s tranquilliser as it has a calming and relaxing effect on the body including the muscles.  Epsom salts are just hydrated magnesium sulphate and when used in the bath, the magnesium is absorbed through the skin, hence the relaxing effect on problems with muscle cramps and spasms.  This relaxant effect is also useful for women who have painful periods because the womb is a muscle and can also be helpful for other conditions where muscles are affected e.g. fibromyalgia.  The magnesium can also help reduce inflammation so may be useful for people with arthritis and general aches and pains.

Epsom salt baths can also be helpful for skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis as it can reduce inflammation in the skin.  Soaking in Epsom salt baths can also be helpful for relieving a flare up of genital herpes and when suffering from shingles. 

It is also thought that Epsom salts can help draw toxins out of the body, so helpful if you are doing a detox and want something to make the detox more effective.  It is not advisable to detox during pregnancy because the toxins will be released into the bloodstream and can pass into the baby.  So I would suggest that in pregnancy only the feet are soaked in Epsom salts.

For a regular bath use one to two cups of Epsom salts in water temperature that is comfortable (not too hot).  You could do dry body brushing before you get in the bath as this will help to open up the pores to increase the absorption of the Epsom salts.  An Epsom salt bath is best at the end of the day because at the end of the bath, just dry yourself off and get into bed, it is better not to rinse off the salts.

If your mood is dark and your temper short – just like the days at this time of year – increasing your intake of the following foods may help boost your mood.

Grapefruit: Great for boosting liver function and easing depressing. The more toxins your liver is exposed to the more easily its detoxification systems are overloaded. If the liver is sluggish, excessive amounts of toxins find their way into the blood stream and can affect the function of the brain causing unpleasant and erratic mood changes, a general feeling of depression, `foggy brain’ and an impaired ability to concentrate or remember things.

 

Artichoke:  This vegetable is liver protective and also has a bile-producing, and bile moving effect on the liver. When bile lingers in the liver, it irritates the tissue, creating inflammation and decreasing the ability of the liver to carry out its function so you are more likely to feel tired and depressed.

 

Watermelon: Studies indicate that red-pigmented, lycopene-rich foods—such as tomatoes, papaya, and watermelon—improve liver health and a healthy liver is essential for detoxification and physical, emotional and mental health and wellbeing.

 

Sunflower seeds: Minerals are essential for the growth and functioning of the brain. Selenium (high in seafood and seaweed) has been shown to improve mood significantly. Other sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, tuna, and whole-grain cereals.

 

Oily fish/flax seeds: Fatty acids regulate memory and mood. The brain is made of 60% fatty acids. The omega 3 types (DHA and EPA) are essential to the optimum performance of your brain. Omegas are found in oily fish, for example: mackerel, tuna, herring, salmon and sardines, as well as other foods such as avocado, olives, raw nuts and seeds, and their cold pressed oils. All these foods contain good mood stimulants and it has been discovered that levels of depression can been improved by introducing these healthy fats to your diet. Omega 3 types are also excellent intelligence and memory boosters. If you don’t eat fish try some hemp or flax seeds instead.  (See the Resources Page for a high strength Omega 3 fish oil.)

 

Lentils: Excellent source of B vitamins and folate. Folate deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of depression and deficiency in B vitamins increases the risk of anxiety, insomnia and mood swings.

 

Water: The body deteriorates rapidly without water and dehydration is a common cause of tiredness, poor concentration and reduced alertness. So ensure you get your recommended eight glasses a day!