Winter Wellness

Winter tips for staying healthy.

Its that time of year again, and we're all at the mercy of colds and 'flu. Here are some hints and tips to help you beat the bugs.

Keep warm, drink plenty of fluids and take time off  if you succumb. Don't push yourself to keep working if you feel unwell - rest! Eat sensibly - plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and non-processed foods. The old standby of hot lemon and honey drinks is also well worth trying!

Supplements to consider include:

• Vitamin C: - needs no introduction. Vitamin C can increase immune function, and is claimed to have antiviral activity.
• Echinacea: - helps stimulate the immune system, both for treatment and prevention of colds, flu and other upper respiratory tract infections.
• Garlic: - anti-bacterial effects. Use with caution in patients taking antihypertensive, diabetic or anti-coagulant medication.
• Olive Leaf: - has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiprotozoal action. It also helps stimulate the immune system to destroy the invaders.

Commonly indicated homeopathic flu remedies:

• Gelsemium - Heaviness, weakness and tiredness of the limbs, chills and fevers headache, feels heavy in head and eyes. No thirst. Wants to be left alone.
• Baptisia - rapid onset of flu / cold symptoms. Feels exhausted and wants to sleep. High temperature. May have gastric flu symptoms.
• Eupatorium perf - intense aching limbs and back as if bones were broken. Not wanting to move because of pain. Chills felt in back. Thirst for cold drinks.
• Rhus tox - restlessness, aches and pains while lying still, worse on motion but better with continued motion. chilly, worse in cold or damp air. Thirsty. Dry mouth, sore throat.