Winter is coming...

And that means so are the colds, coughs, infections and fevers! We prefer using natural supplements and cooking healthy broths/drinks to keep our bodies fighting fit and ready to ward off any nasties, so here are my top 5 tips for attempting to stay healthy during winter:

1. Chicken Soup

Chicken Soup is thought to be extremely effective in reducing the severity of colds and flus. My Basic Chicken Stock recipe is the first thing I make upon seeing/hearing a sniffle, and can be consumed as a tasty hot drink, or used in my cooking for added flavour and health benefits. On days when the boys refuse to drink it straight, I use it religiously while preparing their meals (especially when boiling their rice, pasta or potatoes).

2. Hot herbal/natural teas

There’s nothing better than sipping on a nice hot cup of tea when you have a cold. I love to make my own using natural ingredients and a few of my favourite combinations added to boiling water are:

• ¼ tsp turmeric powder + 1 tsp jaggery/honey 
• Green tea (optional) + ½ tsp freshly grated ginger + fresh squeeze of lemon + 1 tsp honey 
• Black tea + ½ tsp freshly frated ginger + 1 tsp honey

3. Oil pulling

Many believe ayurvedic oil pulling to be effective in drawing bacteria from the body through the mouth by swishing oil in your mouth, first thing in the morning. A few people are sceptical, but this was one thing I stuck with last year when I was pretty sick, and I personally believe it helped. I’ve been doing this again during the last fortnight and so far so good (touchwood)!

4. Natural supplements

We find Triple strength Garlic C + Horseradish tablets extremely effective in preventing colds and flus. I was advised not to take any Horseradish while pregnant or breastfeeding, so pure garlic tablets were also pretty effective.

5. REST!

Lack of sleep is the biggest thing affecting my health at the moment. When I have a few bad nights thanks to the kiddos, not only am I in a terrible mood, but a few autoimmune issues I have flare up.  Resting while you’re ill is one of the best ways for your body to heal, and by staying at home, the spread of viral colds and flus may also be reduced (although your kids may go crazy with boredom!).

Good luck, and may the force be with you to evade coughs and colds this winter season!

GPW

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