Natural Remedies for Winter Illnesses
In the winter, our body is more susceptible to developing certain illnesses, such as the common cold, pharyngitis, rhinitis, angina, etc. Fortunately there are some natural remedies that can help to combat these diseases.
Common cold
This is an infection caused by a type of virus called rhinovirus, which affects the nasal mucose. It is often accompanied by malaise, fatigue, headaches, mucus, sore sinuses, congestion, sore throat and a cough.
Natural Remedies
Echinacea is a useful tool to fight colds because it strengthens our immune system, has antiviral properties and protects us against infections.
Thyme, thanks to its content of thymol, is mucolytic, i.e. dissolves mucus and is excellent combined with eucalyptus to decongest the airways.
Willow infusion is analgesic, anti-inflammatory and combats fever, so it is an effective alternative remedy for colds.
Flu
Flu is caused by specific viruses that work their way into the respiratory mucose and multiply rapidly. It usually lasts four to five days and is characterised by flu-like symptoms including malaise, headache, sore eyes, cough, sore throat, muscle pain and fever.
Natural Remedies
These are designed to combat flu symptoms:
If the flu is accompanied by weakness and fatigue, it is advised to drink two cups of Valerian tea daily.
Peppermint combined with elderflower can relieve fever and many of the symptoms associated with flu, promoting rapid recovery.
Rhinitis
This involves inflammation of the nasal mucose caused by a virus, although there are different types of rhinitis depending on their origin. The most common is the cold, but there is also allergic rhinitis, called "hayfever" which is caused by allergy to pollen, dust and animal hair. It is characterised by a general down feeling, abundant mucus which may cover the nostrils and sneezing.
Natural Remedies
For allergic rhinitis, an infusion of ephedra, elderflower, eyebright and goldenseal three times a day is recommended.
For a nasal decongestant, you could carry out a nasal irrigation with a saline solution, or do an inhalation with essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus or pine.
Pharyngitis
This is an inflammation of the pharynx mucose, which is characterised by an irritated, painful and dry throat.
Natural Remedies
Sage and echinacea are a good combination to combat pharyngitis due to their antimicrobial actions.
Pokeweed plant is effective against general ill feeling and helps to purify the lymph glands and soothe the pharynx.
To soothe the throat, try gargling with eucalyptus.You can also make and drink an eucalyptus tonic several times a day with, mixing it with lemon water and sea salt.
Angina
An inflammation of the tonsils and adjacent parts, Angina is usually accompanied by a sore and irritated throat, difficulty swallowing and/or fever.
Natural Remedies
Agrimony and raspberry drunk as an infusion help to cleanse and soothe an irritated and sore throat. It is recommended to drink several of these infusions per day and try gargling with it to coat the throat.
You can also try compresses with echinacea, myrrh or sage, and apply directly on to the tonsils. These healing plants all possess antimicrobial agents.
Another popular remedy is to gargle with warm water, lemon and sea salt, you can also replace these ingredients with sage or goldenseal.
Recommendations to avoid becoming ill in Winter
- Do not consume drinks that are too cold
- Avoid large meals
- Wrap up well before leaving your house
- Spend half an hour a day jogging
- Try to have your house at a temperature between warm and temperate
- Sleep 8 hours a day, preferably overnight
- Practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, etc.
- Dry your hair well after washing it and before going outside
- Do not drink alcohol, or do it in moderation.