THERE is nothing worse than to suffer the miseries of cold and flu. Now is the time to raise your body's immunity levels, so that when winter does arrive you have a better chance of keeping cold and flu at bay.
To help the body deal with those winter nasties you should include plenty of vitamin C (500 to 1000 mg daily) in your diet.
A whole-food diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and fresh herbs, including plenty of garlic, will help the body system combat harmful bacteria and viruses.
Carrots, spinach, oranges, grapefruit, horseradish (freshly grated on bread), onions, chives, green peppers, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, tomatoes and turnips are all good sources of this vitamin.
Garlic taken on a regular basis will help to boost the body's defences and help the auto-immune system cope with bacterial infection.
It contains vitamins A, B and C, and copper, sulphur, manganese, iron and calcium, and because its oil is composed of sulphides and disulphides, it inactivates undesirable virulent micro organisms in the body without harming the helpful organisms.
A favourite general body system fortifier used by my family is a cupful of the following garlic brew three times a day.
Add two cloves of crushed garlic, half-a-teaspoon of ground ginger, one tablespoon of honey, the juice of one lemon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to a pre-warmed ceramic cup, add boiling water, cover with a saucer, and allow to steep for 10 minutes.
Strain, reheat and drink immediately.
A daily preventive dose of echinacea will help to enhance the immune system and lessen the chances of catching cold and flu.
Echinacea is available from heath food stores and some pharmacies in tablet or capsule form, or as a herbal tea. Follow the directions on the tablets, capsules or tea, or as directed by your health practitioner.
Rose hip tea can also be used to help build resistance to colds and other infections, and is a good source of vitamin C, as well as containing vitamins A, B and E.
Drink hot three times a day with a little lemon juice and honey added.
To help combat airborne bacteria and viruses, spray this disinfectant air-freshener throughout your home as required.
Dissolve 20 drops lavender oil, and five drops each of lemon and eucalyptus oil in 10 millilitres of methylated spirits.
Add to a pump-spray bottle containing about half-a-litre of water, shake to mix, then use on a fine mist setting.
