Even though back in the UK temperatures are getting colder and the nights are getting longer, here in Sydney the sun is shining and the board shorts and flip flops are out in full spirit (when are they not, lets be honest?). You'll probably all hate me for saying this - but I think I am actually going to miss England and it's Arctic climates whilst I'm on my travels in Australia. There's something quite not right about seeing a middle aged man, half naked dressed as Santa on Bondi Beach on Christmas Day - if you ask me, he should stick to his thermals.
I can't help but feel as if my body clock still hasn't adjusted to the extended Summer season - therefore remaining in a state of pre-winter preparation. This only means one thing - the box of Kleenex are by the bedside, the eucalyptus oil is on the pillow and the flu busting herbal remedies are on standby. When we're feeling under the weather, all we want is a quick fix to get us back to good health - but I'm afraid to say it folks, a cup of hot Ribena just won't cut it! Unfortunately, it takes time. Our bodies sometimes just need to heal themselves by themselves, instead of being fed with copious amounts of Lemsip and paracetemol to try and speed up the process.
Instead, try reaching for some of natures own immune boosting goodies such as garlic, turmeric, ginger and lemon (to name a few). Also, if you're open to alternative medicine, opting for a tincture of Echinacea and Elderberry will be sure to keep you fighting fit for the winter months. If all of that sounds a bit alien to you, you could always try one of the 1000mg Vitamin-C sachets - they're cheap, hassle free and contain a decent amount of the good stuff to help combat those common colds.
ALEX'S WINTER WARMER/IMMUNE BOOSTING TONIC
1 tea pot of warm water
1 tsp organic manuka honey (only the organic and raw types contain the immune boosting properties, all the other stuff is just pure SUGAR)
1 tsp grated ginger
Squeeze of half a lemon
OPTIONAL: Try experimenting with different loose herbal teas. Organic rosemary, sage, thyme and elecampane are all great for sore throats, as well as the powerhouse couple echinacea and elderberry. Take a dsp sized portion of one/combination of the herbs, and let them infuse for about 10 minutes before drinking.
A x
