From the pantry
For a scratchy throat:
“Speed up healing by dissolving ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in a 250ml glass of warm water and gargle several times a day. Salt acts like a water magnet and pulls the excess fluid to reduce swelling and loosen mucus, helping to flush out irritants or bacteria.”
- Dr Maria Mejia de Grubb, GP
To boost Immunity:
“Studies suggest that garlic has immune boosting properties. Mince or crush one to three cloves and leave them exposed to air for a few minutes. This boosts a sulphur compound called allicin, which acts like an antimicrobial to kill viruses and bacteria. Heating can destroy allicin, so add garlic at the very end of cooking.”
- Dr Chris D’Adamo, Integrative Medicine Specialist
Ways to keep calm
To stop anxiety:
“When you’re feeling anxious or suspect that a panic attack is coming on, hold a cooling eye mask (even a bag of peas will do in a pinch!) over your eyes for at least 30 seconds. The cold shock will bring you back to the present when your mind is racing. The cooling sensation also activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the physical symptoms of anxiety like a racing heart and quick, short breaths.”
- Rachel Zar, Relationship Therapist
For relaxing the mind:
“Catnip isn’t just every cat’s favourite herb – it can also help relieve your anxiety. Drink it in tea or take it as a supplement. Catnip is a stimulant when cats sniff it, but has the opposite effect on people. For us, it’s relaxing and it calms the mind.”
- Eric Yarnell, Naturopath
To clear sinuses:
“Most sinus infections occur due to poor movement of nasal cilia, designed to expel bacteria and dust from the nose and sinuses. Humming stimulates nasal and bronchial cilia and breaks up mucus in your nose, sinuses, throat and chest.”
- Dr Murray Grossan, Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist
How about some tea?
For digestion and sleep
“Steep ½ teaspoon each of cumin, coriander and fennel seeds in a litre of boiling water; strain into a thermos and sip all day until sunset. This is an Ayurvedic remedy that helps improve digestion and sleep and decrease palpitations, hot flashes, worry and anxiety.”
- Dr Kavitha Chinnaiyan, Cardiologist
To reduce inflammation
“Oregano is a concentrated source of antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation and soothe the stomach. Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh or dried oregano in 250ml of hot water for about 10 minutes, and drink up to three times daily.”
- Dr David Borenstein, Integrative Medicine Specialist
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