Colds are characterised by symptoms such as runny nose, cough and sore throat. In the winter months, the flu inflicts a similar misery on people but includes fever and acute muscle pain. Influenza when serious can lead to complications such as pneumonia. It is why it must be taken seriously.

The common Cold and Influenza are very often contracted by handling money or shaking hands because we transfer the infection or virus to our mouth or nose when we touch our face. Most of the time we are unaware we are doing that. It is why a good prevention plan starts by washing the hands after contact with money or hands. If you can’t wash your hands, you can use a natural hand sanitizer (not a chemical one as Triclosan is a highly carcinogenic molecule) or an anti-infection essential oil blend.

If you take notice of the first subtle symptoms of a cold or a flu you can take immediate action to alleviate some of the common miseries associated with those viruses and should first avoid those displaying Cold and Flu symptoms as much as possible to try to prevent the disease from spreading.

The proper nutrition

While there is no cure for cold and flu, eating properly can help prevent them or shorten the duration of the symptoms. Eating provides essential nutrients that can help the body recuperate.

Vitamin C: Taking vitamin C shorten colds and flu and have a slight antihistaminic effect. Drinking more citrus juice or taking a supplement is a must do!

Drink lots of fluids: If you want to avoid dehydration that occurs during fever you must increase the quantity of fluids ingested (at least 10 glasses per day). Drinking plenty of water, tea or broth will replenish lost fluids and keep mucous membranes moist and loosen phlegm. You should avoid alcohol as it reduces the body’s ability to fight the infection.

Have chicken soup: It’s soothing, easy to digest and contain cystine, a compound that helps thin the mucus, relieving congestion and reducing inflammation of the lungs.

Eat spicy food: Chillies contain capsaicin, a substance that can help break up nasal and sinus congestion. Garlic, turmeric and other hot spices have a similar effect.

Boost your immune system:  Help your body to fight with this Ginger-Turmeric paste recipe:

• 1 tsp. raw, grated turmeric or organic turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. raw, grated ginger
• 1 Tbs. Manuka honey
• Half  of the juice of a lemon
• Blend everything together
• Put the paste in a cup, add hot water and drink!

Use the gifts of Nature

Tea Tree Essential Oil, extracted from the tea tree (Melaleuca), which is native to Southeast Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. Tea Tree oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic and antiviral properties. Used in a diffuser or in a bath, tea tree oil helps you fight the congestion and the resulting discomfort caused by the cold or the flu.

Pine Essential Oil, derived from the pine tree (Pinus Sylvestris), helps to clear the nasal passages. It also can be helpful in relieving sore throat pain.

Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula Angustifolia) has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, and it is gentle enough for use with children.

Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita) has antiseptic and anti-viral properties and can be useful as an expectorant. Do not use where babies or young children are present.

Thyme Essential Oil (Thymallus) is antiseptic and anti-bacterial.  You can use it in a blend with tea tree, lemon and eucalyptus oils in the bath or in a diffuser to help fight congestion. Do not use this oil if you have high blood pressure.

Lemon Essential Oil (Citrus Limon), with its high vitamin content, helps boost the body’s immune system and stimulates the production of white blood cells, thereby increasing your ability to fight off illness. Lemon oil also improves circulation throughout the body.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil is an antiviral and a decongestant, eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus Globulus) helps treat colds and congestion. You can use eucalyptus oil in a diffuser to help open blocked nasal passages, to soothe inflammation and to fight bacteria.