Don’t touch your mask

5 HERBS ROSEMARY Rosemary has strong anti-inflammatory properties and it might also have antidepressant properties. A 2018 study looked at mice under

TO HELP FIGHT stressful conditions and found mice that had received rosemary displayed less depressive symptoms than those without the rosemary. While we do not yet know if eating rosemary

OFF COLDS & FLU will alleviate depression caused in humans, we do know that eating a variety of delicious food will at the very least make our day more enjoyable. Include rosemary as part of your VIWE NDONGENI-NTLEBI meal preparation to up flavour and boost antioxidant levels.

WINTER, with its inclement weather and uptick of flu and colds, can wreak much havoc on your health.

Instead of consigning yourself to the sniffles and sneezes this season, get proactive about your wellness and help GARLIC your body keep colds at bay.

Here are five types of herbs, Garlic is not strictly speaking a herb recommended by a registered dietitian as the bulb is used as opposed to the leaf of and Association for Dietetics in South the plant. This wonderfully versatile aromatic

Africa spokesperson Nathalie Mat, to food has been well studied for it’s antifungal and support your health this winter. antibacterial properties. Some studies have even demonstrated that antibiotic-resistant organisms can be killed by high doses of garlic. If you are trying to ward off illness, garlic is a great friend to add to your evening meals. Please note that very high doses of garlic in food can cause

PARSLEY stomach upset (and possibly an upset partner too). So, like most things, moderation is recommended.

This popular herb is surprisingly high in vitamin C. It is also a source of vitamin A and vitamin K (which helps regulate the clotting of blood). During illness, our body produces radicals while battling foreign bacteria.

Parsley contains antioxidants that help to reduce the damage caused by free radicals. TURMERIC PEPPERMINT The active ingredient in Tumeric is called curcumin. This compound is available in many supplements because it is In winter, Mat finds that many people recognised as a powerful antioxidant. It is also drink tea, coffee and hot chocolate instead a very big molecule that is not easily absorbed. of water. But there is a calming alternative in One of the best ways to improve absorption is the form of peppermint or tea. You can chop a to make sure the curcumin is taken with fat. It is few leaves of mint into a cup and allow the flavour even better absorbed in the presence of compounds to infuse, no need for teabags. Not only is this a found in black pepper which increase blood caffeine-free refreshing drink, but peppermint has flow to the digestive tract. As a dietitian, Mat also long been used to ease digestion. strongly advocates for eating a balanced diet Research shows benefits of peppermint in people and encourages the intake of herbs as part of with irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion and a meal rather than as a supplement. Add abdominal pain in children. Please note that an extra teaspoon of turmeric while peppermint oil in the essential oil form is not making your curry to give your advised for consumption, please consult a immune system in check. health professional before consuming any such oils.

SKIN CARE WHEN YOU’RE ILL

GERRY CUPIDO

LET’S fact it, at some point or other, most of us have had the flu.

Your body aches and you’re constantly blowing your nose which leaves you looking like Bobo the Clown, with sad droopy eyes to match.

You’re cold and sweaty at the same time.

It’s an all-round nightmare which leaves you feeling like you’re at death’s door and looking like it too.

During this time, skin really takes its toll.

But here are a few ways you can look after your skin while you battle the flu. We all now know the benefits of drinking drops of honey. It’s a great way to get those

KEEP YOUR HAND LOTION CLOSE

PROTECT YOUR NOSE

Sanitise, sanitise, sanitise. You’re probably doing a whole lot of that during the day to contain your germs and protect your family. This, however, does lead to dry hands. So keep your lotion next to you at all times.

Tissues have become an extension of your hands. They never leave your side. And they’re constantly attacking your nose, leaving it red and dry. This is where Vaseline becomes your best friend.

Protect the skin on your nose by constantly applying a layer of the KEEP AN EYE ON BATH jelly. Pay special attention to areas that tend to get red & SHOWER TIME and cracked. Steam is great for clearing congestion, so a hot shower or bath is tempting and makes you feel so much better. Sadly, it’s causing damage to your already fragile skin. The heat dries out your skin. Especially if you’re having those long soaks in the tub. Stick to showering or bathing once a day and use a gentle soap. Be sure to moisturise the moment your step out the

STAY HYDRATED

water. We all know that we’re meant to drink at least eight glasses a day, but most of us don’t, or we forget to. When you’re sick, it’s crucial that you constantly remain hydrated. I’m not saying that you have to drink ice water – I mean, who’s going to want to do that anyway? Try sipping on a cup of warm water with a few slices of lemon and a few bath or shower.

needed fluids in, and as an added bonus the lemon is a source of vitamin C.

GO EASY ON THE SCENTS

When we’re feeling ugly and yukky, we reach for all things beautiful to surround ourselves with to at least bring some joy to our miserable days. One would think that the smell of your favourite perfume or lighting the fancy scented candles you’ve never used would bring some joy. Unfortunately, those intense scents will irritate your already sensitive nose, leaving you feeling even more clogged up. During this time, stick to more bland or fragrance-free products.