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HERBS TO FIGHT COLDS AND FLU
Expert shares what common plants will help support your health this winter Viwe Ndongeni-Ntlebi WINTER – with its inclement weather and uptick in colds and flu – can wreak havoc on your health. Instead of consigning yourself to the sniffles and sneezes this season, get proactive about your wellness and help your body keep colds at bay. Here are five plants recommended by Nathalie Mat, a registered dietitian and Association for Dietetics in South Africa spokesperson, to support your health this winter. Parsley 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 The active ingredient in turmeric, right, is called curcumin. This compound is available in many supplements because it is recognised as a powerful antioxidant. It is also a big molecule that is not easily absorbed. One of the best ways to
improve absorption is to make sure the curcumin is taken with fat. It is even better absorbed in the presence of compounds found in black pepper which increase blood flow to the digestive tract. As a dietitian, Mat recommends eating a balanced diet that includes beneficial herbs and spices as part of a meal rather than as a supplement. So add an extra teaspoon of turmeric spice while making your curry to give your immune system a boost. Rosemary Rosemary is a herb with strong anti-inflammatory properties. It might also have antidepressant properties. A 2018 study looked at mice under stressful conditions and found that mice that had received rosemary displayed fewer depressive symptoms than those that who did not. While we do not yet know if eating rosemary will alleviate depression in humans, we do know that eating a variety of delicious foods will at the very least make our day more enjoyable. Include rosemary as part of your meal preparation to up flavour and boost antioxidant levels. Garlic Strictly speaking, garlic is not a herb as the bulb of the
plant is used,not the leaf. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of this wonderfully versatile aromatic food have been well documented. Some studies have even demonstrated that antibioticresistant 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 stomach upsets (and possibly an upset partner, too). So, like most things, moderation is recommended. Peppermint In winter Mat finds that many people drink tea, coffee and hot chocolate instead of water. But there is a calming alternative in the form of peppermint tea. Simply chop up a few leaves of mint, place in a cup with hot water and allow the flavour to infuse, no need for teabags. Not only is this a caffeine-free refreshing drink, but peppermint has also long been used to aid digestion. Research shows that peppermint is beneficial for people with irritable bowel syndrome and indigestion and as a remedy for abdominal pain in children. Please note that peppermint oil in essential oil form is not advised for consumption.
Caring for winter skin Follow this advice to prevent harsh winds and cold temperatures taking a toll THOBILE MAZIBUKO
IT’S ALMOST winter and while many of us are changing our haircare regime, let’s not forget to change the skincare routine, too. Taking extra care of your skin in winter is important because of the harsh winds and cold temperatures that can be disadvantageous to the skin. Therefore, to keep it healthy, here are few tips: Take short, lukewarm showers Hot showers feel great in winter. However, they’re a common cause of skin problems and can worsen other existing skin issues. They can also strip away the skin’s natural protective barriers. Hot bathwater is no better. Instead, shower with lukewarm water to keep in the skin’s natural moisture and prevent dry or irritated, itchy skin. Use Avon’s Skin Defence moisturising hand and body wash. It has a moisture lock that protects your skin. Exfoliate Exfoliating is necessary because, in winter, skin cells dehydrate and die out faster. Exfoliate by buffing away these dead cells so new cells can come in healthier and without obstruction. You can make your body scrub at home using 50g sunflower oil, 50g olive oil, 50g coconut oil, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon
USE coconut oil to make your own body scrub | DANA TENTIS Pexels
cinnamon, 1 teaspoon cocoa powder and 400g brown sugar. Add the sunflower oil, olive oil, coconut oil and cocoa butter and melt for five minutes. Add nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and cocoa powder and then mix. Add brown sugar to the mixture and pack into large jars. Switch from lotion to cream Creams are more moisturising than lotions, which don’t provide as strong an oily barrier to reduce water loss in the skin. Although creams feel heavier on the skin, they do a much better job to protect it against the drier winter temperatures. Try Clere
Berries & Cream pampering body crème. You can also add a bit of tissue oil or glycerin to your body cream for that extra moisture. Use a humidifier to increase the level of moisture in the air Electricity is expensive, therefore it’s not ideal to turn on the heater after bathing. Use a humidifier instead. Dry air is one of the key reasons why skin tends to be itchy and excessively dry, so placing a humidifier in your house is a great tool to add moisture to the air and your skin. Don’t skip sunscreen Some people think sunscreen is only for summer, but that’s wrong. Though we're less exposed to the sun in winter, that doesn't mean we can stop protecting ourselves from its rays. Some skin creams have sunscreen built-in, but make sure it’s SPF15 or higher.
