Cold comfort

VIWE NDONGENI-NTLEBI

Whether you have a cold or the flu, or are just feeling tired, try these DIY immune boosters

AS THE chilly weather sets in, viruses and germs start operating in full swing and everybody around you seems to catch the same flu or fever.

Our immune system is charged with disease-fighting antioxidants, white blood cells, and several antibodies. However, if you have a weak immune system, you are more susceptible to catching diseases or fall sick more often.

Whether you’ve come down with a cold or the flu, want to boost your immune system, are feeling fatigued or suffering from digestive problems, there’s a healthy options to take

HONEY is soothing. | LINDSAY MOE Unsplash

Imbooster juice

Health-boosting shots have become all the rage at juice bars. They’re basically juices that include a variety of fruit, vegetables, spices and occasionally other ingredients that come together to create a nutrient dense drink that offers a diverse array of health benefits.

This recipe from Healthline is packed with essential nutrients for everyday health or for fighting off viruses such as the cold or flu.

Carrots, apples, and oranges are a winning combination for helping your body protect itself and fight off infections.The apples and oranges give you your vitamin C. Blending these may give you the boost you need.

Notable nutrients (in one serving)

◆ potassium from the carrots

◆ vitamin A from the carrots

◆ vitamin B-6 from the carrots

◆ vitamin B-9 (folate) from the oranges

◆ vitamin C from the oranges and apple

Bounce Back

The Bounce Back Shot from BOS is a power-packed mini bottle of rooibos brew to refresh and re-energise you. Rooibos tea is considered a superfood, rich in antioxidants and minerals. A functional thirst-quenching shot with no caffeine and no artificial additives. The Bounce Back blend contains ginger and turmeric to give it an invigorating boost. Enriched with vitamin C and sustainably packaged in glass.

Lemon Ginger Tea

A great tasting and immuneboosting drink, lemon ginger tea helps you fight off colds, keep healthy, and relieve sore throats. Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea, is incredibly anti-inflammatory, improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body and fights cancer.

You need is two sliced lemons, half a teaspoon of ginger, raw honey and rooibos or tea that you like.

LEMON and ginger tea is a great immune booster. | JUSFILM Unsplash

Herbal tea

Both chamomile and green tea are also thought to help the immune system because they contain phytochemicals. These chemicals have protective properties meaning they could help to see off cold and flu viruses.

However, chamomile tea also has anti-inflammatory properties so if you’re already suffering from a sore throat or blocked nose, this could help. Therefore, in order to keep your immune system in tip top condition why not swap your usual English breakfast tea or espresso for one of these teas?

RELAX with chamomile. | RENE IVANTSOVA Unsplash

Homemade syrup

If you are one of the people who love making their own syrup, this immune-boosting syrup can be your go-to rescue drink when cold or flu symptoms strike. Drinking this homemade syrup once daily can be the best supplement in your daily diet and there are plenty of reasons we say so.

To make this simple winter immunity boosting syrup, you will need:

◆ Horseradish root (1 root)

◆ Apple cider vinegar diluted in water (1 cup)

◆ Turmeric (1 tablespoon)

◆ Peppercorns (5-6 or handful)

◆ Fennel seeds (1 tablespoon)

◆ Clove (1 piece)

◆ Ginger ( half a root)

◆ Garlic (a few cloves)

◆ Orange peel (1/2 cup)

◆ Dried elderberries (1 tablespoon)

◆ Honey (to soften the taste).

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