By Niamh ODonoghue
10th Jan 2017
10th Jan 2017
It’s that time of the year again: runny noses, congested heads, cold hands, and sore bodies. It can be difficult avoiding the dreaded cold or flu – especially if you work in an office where it’s a breeding ground for bacteria – but these quick and easy solutions will help to keep you on the right path for a little longer.
?Echinacea
Echinacea is an herbal remedy that’s found in areas around the Rocky Mountains in America and is used to help fight symptoms of ?the common cold and flu. While it is primarily used to treat these complaints, Echinacea can also be taken as a daily supplement to help keep your immune system in shape throughout the year. Echinacea comes in liquid form and is taken with water up to three times daily.
Tea Tree Oil
Known for its antibacterial characteristics,?Tea Tree Oil is a volatile essential oil derived from a native Australian plant that helps to kill strains of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.?As well as it’s antibacterial properties, the oil disperses a refreshing and relaxing scent. Working similarly to Echinacea, it can also be used as an immune booster and can be used daily by applying dabs on your sleeves and collars.
Hand Sanitizer
When trying to avoid the annual bug it’s pivotal to keep a supply of hand sanitizer on your desk or in your bag. It’s a cheap, quick and super effective way to kill 99.99% of bacteria on your hands within 30 seconds – so it’s kind of a no brainer. Some health advisers say that over-using hand sanitizer can lead to antibiotic resistance and even alcohol poisoning, but these have not been proven.
Cook With Turmeric
Turmeric, or Tumeric, is a?perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, and has some pretty unique health benefits. Turmeric is the main spice in curry and is arguably the most powerful herb on the planet for fighting infection and preventing illness. However, you don’t have to cook a curry to use this brilliant spice, and can be used in everything from scrambled eggs to steak – adding a warm yellow glow and a subtle kick to any dish. Because of its commercialisation, Turmeric can now be bought in most supermarkets.
Sip On Something Hot
Drinking something hot and breathing in the gentle hot steam through your nose stimulates the cilia ?the hair follicles in the nose? and helps to move out germs more efficiently. If you find that you’re drinking too much tea throughout the day, hot water and lemon or hot water and a dash of honey also work wonders – and is the perfect comforter?on a cold autumn day. Now: tea, anyone?
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