The Big Chill

If coughs and colds are getting you down this Winter, a natural remedy could be the answer. So why not have a read at these drug free alternatives that are not to be sniffed at.

At this time of the year, cold viruses have many of us feeling grumpy, sneezy and dopey and even considering a visit to the doctor. At any given time over Winter an estimated 1 in 10 of us will have a cold. Scientists are n closer to wiping out the common cold - probably the most famous disease without a cure. Unfortunately, there are more than 200 types of viruses and each one affects each person  differently. On average, British adults catch four colds a year, children a many as 12. UK businesses suffer too, with colds costing and estimated 27 million working days a years. With doctors unable to offer a cure , its not surprise that increasing numbers f sufferers are trying alternative therapies. Recent research found that three quarters of us try natural cold remedies, with lemon and honey the favourite at 42%. Some 31% reach for Vitamin C tablets and 17% try Manuka Honey. Meanwhile 15% choose Garlic, 14% Chicken Soup, 13% try Whisky and 8% rely on Echinacea and 7% will tuck into a curry to try and speed recovery. While alcohol might make you feel better in the short term and a curry might make you sweat, neither is recommended. Some of the other remedies, however, can make a noticeable difference.

Honey & Lemon:
This trusted formula temporarily coats the sensitised lining of the throat and back of the nose to stop the tickling that cause sneezing and coughing. It is best sipped slowly and regularly, as otherwise your saliva will clear the honey away. It is worth considering Manuka honey, as this contains methyglyoxal (MGO), which  has a topical antimicrobial activity. Found in the nectar of Manuka bush flowers, it is transferred into the honey, where it remains stable. In tests, methyglyoxal has demonstrated in vitro activity against some antibiotic- resistant bacteria. In addition, the Vitamin C contained in the lemon and the sugars in the honey can keep your energy levels up at a time when you might not feel like eating or drinking.

Chicken Soup:

There is no evidence that soup can cure a cold, but made with fresh vegetables and nutrient-rich animal bones, and loaded with potassium, sodium and electrolytes, it will help you stay hydrated, nourished and comforted.

Vitamin C:

There is absolutely no evidence that Vitamin C can shorten the duration of the common cold and taking it once you have symptoms is pointless. However, Vitamin C is know to be vital for a healthy immune system, so maintain adequate levels year round might help you ward off a cold virus. As with all nutrients, it is better to get Vitamin C from food; good winter sources include mandarins, Satsuma's and clementine's.

Zinc:

When taken as a suckable lozenge, this mineral has been shown o shorten the duration of a cold. It is though that zinc has localised anti inflammatory properties, hence it should be sucked, not swallowed, so it an be directly absorbed by the lining of the mouth, throat and back of the nose.

Garlic:

The antiviral and antibacterial properties of garlic are well documented. The active ingredient, Allicin, gives garlic its smell and is also proven to boost the immune system. To have a real effect it must be consumed everyday. In one study those who ate garlic for three months had fewer colds than those who took a placebo. When the garlic eaters did come down with a cold its duration was shorter an average of 4 and a half days compared to 6 and a half days for the placebo group. For comparison , the anti-flu drug Tamiflu, taken within 48 hours of onset of illness, only reduces the duration of flu symptoms by between a day and a day and a half.

Echinacea:

This herbal remedy has a mixed scorecard. Research shows it increases the number of white blood cells, which fight infections, while a 2014 review of more than a dozen studies found it hard a very slight benefit in preventing colds. However, 2 studies funded by the US National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health did not find any benefits to taking Echinacea for colds in adults a or children. On e problem is that there are many forms of the herb. If you do try it, make sure its is a standardised extract so you know that what you are consuming is safe and controlled.

So this year stay healthy, stay happy and hope this post helps if you do get the flu...