Winter wellness special energise with food
❃ Sandi’s special remedies
Peppermint
Ginger
Garlic
Yarrow
Many OTC decongestants and cough remedies contain peppermint, and tea made from the leaves may help cold and lu symptoms. Peppermint contains menthol, which relieves congestion and encourages productive coughs. The oil present in peppermint leaves is thought to possess antiviral beneits. Drink no more than three cups of peppermint tea a day as high consumption of menthol – just one tablespoon – can be toxic.
This warming spice breaks down mucus and clears congestion. Its anti-inlammatory gingerols soothe sore joints and muscles, and ease headaches. Ayurvedic medicine prescribes ginger for coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. A ginger steam can clear nasal passages. Sip this tea in lu season to keep your immune system strong: Combine 250 grams peeled, sliced ginger root in a saucepan with one litre of iltered water. Bring to boil, lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or longer for a stronger brew.
The chemicals allicin and allion present in garlic contain natural antiviral and antioxidant properties, which help to ward off lu. Eating a clove of raw garlic may boost your immune system and possibly reduce the time you’re sick if you do succumb.
This is a wonderful herb to clear lu and colds in adults and children. A morning dose of ive to 25 drops of tincture in liquid reduces the likelihood of becoming sick by more than half.
natureandhealth.com.au | 61 | June-July 2016
Orange peel tea: Steep three black tea bags in 500ml of boiling water; allow brew to become quite strong. Remove tea bags and add half an unpeeled orange and half an unpeeled lemon, inely sliced; two tablespoons of grated ginger root; a small handful of peppermint leaves; and a little honey. Allow time for the lavours to infuse. Drink up to three cups a day of the unstrained tea, ensuring you chew some of the peel and fruit. Alternatively, peel the zest from an orange and dry in a low oven or food dehydrator. Steep in boiling water, add a little honey, and sip. Roasted lemons: Take a small slice off the top and bottom of two scrubbed, unpeeled lemons so they can stand upright. Place in a baking dish with enough water to cover about half the depth of the lemons. Bake at a low heat until soft. Remove from oven, and cool. Place lemons and any liquid in a blender and whiz until pureed. Stir in two tablespoons of medicinal-grade honey, such as Manuka. To take: combine one tablespoon of puree with 50ml of hot water, and sip. Recipes are from Sandi’s book, Household Remedies. Dr Sandi Rogers N.D. ED.D. is a life member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. www.atms.com.au