Sarah's Health Notes: Treating the ‘Super-cold’
A particularly nasty cold and cough is striking down even apparently healthy chaps nationwide (including our families and friends). Together with pharmacist Shabir Daya of Victoria Health, Sarah compiles a medicine chest.
First thing to say is that, although several symptoms of the so-called ‘super-cold’ are similar to Covid – e.g. sneezing, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat and fatigue - the majority of sufferers tests negative. But the lurgy is related to Covid, say experts, in that due to the pandemic we’ve essentially coddled our immune systems for 18 months by social distancing, wearing masks and assiduously washing hands.
Now, easing of restrictions has led to a general sense that, firstly, the pandemic is pretty well over (it isn’t) and, secondly, we don't really need to bother with all the precautions (we do…). So the bugs are having a field day.
As I wrote a few weeks back, precautions like wearing an effective mask in closed spaces are not only to help defend you against Covid-19 but also all the other bugs. So please don’t give up these simple precautions.
While I’m on the subject of masks, Silver Life Masks are offering Beauty Bible readers a discount of £2.49 on the standard two-mask pack, making the total £22. Use code BEABIB101 at checkout.
Now! On to the natural medicine chest which I’ve put together with our go to pharmacist Shabir Daya at Victoria Health:
Pukka Herbs Elderberry Syrup /£14.99 for 100ml: for adults and children (see dosage for younger ones); this traditional herbal remedy for colds and flu supports immune and respiratory systems and alleviates sinus pain
Yourzooki Liposomal Vitamin C /£39.99 for 30 x 15 ml sachets; each sachet gives 1000mg highly absorbable vitamin C. But it’s expensive so you could go for….
Lamberts Gentle Vitamin C /£11.95 for 100 x 500mg tabs: a buffered form of vitamin C (calcium ascorbate), which is gentle on sensitive stomachs. If you are taking multiple tablets (say, 2-3gs), do spread them through the day
Optibac Probiotics Immune Support (previously For Daily Immunity) /£12.99 for 30 capsules: the name says it all… we’ve taken this for some years and highly recommend it
Tonic Health Night Time Immunity Drink /£7.99 for 7 sachets: this combines vitamin C and zinc to help the immune system plus sleepy botanicals including valerian root, chamomile and Montmorency cherry powder, together with magnesium to help you get a restful healing sleep
Olbas Oil /£5.15 for 28ml: guaranteed (by us!) to ease the stuffiest blocked noses. Pop a few drops on a hanky. For a real blast of decongesting, use it as an inhalation: a few drops in a bowl of hot water, towel over head and inhale for several minutes. Abracadabra!
And one last thought: we’re simply delighted that our longtime winter favourite bath oil Dr. Hauschka Spruce Warming Bath Essence /£19.50 for 100ml, is back to comfort us during the cold dark months. The tangy-tingly fresh scent is perfect for clearing congested heads and helping you breathe better, plus it contains jojoba oil to soften skin.
