What’s in my medicine cabinet this winter?
Vitamin C
I take vitamin c daily during the winter and extra during any times of stress. If you are hit with the dreaded lurgy, you can literally saturate your cells with this powerful antioxidant.
In order to saturate your cells you can follow the following vitamin C protocol:
Take 1g-2g of crystal vitamin c in water every two hours until you reach bowel tolerance ( loose bowels.) Whichever point this happens is your tolerance level; now reduce this daily amount by 20% and take daily until you start reaching bowel tolerance again. ( You will find you will reach bowel tolerance quicker after a few days as your cells become saturated.) Reduce again and follow the pattern again.
Side Effects
Vitamin C is water soluble and a very safe vitamin and you will excrete anything you don’t need through your urine.
Very high doses can increase risk of kidney stones and side effects can include nausea, stomach pain and diarrhoea.
You must consult with your doctor before consuming vitamin C if you have a medical condition affecting your iron metabolism or kidney medical conditions, if you are receiving cancer treatments or taking hormones medication, antipsychotic medication, blood thinners, statins, aspirin, or antiretroviral drugs.
Allicin Max
Allicin is the compound that forms from crushed or chopped garlic. It is highly regarded for it's ability to reduce inflammation and offer antioxidant benefits.
Regarded as nature’s antibiotic, Allicin Max may help with Heart & Cardiovascular health, diabetes, and atherosclerosis as well as supporting your Immune System. I love it because it is the only brand on the market that provides a product with stabilised allicin.
Side effects
There is little evidence of toxicity and Allicin is generally considered a very safe supplement, however those with allergies to garlic or the garlic family should avoid this one and high doses can cause nausea, diarrhoea, belching and in very high does, potential liver damage.
Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is made from Black Cumin Seeds and has been used medicinally for thousands of years, it has a reputation to cure all but death! There have even been studies to show that it can slow down or stop the spread of MRSA! It has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties, protects against free radical damage and boosts your levels of disease fighting Natural Killer Cells.
Always opt for a cold pressed organic oil in a dark glass bottle to protect the oil – keep it in the fridge to keep as fresh as possible and keep the lid on tight to prevent oxygen deteriorating the oil.
Complete a patch test on the skin 24 hours before using topically or internally.
Mix with a carrier oil and use on the skin or take a teaspoon internally. Best taken in the morning a few minutes before breakfast; a word of warning, it does have a very strong flavour! Try mixing it with honey if you need to make it more palatable.
Consult with your doctor if you are taking any medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding or have any medical conditions.
Side effects
Can cause digestive upset, can increase risk of seizure in some people.
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberries are naturally rich in vitamins A, B & C and stimulate the immune system. Clinical research has shown that their complex sugars support the immune system and can cut recovery time in half.
Here is a recipe using synergistic herbs cinnamon and ginger. You can substitute alternative sweeteners to honey if you are vegan such as maple syrup. I’ve also made this using black strap molasses for added immune boosting properties!
Ingredients
3½ cups water
⅔ cup dried elderberries (or 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen)
2 TBSP ginger (grated)
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
1 cup raw honey
Method
1. Bring water to the boil with elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves.
2. Once boiling, simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes and reduce by half.
3. Allow to cool and mash berries with the back of a fork or fine masher.
4. Pour through a strainer or nut milk bag, discard the elderberries.
5. Once cooled, add in the cup of honey and stir well.
6. Store in a glass bottle or mason jar and store in the fridge.
Dose
Standard dose is ½ – 1 teaspoon for kids and ½ – 1 tablespoon for adults. If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear.
Warnings: Elderberry is potentially toxic when consumed uncooked so don’t consume the raw berries.
Consult your doctor if you have any kind of autoimmune disease such as lupus or MS.
Side Effects
Common side effects can include nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea. Consult your GP if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
I'd love to hear how you get on if this is your first time using any of the above. Watch this space too as I'll be publishing some naturopathic techniques to help ease cold and flu symptoms and to help avoid taking any OTC's.
Wishing you a healthy holiday season!
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