Q. I get colds through the winter and wonder if taking the Chinese herb astragalus might help. Also can you please recommend a good liquid multivitamin supplement? A. According to herbalist and acupuncturist Michael McIntyre, astragalus membranaceus has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to boost the immune systems of people who are run-down, or preventatively as you suggest. The US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that there is preliminary evidence from Western research that astragalus may benefit the immune system.

To help your immune system ward off cold and flu viruses, McIntyre (www.michael-mcintyre.com) recommends a daily dose of 5ml astragalus tincture in a glass of water, with a few drops of ginger tincture. Or simmer two slices of fresh ginger in water, then add the astragalus. Try Nature’s Answer Astragalus Root alcohol-free tincture (£8.49, from www.victoriahealth.com).

Alternatively, make a tea with 10g dried astragalus and four mugs of water for two days’ supply; boil this for 20 minutes, then add two or three slices of fresh ginger. Heat and drink a cup morning and evening. (G. Baldwin & Co supplies dried astragalus, from £2.79, www.baldwins.co.uk.)

Pharmacist Shabir Daya also recommends Solgar Vitamins Astragalus Root Extract (£19.45, from www.victoriahealth.com).

The herb echinacea can be taken at the first sign of a cold. McIntyre suggests a dose of half a teaspoon of tincture in water, three or four times daily, until the symptoms have gone. Try AVogel Echinaforce Tincture (£9.15, from www.victoriahealth.com).

If you want a multivitamin, Shabir Daya recommends Nature’s Plus Ultra Source of Life Liquid (£12.45, from www.victoriahealth.com), which contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, green foods, plant nutrients and whole-food concentrates.

If you are on medication, always check with your doctor before taking herbal medicines.

 

Teaching children to brush their teeth is vital...

... and little ones can be reluctant brushers. But Emilio, nearly three, loves his Rockabilly toothbrush (£6.99 with three free refill heads, from www.boots.com) – which wibbles and wobbles but never falls down – so much that he now brushes his teeth voluntarily, says his mum Elena. Emilio also had a problem with toothpaste: ‘He used to hate the taste but now he puts his Brush-Baby Applemint (£2.35 from www.victoriahealth.com) on the brush himself,’ reports Elena. Formulated for babies and toddlers, with tooth-strengthening xylitol and just a teeny amount of fluoride, it doesn’t contain the foaming agent Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, which has been linked to mouth ulcers.

 

CLEVER COVER-UPS

Several readers have asked for a specialist mastectomy bra supplier. I suggest Nicola Jane (www.nicolajane.com), which has a wide range that’s pretty and feminine. It also offers swimwear (right), vest tops and sleepwear, and every item has been tested on its ‘wear test customers’. The customer service team will advise on the most suitable style, and give fitting guidance: e-mail info@nicolajane. com or call 0845-265 7595.

 

WOMEN GOING THROUGH CHEMOTHERAPY...

… often find their complexion becomes dry, sensitive and uncomfortable and needs extra moisturising to keep it balanced. Skincare brand Elemis has launched a special pink edition of its multi-award-winning Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (£99 for 100ml, a saving of more than £60, from www.timetospa.co.uk) and has pledged to donate £10,000 from sales to Breast Cancer Care. ‘Pro-Collagen Marine Cream helps to strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier and has been clinically proven to increase hydration and moisture levels by up to 45 per cent,’ explains Elemis’s Noella Gabriel. It is a luxury buy but would make a fabulous present for anyone having chemotherapy.