Sarah’s Health Notes: Re-energising after the ‘super cold’
The ‘super cold’ was a beast but even when the worst is over many of us are left feeling lacklustre. One family member lamented to me that she still doesn't feel up to her usual daily run or workout and other less active friends say they’re feeling below par – ‘one degree under’, as the old ad ran.
I was definitely in that category until I listened to master herbalist Sebastian Pole talking about his new website Herbal Reality, (a treasure trove of information, BTW). He recommended andrographis, not a herb I knew much about until I looked it up on the site. And discovered it was just the thing when your get up and go has - umm - got up and gone.
Andrographis, aka the ‘king of bitters’ in Ayurvedic medicine, is ‘for reducing symptoms in viral respiratory infections including the common cold, flu and sore throat’. It’s recommended for use in convalescence, which I guess is what we’re going through. I’ve been taking Pukka Herbs Andrographis for six days (two capsules twice a day before meals) and definitely feel a difference.
You can’t buy andrographis on the site – it’s purely info not sales – but Victoria Health pharmacist Shabir Daya is also a fan of this ‘so underrated’ herb and you can find it here - Pukka Herbs Andrographis /£7.96 for 30 capsules.
Shabir also suggests taking co-enzyme Q10 as it’s one of the key nutrients required for energy production. He adds that when viruses or bacteria attack the body they may reduce levels of Q10. (Starting to take Co-Q10 some time back after being at a conference about it was like instantly recharging my batteries – talk about Duracell bunny… I bounced for the first time in years.) Shabir recommends Life Extension Super Ubiquinol CoEnzyme Q10 /£20 for 30 softgels.
He adds that using a salt pipe helps support the respiratory tract. The Cisca Saltpipe /£29.95, is simple and comfy to use.
Additionally, please remember:
· Wear a mask, both to prevent your bugs infecting others and vice versa. As Dr. Adam Kay says, ‘masks really do work’. My husband had the misfortune to sit next to a woman at a talk on Saturday who sneezed, coughed and spluttered with her mask pulled down under her chin. Luckily, as he said, he was wearing a Silver Life Mask - more here plus how to order with a discount
• Dispose of paper hankies immediately – don't keep them up your sleeve or stuffed in pockets; pop them down the loo or in a fire
• Change your toothbrush/brush head – bugs abound in your mouth
• Drink lots of still water and ginger tea with honey.
