Hot Drinks Cold & Flu Symptoms
All those who meet me will know I always highlight the importance of room temperature or warm drinks at all times regardless of weather. In TICM, cold causes damage and sickness.
A study has found that drinking warmed up fluids ease the effect of a cold or flu.The research was conducted at Cardiff University's common cold Centre and published in the clinical Journal Rhinology. The centre director urged anyone suffering from a cold or flu to have a hot drink to help reduce their symptoms. The research found that a hot drink provided "immediate and sustained relief" from symptoms of a runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness and tiredness.
The soothing and warming effect of the hot drink could have a psychological effect on the body and cause the virus to clear up quicker or decrease in severity.
Research in the past has also shown that the herbal remedy echinacea is effective in combating flu and cold symptoms and can reduce the duration of the cold or flu. It is believed that this herb may work by boosting the body's immune system.
"Echinacea reduces the duration of illness and decreases the severity of cough, headache, and nasal congestion." Professor Ron Cutler of the University of East London.
It is also worth trying to reduce the impact of a cold or flu by eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, increasing fluid intake and taking exercise. And we can clearly see even during this 'pandemic' the fruit and vegetable supplies are still high, which shows how much people really care about their health.
If you are going to purchase echinacea, I recommend instead of purchasing synthetic vitamin supplements, purchase the loose herbs from tea shops and boil that up instead. Add honey for further health benefits and taste if required. Or even add cinnamon as the sweetener as this is a blood tonic and insulin regulator.
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