How can I prevent flu and colds?

We tend to believe that with the arrival of cold weather it is common to appear typical processes and symptoms of flu and colds. However, according to Isabel Moreno, our expert on nutrition and natural therapies, “in autumn colds should not be normal, but we are very used to this happening for example with the start of the new school or day care.”

The explanation lies in the lack of preparation for the change of season. These colds can be caused by poor nutrition during the summer. Frequent intake during the hottest months of the year and cold fruit drinks, smoothies, ice cream and yogurt, facilitates the accumulation of mucus.

With the arrival of the falling temperatures, our body uses colds as a way of removing this excess mucus produced by poor nutrition. Our expert recommends letting those colds dissolve without resorting to drugs. These early autumn colds are a type of what we call “disease setting,” a mechanism used by the body to readjust and balance. With the use of medication, reduce the typical symptoms but do not help the body eliminate the source of the cold: moisture and accumulated mucus. “

Then, if we turn to medicines, how to eliminate uncomfortable cold symptoms such as nasal congestion, fever, headache, cough, or general fatigue? ”Food is the best weapon of combat and soothe colds” says Isabel. There are numerous resources offered by nature to relieve those pesky symptoms, such as:

– Ume-Sho-Bancha: This drink helps soften the headaches that often accompany colds. It is a drink that strengthens the blood and relieves fatigue and weakness so it’s interesting to have on hand:

• In order to prepare it, we use Bancha Tea, a ​​three year old tea, none stimulating and with alkalizing properties, very suitable for daily consumption.
• Slice umeboshi plum into a cup, add ½ teaspoon of shoyu and hot Bancha tea. Stir well and drink hot, also eating the plum.

– Lotus Root Tea: When pulmonary congestion and excess mucus, helps liquefy mucus for better elimination:

• Dissolve 1 small spoon of Lotus root in a cup of water, add a pinch of salt and a few drops of shoyu. Warm it up without allowing it to boil. Drink hot.
• It can also be prepared with the dried root. Boil three or four pieces in ½ liter of water for about 15 minutes. Drink hot. We can use the dried lotus root to add it to our soup during influenza development.

– Mustard Plaster: Used to decongest lungs and when there is accumulation of mucus difficult to drop in and paranasal sinuses:

• depending on the surface to be used more or less amount of mustard seeds.
• Crush them to a fine powder and add a little water and mix to form a paste. Place it on a piece of plastic wrap and cover with another piece of plastic to form a poultice ½ cm thick.
• Place the plaster on the surface to be treated until the skin red. Never apply directly to the skin as it could burn.