Page 16 - Phonebox Magazine November 2010

Dear Father Christmas
Would you like a letter sent to you from Father Christmas? He is visiting our offices again very shortly and promises to reply to any letter that is sent to him (care of us)!
Drop a line to santa at the address below and you will receive a personal letter back from him – for free!
Write to:
Father Christmas c/o Phonebox Magazine Unit 2 Stanley Court
Olney
Bucks MK46 5NH
DON’T FORGET YOUR sTampED aDDREssED ENvElOpE
Season of Mists and Many Colds
WITH THE END of summer, less sunshine, increased damp and colder temperatures, now is the time to start considering cold-cures and strengthening your immune system. There are many over-the-counter offerings, but here are a few “alternative” ideas.
The first thing I do as summer ends is to make my
own sambucol (which can also be bought over the
counter). This is a concentrate made from elderberries and is high in anti-oxidants and certain flavinoids that have anti-viral properties. This means that if you get a viral cough or flu then it can be a great help in speeding up recovery. Unfortunately this does not help with bacterial infections such as colds.
However, an interesting solution I have been recommended, and has worked frequently for me, is using an essential oil called Ravensara. You apply it to a hanky or similar so that you can inhale the fumes regularly; it has a strong, menthol-like aroma. The key to success seems to be to use it early on, before the cold develops fully. A similar idea is, at the first sign of a cold place, 15 drops of echinacea tincture in the mouth, hold for 5 minutes then swallow. Repeat every 3 hours for 3 days. Even if this doesn’t work, echinacea is well known for supporting the immune system.
For a sore throat I have found that propolis can be helpful. It is made by bees to keep their young free from infection and can be gargled or sprayed to ease a sore throat. It too, helps boost the immune system. Gargling tea tree oil is also said to ease a sore throat.
On a more general note, drink plenty of water to flush out the system, avoid dairy products, coffee and bananas as they can increase mucous production and get plenty of sleep which is invaluable as it is during sleep that the immune system is revitalised.
Finally, it is my view that having a cold is not all bad; it gives your immune system a “workout” so as long as you are normally fit it won’t hurt to have a cold occasionally.
Note – please take professional advice before using any of the items mentioned above.
Naomi Jones has a Degree in Homeopathy and a Diploma in Reflexology. She works in Olney. www.olneyhealth.co.uk 01234 366828
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