Winter Ailments

With the onset of Winter we can expect to be confronted with a variety of ailments as the body takes time to adjust to any kind of change making us more susceptible to infection due to reduced immunity. There is an increased incidence of colds, flu, sore throats and coughs as well as dry itchy skin, runny noses and chest congestion. The very young and old are particularly prone to these conditions as are those with chronic health conditions and they are often advised to have the flu vaccine.

Skin tends to be drier in the Winter months and can become cracked or itchy. We have a wide range of skin moisturisers and natural oils which will help with these problems including products for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Many people find they get more cold sores than usual and the symptoms from these can be relieved by Propropolis Cream or one of the other soothing, healing balms we stock.

There is significant evidence that Vitamin C boosts immunity and helps prevent colds and flu or at least reduces severity and duration of symptoms especially if taken with Zinc supplements. Herbal teas are soothing as are steam inhalations with eucalyptus or similar oils to aid decongestion of the nose and sinuses. Echinacea is another supplement that seems to boost the immune system and can reduce symptoms even if the cold or flu has started. Natures Healthbox also stock a wide range of Homeopathic remedies which can be used to relieve symptoms of coughs, colds, flu and sore throats.

Shorter Winter days can induce Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with symptoms such as depression and lethargy due to lack of sunshine, grey days and low temperatures. You may like to discuss with your doctor the possibility of trying St Johns Wort or Vitamin D supplements.

If your hands and feet feel permanently like blocks of ice you could be suffering from Raynard’s disease, a circulatory disease triggered when the small arteries in the hands and feet constrict. People report improvement in this condition after taking Vitamin E and Ginkgo Biloba.

Many of the “old fashioned remedies” were based on natural products rather than resorting to drugs and when I was writing this blog I came across the following advice given to a young man by his Grandmother:

“Eat three proper meals a day, work hard and enjoy every ,moment of each chore. Think happy thoughts and smile often and when you are feeling under the weather pamper yourself until the sun comes back out !!”

Not bad advice really although you may have a while to wait for the sun in the English Winter.