How to make your own FLU remedies (and they work!)
StruCk down by a cold? You’ll probably head off to your local pharmacy to stock up on an array of pricey branded remedies. But you could skip the chemist and make those medicines yourself with minimum effort – the results will be natural and just as effective, according to author tanita de ruijt, who has written a book of recipes for herbal remedies.
Feeling sniffy and under the weather? You could make your own version of lemsip. got a stomach ache? try a digestive aid that’s the equivalent of Alka Seltzer. Almost any shop remedy can be recreated at home. Whether it’s a cure for a hangover, stress, tiredness or bad breath, there’s a traditional tonic to treat the problem.
But any cold sufferer only really cares about one thing — will a cure make you feel better, and fast? With the help of gp and medical nutritionist Dr Sarah Brewer, lucy holden put homemade medicines to the test...
BENYLIN COUGH SYRUP
DIY cough mixture would save you a small fortune at the chemist but does it really work? this one aims to reduce inflammation in the throat by lubricating it, while the aromatic herbs are supposed to open up the airways and help fight off a cough thanks to their antibacterial properties.
heat 180ml of olive oil with three sliced lemons, fresh sage, rosemary and thyme and 180ml of honey then strain and refrigerate until needed (makes 360ml). It keeps for three months. TASTE TEST: this looks like it has come straight from a medieval apothecary and I have to say, it’s horrid. theoretically, it may soothe a sore or itchy throat but drinking this much slippery olive oil is as disgusting as it sounds. DR BREWER SAYS: get it down if you can — the oil and honey will coat your throat, reducing irritation. the lemon and herbs add flavour and have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. the natural ingredients work differently from a branded cough medicine, which contain substances that suppress your cough reflex, such as the chemical dextromethorphan. But the soothing action will help achieve a similar result. 7/10
ALKA-SELTZER
Alk A-Seltzer tablets cost around £4 for 20 in Boots and contain aspirin, sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, which help settle the stomach after illness. this homemade version does the same thing, using natural ingredients that work in the same way as the tablets — just mix 300ml of sparkling water (which contains sodium bicarbonate), the juice of a lemon or lime (both of which contain citric acid) and fresh ginger. TASTE TEST: refreshing and with none of the chemical aftertaste of a shop-bought equivalent. It makes it great for kids — they’d be more likely to drink this. DR BREWER SAYS: this is a nice, sparkling rehydration drink that would be much better for you than commercial fizzy picky-meups, which contain up to 1g of salt per tablet. the mineral water and lemon juice provide nutrients that we need to replace after being sick, especially potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate in addition to sodium. there’s a little sugar in the fruit to give you a boost, lots of vitamin C, and ginger to combat nausea. It would be great for settling a queasy tummy. 9/10
NIGHT NURSE
Night Nurse is the go-to remedy for colds and flu or aches and pains that disrupt sleep. Yet the commercial product — which contains paracetamol — will set you back almost £ 8 for 160ml.
try making a natural version at home by boiling 15 bay leaves, three cinnamon sticks, one tablespoon of cloves, half a teaspoon of black peppercorns, 5cm of ginger and ¼ of a grated nutmeg with two litres of water and leave for up to three hours to enhance the flavour, before drinking (makes eight servings). TASTE TEST: this fills the kitchen with a lovely smell that makes it worth the effort. let it brew to get the most flavour from the herbs and spices. DR BREWER SAYS: this makes a warming drink. It’s antiviral thanks to the ginger, bay leaves and cinnamon, while the cloves, black pepper and nutmeg are natural pain relievers. Nutmeg is a natural sedative too.
Many of the ingredients are also anti- inflammatory. the paracetamol in Night Nurse eases pain but offers little antiinflammatory relief. 8/10
LEMSIP
Lemsip Cold and Flu sachets (£3.99 for ten in Boots) contain paracetamol to reduce fever, headaches and body aches caused by a blocked nose and throat. this natural version — a hot toddy with a drop of whisky — has heat, spice and sweet and sour flavours and is supposed to give you relief from mucus and fight infection.
It takes ten minutes to make. In a glass mix 250ml of boiling water with a cinnamon stick, two cloves, 2cm of fresh ginger, honey, lemon and whisky. enjoy when infused. TASTE TEST: this is so comforting and would help lift the gloom of a nasty cold. It doesn’t taste boozy but the whisky gives it a smooth feel and helps you sleep. DR BREWER SAYS: I swear by a hot toddy to treat a cold, relieve congestion and aid sleep. honey is soothing, while the spices add antiviral and antibacterial properties. Studies show that a warm drink helps you breathe more easily, while a small amount of alcohol dilates blood vessels to help bring more antibodies and immune cells into the respiratory tract to fight infection. the strong flavours stimulate the tiny hairs that line your airways, encouraging the body to rid itself of mucus, viruses and bacteria. 10/10
LISTERINE
This doesn’t just freshen breath, it also claims to kickstart digestion. It is modelled on an Indian after- dinner snack containing fennel seeds. It’s thought that fennel destroys the bacteria that lead to bad breath – fennel essential oils are antibacterial and help to neutralise odours.
toast a handful of fennel seeds in a dry pan over medium heat and then mash in a pestle and mortar with a tablespoon of honey, 2.5cm of ginger and turmeric and a sprig of mint to release the essential oils. Mix with 240ml of sparkling water, the juice of an orange and lime and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. TASTE TEST: this is delicious and makes your breath feel fresher. DR BREWER SAYS: ginger reduces nausea, while apple cider vinegar has many health benefits. It contains weak acids that aid digestion. It’s also thought to promote weight loss by helping the body burn fat. the sparkling water may give wind however.
Fennel has powerful antibacterial properties — its essential oil is thought to act on the membranes of bacteria cells. Fennel is traditionally used as ‘gripe water’ — a digestive tonic for babies — and can help fight bacteria that cause stomach upsets, as well as disrupting mouth bacteria associated with bad odours. 6/10
GAVISCON
thIS kombucha tonic is designed to help that bloated feeling after a big meal, which can lead to heartburn. Bash around 2.5cm of ginger in a pestle and mortar, then mix with three sage leaves and sprigs of mint and rosemary. pour 300ml of kombucha (£2.99, hollandandbarrett. — a fermented tea made from the kombucha plant — over the mix and strain into a glass. TASTE TEST: this has a fresh taste and the pungent kombucha is well masked by the herbs. It goes down well after over-indulging. DR BREWER SAYS: kombucha is fermented so acts as a probiotic, providing good stomach bacteria, while the ginger reduces nausea and bloating. Mint and rosemary relax intestinal spasms to relieve wind and indigestion. Better to avoid overeating, though. 4/10
Tonic, Delicious And natural Remedies To Boost Your Health by Tanita de Ruijt (Hardie Grant, £12.99). order a copy for £10.39 (offer valid to February 1, 2018) at mailshop.co.uk/books or call 0844 571 0640.