There are almost always alternatives that we can try before we head to the docs office. To prevent, and even heal illnesses, nothing is more powerful than having a balanced and sensible diet, and leading a healthy lifestyle.

The Cold & Flu Buster

Make a tea out of 1 thick slice of lemon + 1 tsp. honey + 1 inch knob of ginger + 1 inch knob of turmeric, with hot water. Lemon acts to break down mucus, while honey eases sore throats, preventing bouts of coughing (especially good when in stuffy lecture theaters). Ginger and turmeric are both a powerful anti-microbial, so act to kill viruses, whilst ginger improves healing and turmeric reduces inflammation.

Muscle Ache Be Gone

Make a delicious dessert from 1 x banana + 1 stalk of rosemary leaves + 3 Tbsp. natural yoghurt + 1 Tbsp. pumpkin seeds + 1 Tbsp. almonds + 1 Tbsp. sunflower seeds. You could either blend it up to make a smoothie or turn it into a nut-alicious banana split! Banana contains good levels of potassium, which is a key electrolyte and important in preventing muscle cramps. Yoghurt and almonds contain calcium, another electrolyte which reduces muscle spasms and cramps. Rosemary reduces inflammation, which in turn reduces pain, and the seeds and nuts contain magnesium, an important mineral for relaxing muscles.

Energy Booster

Make an irresistible snack from 1 x apple + 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter + oats. You could either make an apple sandwich, or porridge during those cooler months! Apple contains both fructose and fibre, which are both very slow to digest and absorb into blood stream, providing a prolonged and sustained boost of energy. Peanut butter and oats are high in magnesium and the B vitamins that are both involved with energy production at the cellular level. Peanut butter also contains good fats and protein, essential for good energy.

Low Immunity

Juice 1 x carrot + 1 x apple (leaving the skin on) + 1 x orange (skin removed) + ½ beetroot + 1 inch knob of ginger + 1 inch knob of turmeric. This juice is packed to the brim with vitamin c and bioflavonoids, which act to support the immune system, promote cellular healing and help our bodies deal with stress.

Headache

Make a tea from 1 inch knob of ginger + 1 stalk of rosemary + 1 stalk of sage. Finely chop all ingredients and steep in hot water, cover, then let cool before drinking. Ginger and rosemary are both anti-inflammatory, so act to ease inflammation within the blood vessels in the head. Sage helps by relieving tension and balancing hormones.

Nausea

Make a tea from 2 aniseeds + 2 cloves + a 1″ inch knob of ginger. Pour boiling water over all ingredients and steep for 5mins before straining. Cloves and aniseed contain antiseptic and anesthetic properties that can aid an upset digestive system. Ginger is extremely powerful at providing instead instant relief from nausea.

Stress/Anxiety

Make a tea from 1 tsp. licorice root + 1 tsp. of lavender leaves, with hot water. Licorice root is said to calm the mind and increases the body and minds ability to handle stressful situations. Lavender on the other hand promotes relaxation and calm, as well as balances hormones.

Thank you Lorna Jane for these delicious remedies. More nourishing recipes can be found on their website.