You cannot seem to turn a corner at the moment without hearing about Coronavirus, but what exactly is it and how can we all help to prevent the spread?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that effect the immune system and cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. The viruses are transmitted between people with common signs of infection including respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death (The WHO).
A few tips to help keep your immune system strong:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
- Keep your hands away from your face where possible.
- Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of the illness.
- Steer away from raw foods such as raw vegetables, raw meat and raw eggs.
- Add antiviral foods to your diet. Some great examples include garlic, honey, ginger, coconut oil, food rich in vitamin C and more.
How to keep your hands ‘really’ clean…
Hand sanitiser should only be used when soap is unavailable as it strips the skin of its natural oils which are needed to prevent bacteria and build the skin’s own defences, exposing your body to germs.
It is advised to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, ensuring that all areas have been covered.
Here is a simple recipe to help you create your own liquid hand soap with only a few ingredients that you may already have at home.
You will need:
- 1/2 cup castile soap liquid
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 15 drops tea tree oil
- 10 drops lavender oil
In a jar or recycled soap dispenser, add the water followed by the castile soap and the oils. Shake the ingredients together.
Gently shake the dispenser before each use, then squirt a small amount on your hands as needed, rinsing with water.
Have a go at making your very own antiviral soup…
Soups are a quick and easy way to ensure that you are consuming rich ingredients to help support a healthy immune system.
Take the below ingredients and cook together to create a simple and delicious soup for the whole family:
- Sweet potatoes
- Two cloves of garlic
- A bunch of spring onions
- A handful of rosemary
- A handful of parsley
Other ingredients that have a tonification action and contribute to a strong immune function are:
Basil, Chestnut, Chia seed, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Dill Seed, Dried ginger, Nutmeg, Kidney, Lamb,Quinoa, Rosemary,Sage, Star anise, Thyme, Trout, Venison,Walnut
Acupuncture is great to boost the immune system and those attending clinic are receiving treatments that are doing just that.
