Winter ailments and how to treat them

Both viral and bacterial illnesses are signs of body weakness and an unbalanced immune system. We are attacked in winter when we are at our most vulnerable. The bodies of people who have a weakened immune system lack the tools to identify and fight off viruses, while people with healthy lifestyles are less prone to illness. Therefore, although difficult to do, changing your lifestyle may get you through the winter a healthier person.

Armed with knowledge and helpful tips about winter health, the right winter food and winter herbs may help you remain healthy:

• • Colds: Most of us have suffered from the common cold at some time. The symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing. Generally, colds last for a week, To prevent yourself from feeling miserable, you can do steam inhalations, gargle with saline (salt) water and drink hot spiced tea (tea made with an extract of basil, peppercorn and ginger). You can consult a doctor for conventional medicines or a herbal practitioner for the right winter herbs.

• • Sore throat: Colds are often accompanied with sore throats. The symptoms include an itchy, scratchy feeling in the throat, finding it difficult to swallow, sneezing and a runny nose. Try herbal teas, gargling and medicines recommended by your physician. Rest and a lot of sleep will help you heal faster.

• • Breathing difficulty: Since the air molecules in winter become thinner, it leads to breathing problems such as asthma. The way to take care of yourself is by wearing layers of warm clothing and scarves. This will warm the air molecules around you before they enter your body.

• • Coughs: A dry cough or a cough that throws up sputum is common during winter. Coughs occur because of problems in the lungs or in the respiratory passages. While there are plenty of reliable cough syrups and throat drops to ease coughing, almost all have side-effects. Opt instead for natural and herbal remedies such as honey and ginger.

• • Sinusitis: When the sinuses are inflamed, the result is sinusitis. Symptoms include a blocked-up feeling, pain in the forehead or face, fever and even giddiness. It can be cured with rest and medicines. Take hot steams by mixing warm water and eucalyptus oil.

• • Influenza: The flu strikes ever so often during winter. The symptoms include fever, headache, sneezing, runny nose and eyes, cough and an overall miserable feeling. Apart from taking medicines prescribed by a doctor, you may drink hot beverages and teas flavoured with medicinal herbs such as basil and ginger, and get adequate rest.

• • Others: Winters can also trigger arthritis attacks, make rheumatoid arthritis worse, cause chilblains, frostbite, circulatory problems and, in worst-case scenarios, hypothermia. Staying active and warmly dressed in layers of warm clothing can prevent most of these illnesses.

Sources

Skwar, K. Eight herbal teas to cure all your winter ailments, from seasonal affective order to sore throats. Retrieved from https://www.bustle.com/articles/48324-8-herbal-teas-to-cure-all-your-winter-ailments-from-seasonal-affective-disorder-to-sore-throats
Wellness Mama. Seven natural remedies for winter. Retrieved from https://wellnessmama.com/25571/natural-remedies-winter/
Winter ailments. Retrieved from http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Winter-Ailments.html

(Revised by M van Deventer)