Flu Season Health Prep with a Yia Mas twist
‘Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.’ - Hippocrates
We love this quote for many reasons - firstly, it may be the earliest and most articulate version of the mantra ‘you are what you eat’. Secondly, it’s evidence that the Greek tradition of natural healing is at least 2.5 thousand years old. This idea continues to heavily influence the Greek approach to health and wellness to this day; significantly, it may even play a role in the longevity shared by much of the population on Ikaria, one of the world’s 5 Blue Zones, where natural remedies are often sought out to treat physical ailments before going to a doctor.
At this time of year, it’s all the more important to consider how what you consume could have a direct impact on your health. With any number of viruses (we’re looking at you, virus-which-will-not-be-named) making the rounds in our communities, our lifestyles and diets have the potential to make or break our immune system. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of natural remedies for flu season immunity; read on our tips on how to fight off a whole host of illnesses this winter.
Oregano oil
You read that right - oregano isn’t just for adding that extra kick of flavour to your cooking! You can ingest oregano oil to make the most of its immune-boosting natural phenols, terpenes and terpenoids. Alternatively, if you can’t find any locally, you can brew oregano tea using the leaves to deliver similar health benefits.
Thyme
Packed with Vitamin A and C, thyme is a natural immune-strengthener. If you need any more convincing, it also has mood-boosting properties; a 2013 study showed that carvacol, one of its active substances, can affect neuron activity so as to generate a feeling of wellbeing in the subject.
Ginger
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in ginger have made it something of a poster child for immune-boosting foods. To really feel its benefits, we’d recommend drinking ginger tea in the morning on an empty stomach.
Peppermint
Peppermint is not only full of potassium and vitamin B, it’s also a natural antibacterial and antiviral. In addition, it’s a muscle relaxant, helping you to destress and even to sleep. Take this to mean that we’ll be drinking peppermint tea by the gallon this winter.
Tsai tou vounou
No Yia Mas list of natural remedies would be complete without a nod to tsai tou vounou, and with good reason; hailed by Hippocrates for its immune-boosting potential, it also acts as evaporant while alleviating inflamed mucous membranes, helping to soothe a cough.
Lemons
We couldn’t not include lemons for their powerful immune-boosting potential. Their high Vitamin C content supports the cellular function of the immune system, and their high zinc levels help the immune system to fight off invading bacteria and viruses.
Honey
We’re sure that at some point in your life, you’ve had tea with honey and lemon when you’ve felt under the weather. Consider making this into a ritual this winter; honey is full of antioxidants, is antibacterial and is known to increase T and B lymphocytes and antibodies.
Destress
Even if you’re avidly following your herbal regimes and always eating with your immune health in mind, if you’re constantly stressed out, then it’s only a matter of time before you get sick. If you need help with this, check out our workshops, where we practice meditation, journaling and Greek dancing - all proven ways to destress!