Ugh. I'm sick. 


Everyone's favourite season is back. I wish I was referring to Game of Thrones but alas,  i'm alluding to the dreaded cold and flu season.


We all know the signs. That slow, sluggish feeling, itchy throat and bunged up air pipes. If you're about to succumb to the office sniffles, it won't be rocket science to hear that decongestants and immune boosters are what you need. 


Before you peel yourself off the sofa and crawl to the chemist in a sloth-like manner, check your pantry. If you've been stocking up on Indian groceries recently, it's likely you'll already have everything you need to get you fighting fit again.


Don't forget that stress seriously hinders a speedy recovery. If you're feeling run down, make sure you take time to relax. Cancel any non-urgent plans, run a hot bath and relax. 


8 kitchen ingRedients to help you combat cold and flu 

1. Honey 2. Lemon and 3. Ginger


Special thanks to Nur Elena for sending us these  cold and flu remedies and inspiring this week's blog! 


If you're feeling under the weather, the powerful detox trio of  honey, lemon and ginger will be your nearest and dearest. 

Honey soothes the mucous membranes and removes irritants causing the cough reflex.

Lemon's high vitamin C content reduces phlegm and speeds up the healing process.

Ginger, used for some 5000 years by the Chinese and in Ayurevedic medicine, boosts your immune system with its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to ward off nausea, congestion and act as pain relief.


Consider some of these powerful detox concoctions:  


1 whole lemon 

1 inch of ginger, peeled 


 Grate or finely chop the ginger and add to a saucepan.

 Squeeze 1 whole lemon into the pan. 

 Fill the pan with water and bring to the boil 

 Pour the hot lemon and ginger drink into a mug and enjoy 


1 whole lemon

1 inch of ginger 

3 tbsp of natural honey 


Peel and cut the lemon into small cubes.

Peel and grate the ginger.

Add the grated ginger and cubes of lemon into a glass jar.

Add 3 tbsp of honey and mix everything together. 

Leave the jar in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours, or leave overnight for the best results. 

Have 2 tbsp 4 x a day, or whenever you need it. 


Ginger scented steam: chop up some ginger, pour over boiling hot water and place your face over the top of the bowl. Place a towel over your head and let the ginger scented steam waft through your air pipes. 

4. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne can help prevent a cold or flu as well as shorten the duration of a cold or flu.The pepper brings heat to the body, which can help dispel coldness. 

Capsaicin in the pepper, is a proven decongestant. It thins out mucus and brings your body temperature down


Try this cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar brew: 


Bring water to a boil.Mix 3 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with half a cup of hot water.Add 1tsp of cayenne pepper and 1 tbsp of honey to the mixture. Stir well and finish with a squeeze of lemon.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is fast becoming a popular remedy for cold and flu. The golden root is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power house. Try making a fresh turmeric juice with ginger and orange. Or, mix 1 tbsp of turmeric with 2 tbsp of honey and a glass of hot water or milk. 

6. Cinnamon

To soothe a sore throat, mix honey with a sprinkle of cinnamon . Have 1 tbsp of cinnamon honey whenever you need it.

7. Garlic

A brilliant decongestant.  If you know you won't be in anyone's company for a while (which is likely if you’re coming down with a nasty flu) you may be brave enough to chomp down on a whole clove of garlic. If not,  incorporate some chopped garlic in your meals.  


Garlic is packed with vitamin C, sulphur and helpful minerals and enzymes, which  boost a healthy immune system

8. Salt

Arguable less tasty than honey, ginger and lemon, but equally as effectve. A simple gargle of salt with water, 1-2 x a day is perfect for healing a scratchy throat