It’s that time of year again when colds and flu make the rounds. Between the runny nose, sore throat, and body aches, it’s enough to make anyone miserable.

The flu, common cold and most other upper respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses, so you can’t cure them with antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections. However, you can soothe your symptoms with home remedies made with things you already have in your pantry. These remedies won’t cure you instantly but will help make a nasty cold more bearable and possibly shorten its duration. 

If your symptoms don’t dissipate after two weeks, or they get worse, make an appointment to see your doctor. 

Water 

There are two things all doctors prescribe when you’re down with a cold or flu: the one is bed rest, and the other is “drink plenty of fluids”. It can be a chore to keep up the daily recommended intake when you’re sick, but it’s worth it. It helps to replenish all the fluids you lose from blowing your nose and sweating from fever and helps to flush out toxins from your body.   

Home-made chicken soup 

Chicken soup got the name ‘Jewish penicillin’ by 12th-century Jewish philosopher Maimonides who wrote about its ability to relieve colds. Research has shown that eating chicken soup slow the movement of neutrophils in your body, which are a type of white blood cell that help fight off infection, and as a result decrease inflammation in the respiratory tract. In addition, the antioxidants in the vegetables present in chicken soup provide a mild anti-inflammatory effect.  

Salt water gargle 

Doctors often recommend gargling with salt water to relieve a sore throat but it’s also great for loosening mucus and flushing out irritants like bacteria, viruses and allergens. To make your own ‘”altwater mouthwash”, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish it around your mouth and then spit it out. Do this four times a day until your throat feels less scratchy and raw.  

Ginger and turmeric  

Ginger and turmeric root have both been used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially in the Ayurvedic medical practices of India. Ginger (when consumed in root form) is high in antioxidants that help boost your immune system and is often used to treat nausea and vomiting. Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant that fights inflammation in the body (great for aches and pains!). Add a teaspoon or more of fresh ginger and turmeric (finely chopped or grated) to smoothies, juices, or soups.  

Honey 

Drinking hot water with lemon and honey is a time-honoured way of soothing a sore throat. Honey has antimicrobial properties that can help fight some bacteria and viruses, and it is also an effective cough suppressant for children. Add a teaspoon of honey and a knob each of ginger and turmeric root to a mug of hot water with lemon and stir. Drink as hot as possible. 

The post 5 Home Remedies for this Season’s Colds and Flu appeared first on MyKitchen.

Gut-friendly and filled with loads of immune-boosting nutrients, the turmeric latte may just be the hot beverage of the season.

MAKES 4 // COOKING TIME 15 min

INGREDIENTS
4 cups milk
3 tsp ground turmeric
3 tsp fresh ginger, grated
½ tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra to serve
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 tbsp nut butter
1 tbsp honey

METHOD
1. Heat the milk, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg in a pot over medium heat, stirring to incorporate the spices.
2. As soon as the milk starts to simmer, transfer the mixture to a blender.
3. Add the vanilla, nut butter and honey and pulse until combined and milk becomes frothy.
4. To serve, pour into mugs and sprinkle cinnamon over the top.

Recipe & styling: Kate Turner
Photography: Andreas Eiselen // HMimages.co.za

Looking for more ways to improve your health this season? Try our top 5 immune-boosting and flu-busting recipes.

The post Immune-boosting turmeric latte for winter appeared first on MyKitchen.

Now that we’re in lockdown and our newsfeeds are flooded with articles about the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all a bit more aware of how important it is to take care of our bodies with fresh ingredients. Here are our favourite recipes that will help to boost your immune system and when you’re feeling under the weather.

1. VITAMIN C BOOSTER SOUP WITH PUMPKIN SEEDS

2. SPICED ROOIBOS WITH GINGER, STAR ANISE & ORANGE

3. TURMERIC SHOTS

4. VITAMIN C PARFAIT WITH LEMON YOGHURT, ORANGE GRANOLA & GRAPEFRUIT

5. LEMONY CHICKEN BROWN RICE BROTH

The post Our top 5 immune boosting & flu busting recipes appeared first on MyKitchen.

Yoghurt soup is a popular comfort food in Turkey, and is also commonly taken to someone who’s ill. Garnish this treat with crunchy lentils for the perfect winter warmer.

SERVES 6 // COOKING TIME 40 min

INGREDIENTS
For the chilli dressing
¼ cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 tsp chilli flakes
For the soup
1¼ L vegetable stock
1 cup brown rice
1 L full-cream yoghurt
1 egg
1 tbsp cornflour
1 tbsp dried mint
1 tsp salt and pinch pepper
2 cups cooked brown lentils (1 cup dried)
Handful baby spinach

METHOD
1. For the dressing, heat oil in a pot. Add the garlic and chilli flakes, then set aside to cool.
2. Bring the stock and rice to a simmer in a large pot. Simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Whisk together yoghurt, egg and cornflour until smooth.
4. To stop the yoghurt mixture curdling, add 1 large spoonful of hot stock. Then add the whole mixture to the stock pot. Season with mint, salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the soup is slightly thickened.
6. Serve with lentils, spinach, and a drizzle of the dressing.

Recipe: Amarae Vercueil
Styling: Chiara Turilli
Photography: Andreas Eiselen // HMimages.co.za

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There’s nothing like giving your body the reset it needs with a quick and easy chicken pho after a nasty flu or cold. Make this dish your go-to for winter!

SERVES 4 // COOKING TIME 20 min

INGREDIENTS
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups roast chicken, broken into chunks
150 g rice noodles, cooked
4 bulbs pak choi, chopped
1 lime, zested and juiced
Handful basil

METHOD
1. Bring the chicken stock to a rapid boil and add the roast chicken chunks and rice noodles.
2. Boil for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and add the pak choi to the pot.
3. To serve, ladle the broth into bowls and garnish with lime zest, juice and basil.

Recipe & styling: Chiara Turilli
Photography: Samantha Pinto // HMimages.co.za

The post Fight the flu with this quick and easy chicken pho appeared first on MyKitchen.

Fend off the winter blues with this heart-warming, flu-fighting drink! A traditional hot toddy is perfect for relieving symptoms of colds and flu, fighting a fever and helping you to fall asleep.

SERVES 1 // COOKING TIME 20 min

INGREDIENTS
¼ cup water
Rind of 1 lemon
3 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 cm piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
¼ cup whisky or brandy
2 tsp honey
2 tsp lemon juice
Ground nutmeg, to serve

METHOD
1. Put the water, lemon rind and spices in a pan over low heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then strain.
2. Pour the alcohol into a mug, then add the spice-infused water. Stir in the honey and lemon juice, adjusting to your liking.
3. Sprinkle with nutmeg and enjoy.

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