immunity Archives • COOL THINGS I LOVE

Elderberry Syrup Stops Cold & Flu Symptoms Within 48 Hours!

January 4, 2019 No Comments

elderberry syrup with berries and cinnamon stick

According to various studies, Elderberry syrup stops cold and flu symptoms within 48 hours! A study performed and published by the Journal of International Medical Research in 2004 concluded the following –

Elderberry has been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat influenza, colds and sinusitis, and has been reported to have antiviral activity against influenza and herpes simplex. We investigated the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry syrup for treating influenza A and B infections. Sixty patients (aged 18-54 years) suffering from influenza-like symptoms for 48hrs or less were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study during the influenza season of 1999-2000 in Norway. Patients received 15 ml of elderberry or placebo syrup four times a day for 5 days, and recorded their symptoms using a visual analogue scale. Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo. Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment for influenza. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger study. read more

Diet, Recipes

How to Make Yoghurt at Home with a Yoghurt Maker (Sugar-free Berry Coulis Recipe Included)

June 20, 2018 2 Comments

Hi Guys!

As part of my health kick where I am sticking to the Mediterranean diet principles and trying to eat more homemade and locally sourced produce, I have decided to make my own yoghurt at home. I love it and it tastes better than store bought so here is how to make yoghurt at home with a yoghurt maker!

I had been buying a probiotic yoghurt to eat for breakfast in order to help balance my gut health every morning. Probiotic translates as “for life,” from its Greek and Latin etymology and they are good bacteria that help balances your gut microbiota which results in a healthier body and digestive system. You can read more about gut health in my recent post here – How to improve gut health naturally. read more

Hair, Lifestyle, Skincare

Niacinimide, Biotin, Spirulina and Omega 3 Supplements

June 13, 2018 2 Comments

Niacinimide, Biotin, Omega 3 and Spirulina on a plate

I have been taking Niacinamide, Biotin, Spirulina and Omega 3 supplements for the last month and I have noticed great improvement in my skin, hair and nails. My nails are so much stronger and growing so quick now. I had been wanting to try Biotin for quite a while now as I am trying to grow my hair and had read that it is the best supplement to take for that. Biotin seemed to be expensive in most of the health shops but I managed to find a really reasonably priced one online to decided to give it a go. Obviously I won’t notice too much difference in my hair length just yet as it has only been a month but my nails are much stronger, I have had to cut them twice this month! That is impressive, they aren’t even breaking and I’m delighted about that as they were quite brittle before. My hair feels softer, shinier and healthier so I think I will stick with these supplements as my hair was very brittle and dry before and nothing seemed to be working in terms of hair oil masks and deep treatments. I guess I may have been deficient in some vitamins and nutrients. read more

Diet, Skincare

Moringa Powder for Health, Skin and Energy

February 21, 2018 6 Comments

green moringa lea green moringa leaf powder

Moringa powder for health, skin and energy is a brilliant choice due to the high levels of nutrients, vitamins and minerals present.It is packed with iron, vitamin A, C and E, amino acids and essential amino acids, calcium, magnesium, potassium and protein.

It is an antioxidant, with flavonoids which are essential in our diet, as mentioned in my recent post on Buckwheat. It is anti-inflammatory with polyphenols, covered in another recent post on Gut Health and contains absorbic acid.

Moringa Oleifera is a tropical flowering plant. It is native to parts of Africa and Asia, including the Himalayas in India, and provides 90 nutrients, including 46 antioxidants and a multitude of minerals. It has become soaringly popular in its natural leaf powder supplement form. However, it is also possible to eat the pods, roots, bark, flowers, seeds, and fruits. Moringa seed extract is not recommended though. read more

Diet, Skincare

Manuka Honey – An Incredible Natural Antibiotic for Immunity

January 3, 2018 29 Comments

Manuka honey is one of the strongest antibiotics available. It has been used since ancient times to treat many and varied conditions. The New Zealand Maori tribe used it to treat their wounds during battle. Manuka honey stimulates the immune system and makes it more effective. This helps our body fight an infection more efficiently.

Manuka is produced by bees who pollinate the New Zealand native bush called Manuka. It protects against damage caused by bacteria and is a natural antibiotic. It stimulates cell regeneration that helps repair tissue. It also produces hydrogen peroxide and other components that provide antibacterial properties. read more