Looking great with Olivia

Fighting flu the natural way

At this time of the year, everywhere you go someone is sneezing or coughing.

You become more susceptible to flu when you’re run down or overdoing things. I’m at my most vulnerable on tour when my daily routine is so totally different. I’m on the move constantly and my sleeping patterns are affected .

Sydney naturopath Naomi Nettieton believes the key is to take a daily dose of echinacea (tablets or liquid) plus vitamin C (1000 to 2000mg/day) and garlic capsules (one to two per day).

During the acute stage of flu, it’s important to drink plenty of hot broth, such as chicken, vegetable, or a potassium one, which are all soothing and full of nutrients. To make potassium broth, simply boil root vegetables (carrots, potatoes. parsnips, etc) and strain. Drink three cups per day of the liquid.

Another soothing drink can be made from fresh ginger, garlic, lemon and honey and sipped throughout the day. Herbal teas are great, too, with special combinations for colds and flu. Elderflower, peppermint, rosehip and echinacea are suitable.

Zinc and cod liver oil are good supplements to help the immune system.