Flu, natural remedies

Cinnamon essential oil

Antibacterial and antiviral action, useful for respiratory health, an aid against acne and skin aging, anti-anxiety and anti-depression action, for oral health, anti-cellulite.

With its warm and spicy aroma cinnamon essential oil recalls holidays, family warmth and serenity. This essential oil is obtained from the steam distillation of the bark of the cinnamon tree, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum of the Lauraceae family. Its main active ingredient is given by the substance called cinnamaldehyde, then followed by eugenol. These substances give the essence its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and blood flow stimulating properties (Rao et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2...

Ancient knowledge and medicinal herbs Part 1, eucalyptus

Antispasmodic, soothing, antibacterial and antiviral, stimulates the immune system, useful against asthma, cough, phlegm, cold, sinusitis and bronchitis, for the skin it fights acne and regulates the production of sebum.

Nineteenth century, Rome, malaria raged in and around the city due to the marshy grounds on which the city itself stood. But at a certain point something happened, some monks who had settled in the abbey Le Tre Fontane, in Rome, began to work the hectares of land around the abbey and planted eucalyptus trees. These trees grew strong and soon the health of the monks improved day by day. Immediately it was thought that the reason was the healthy power of eucalyptus, even capable of absorbing the s...

Food combinations, how to strengthen the immune system

Garlic, cinnamon, cloves, lemon, extra virgin olive oil and elderberry, these are just some foods that can strengthen the defenses and act with antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Eat healthy but eat tasty! Today we will see simple and delicious recipes to strengthen the immune system and help it fight the external threats that come from viruses and bacteria. Without forgetting the importance of hygiene measures, we can also resort to diet to fortify our defenses. Let’s learn more about! Bruschetta - We are used to thinking of bruschetta as a tasty, crunchy and fragrant appetizer, but in fact this exquisite preparation is also useful for the health of the immune system....

Pelargonium or South African geranium, the remedy for coughs and colds

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral action, useful in colds, coughs, sinusitis and sore throats, relieves symptoms and accelerates healing.

Pelargonium is a plant of the Geraniaceae family, native to Africa and nowadays spread all over the world in its various variants. We have for sure to mention the geranium plants that decorate balconies and gardens with their colored petals! But geraniums are also a natural remedy from which essential oils with anti-inflammatory, anti-acne and mosquito repellant properties are extracted. Today we are talking about a particular type of geranium, called South African geranium, scientific name pela...

Elderberry, herbal remedy

Antiviral and antimicrobial, useful in case of bronchitis, cold and flu diseases, diuretic action, helpful in case of rheumatism and gout.

Elderberry, scientific name sambucus nigra, is a plant of the Caprifoliaceae family. Known since ancient times, nowadays several scientific studies have shown the properties of elderberry thanks to the mucilage, antioxidant and diuretic substances contained in this remedy. Elderberry, properties of the herbal remedy - Elderberry has proven to be effective in treating cold, flu and bronchitis diseases, it is in fact antiviral and antimicrobial (Porter et al, Phytother Res., 2017 - Hawkins et al...

Mastika

Protective action on the stomach and gut, helpful in case of ulcer, inflammation of the gastric mucosa, poor digestion and sour stomach, contributes to lower cholesterol and protects the liver.

Mastika is a vegetable resin obtained from lentisk trees, scientific name Pistacia lentiscus (L.) var. chia. The latex that comes out from the trunks of these plants solidifies in contact with air becoming a hard resin with a drop shape that is often called the tears of Chios, from the name of the Greek island where the lentisks are cultivated from which the Mastika is extracted. Herodotus, the Greek historian lived in the 5th century BC, Galen and Dioscorides, two physicians of antiquity, spoke...

Dandelion honey

Liver and kidney cleanser, diuretic, stomach protection.

The dandelion, scientific name taraxum officinale, commonly known as dandelion, is a spontaneous herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family. This plant grows in gardens and meadows and blooms in early spring presenting itself with a beautiful flower of an intense yellow color. The dandelion is a plant widely used in herbal medicine and in detox cooking thanks to its leaves and roots that purify the liver, are diuretic and antioxidant (Choi et al, Int J Mol Sci, 2010). But the dandelion is also kn...

Natural remedies for flu, glycerin macerates and mother tinctures

Rosa canina, black alder and echinacea taken together to boost the immune system to protect the body from seasonal illnesses.

Sore throat, sinusitis, rhinitis and cough, these are the symptoms that often accompany us throughout the autumn and winter period. But natural remedies in the form of macerates and tinctures extracted from plants such as rosa canina, black alder and echinacea may be really helpful. Let's see what are the best treatments that you can use for flu symptoms, alone or together to exploit their synergy. However, before starting to take the remedies, always ask your doctor for advice if you are pregna...

Essential oil blend of the four thieves

Blend of essential oils with a powerful antibacterial, analgesic, anti inflammatory and anti viral action, useful to counteract the growth of bacteria and able to play a role in preventing or soothing the symptoms of flu.

On the wall of the museum in Marseille a recipe of a very special remedy is hanging, the vinegar of the four thieves. It is obtained by macerating several herbs in vinegar to create a lotion that should be applied on the body. This tradition has its roots in the legend of the four thieves, four friends that, it is said, in order to plunder the houses without being infected by the plague that hit Marseille in 1720 made this special medicinal vinegar. In the course of time the recipe changed, some...

Siberian fir essential oil

Antimicrobial, anti inflammatory and expectorant, useful in case of cold, sinusitis, flu and sore throat, able to remove tensions and reduce arousal states.

Through steam distillation of the branches of the Siberian fir, scientific name Abies sibirica of the Pinaceae family, a very special essential oil is obtained, able to give freshness and to purify the rooms but also useful to act against stress. In general, it is a well tolerated essential oil, even by skin. Let’s see now how to use it and how to exploit its properties, on the basis of scientific researches. Able to purify the rooms, against cold and flu – This essential oil is anti inflammat...

Ginger honey

Antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory, the synergy of honey and ginger maximizes the properties of the individual ingredients.

Wind, cold, temperature changes and humidity may also bring cold, flu and sore throat. However, we have a very powerful natural remedy, beneficial and really easy to find or make, ginger honey. Ginger honey, properties - Ginger honey is obtained by infusing pieces of fresh ginger in honey instead of water. The resulting product is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial since it combines the properties of ginger and honey and can therefore be used now and throughout the winter to stre...

Eucalyptus, mother tincture

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and balsamic action on the airways, useful in cases of cough, phlegm, asthma, sinusitis and sore throat, it also acts by reducing blood sugar.

Eucalyptus, scientific name Eucalyptus globulus, is an evergreen medicinal plant of the Myrtaceae family. Eucalyptus is widely used in herbal medicine in the form of infusion, decoction, essential oil or mother tincture. Today, we will talk about the mother tincture obtained from eucalyptus leaves. Eucalyptus mother tincture, properties - This natural remedy has a balsamic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and mucus thinning effect and regulates mucus production mainly thanks to the action of ...

Laurel essential oil

Sedative, calming, anti inflammatory and antiviral action, useful to counteract virus, flu and cold, soothes stomach pain and abdominal cramps, helps in case of joint and muscle pain, counteracts acne and dermatitis.

Laurel, scientific name Laurus nobilis, also known as bay tree or bay laurel, is a medicinal and ornamental plant cultivated mainly in Europe and America. Through steam distillation of leaves and branches an essential oil is obtained with anti bacterial, antiviral, digestive and calming properties. This essential oil should be used only externally, it is not for inner intake, avoid during pregnancy and, in any case, test it on a small portion of your skin to be sure that it is not irritating for...

Ginger

Useful against nausea, sour stomach, poor digestion, high levels of cholesterol and blood sugar, cough, characterized by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, protects the liver, joints and brain.

Ginger, scientific name Zingiber officinale, is a plant of the Zingiberaceae family native to the Far East but nowadays widely known all over the world. The part of ginger that we use is the fleshy and fragrant rhizome, fresh, sliced or grated, in the dried form as a powder or even in the form of candied fruit. Ginger is a spice used to flavor sweet and savory dishes, but also to prepare healthy herbal teas. In fact, ginger is characterized by beneficial properties, which we are now going to see...

Healthy in the kitchen, non-stick pans

What science says about the safety of non-stick pans.

Hands up who has never used a non-stick pan! These pans are comfortable and practical, they allow you to cook quickly and easily, the food does not stick and little butter or oil is required, making the dishes lighter. However, the non-stick pans have been, and are still being, at the center of numerous discussions about their safety, since fears have been expressed that their use may be linked to an increased risk of developing tumors. Let’s try to understand better and to know also the positio...

Auricularia

Antioxidant, source of vitamins and mineral salts, it strengthens the immune system, helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar, promotes the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid by fighting wrinkles.

The auricularia auricula judae, also known as wood ear or jelly ear, is an edible mushroom characterized by a particular ear-like elongated shape. This fungus grows on tree trunks, especially elder, and has been used since ancient times in China as a food and herbal remedy (Balakrishnan et al, International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jan 2015). From the auricularia fungus a supplement is obtained with important medicinal properties, useful for the well-being of the organism...

Sea as a source of health

For baths, oral use or as a nasal spray, sea water has innumerable benefits for health and beauty.

Renè Quinton was a biologist who, at the beginning of the last century, saw sea water as an important source of health for the body. Indeed, he considered this water as a real medicine, similar to the blood that flows in the body and able to keep alive, according to Quinton, something that can survive just in the blood and organic liquids, the white blood cell. Sea water can enter the body through the skin but can also be taken orally or sprayed into the nose. Bathing in the sea - But why sea ...

Buckwheat honey

Proteins, energy, mineral salts, important antioxidant and antibacterial properties proven by scientific studies, useful in case of irritated cough, sore throat and airway infections.

Linden honey? Wild flower honey? Acacia or eucalyptus honey? No, buckwheat honey! Although it may seem strange, there is also buckwheat honey, and what a honey! Based on scientific research, this type of honey is a powerful source of beneficial properties, but let's see better in detail. Buckwheat honey, how it appears and properties - First, buckwheat honey is produced by bees from the flowers of buckwheat that are small flowers characterized by a color ranging from white to light pink. The o...

Immune system, how to protect it Part 2, plants and foods

Herbs and plants, fruit, vegetables and mushrooms, they can be powerful weapons that we can deploy to strengthen the immune system.

Viruses, bacteria, toxins and yes, even tumors, are all the aggressions from which the immune system defends us. That's why it's important to take care of it. There are lifestyle habits and particular food choices that can help strengthen the immune system, some more known, others less. We’ll see better in detail and we’ll try also to understand what remedies are really effective and supported by scientific studies. Vitamins - Vitamins C and E have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pr...

Immune system, how to protect it Part 1, healthy habits

How to protect and strengthen the immune system with natural remedies with diet and healthy habits.

The immune system is our shield, thanks to chemical reactions and biological processes it has the task of protecting us from any aggression, which can occur in the form of viruses, bacteria, parasites but also tumors, as emerged from recent scientific researches that are studying the connection between the immune system and cancer cells (Corthay et al, Front Immunol, May 2014 - Palmer et al, PNAS, Feb 2018). It is therefore important to take care of our defenses, whatever the season! Fortunately...

Chokeberries

Vitamins and mineral salts, able to lower blood sugar levels, helpful to counteract cholesterol, against water retention and cellulite, able to protect the liver, the stomach and the heart, reduce the waist line.

Aronia, scientific name aronia melanocarpa, is a bush belonging to the Rosaceae family. Its fruits, called aronia berries or chokeberries, are berries that, for what concerns their appearance, remind the blueberries but the taste is a bit sourer. Aronia berries can be found in the form of dried berries or in the form of juices. Chokeberries, properties – As for the properties, aronia berries are a source of vitamin K, useful for the health of bones and the proper blood clotting, vitamin C, gro...

Lemon, peel

Lemon peel contains more antioxidants and vitamin C than its pulp, useful in cases of sour stomach, gastric reflux, stones, high blood sugar, cholesterol and high triglycerides, hypertension and obesity.

The lemon, scientific name Citrus limoni, is a plant of the Rutaceae family, the same as tangerine, orange and bergamot. The term lemon also refers to the fruit of this plant, of a beautiful intense yellow color and characterized by a rounded shape. Lemon is known and appreciated for its juice, drunk as a purifying and refreshing drink, used to dress salads or to marinate fish, meat or even fruit. But science is also interested in another part of the lemon, less used except for giving flavor to ...

Uncaria tormentosa

Able to strengthen the immune system, useful to prevent or counteract cold, flu and cold sores, shows an anti inflammatory and painkilling action helpful in case of rheumatism and arthrosis.

Uncaria tormentosa is a medicinal plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to the rainforests of Amazonia and central America and is called also cat’s claw because of its hook-like thorns needed by the plant to climb on the trees. Used as a remedy since ancient times thanks to its healthy action, now the properties of uncaria are recognized also by scientists (Reis et al, Int Immunopharmacol, Mar 2008 – de Paula et al, J Altern Complement Med, Jan 2015). In particular, according to ...

Elmleaf blackberry honey, beauty cosmetic and natural remedy

Antioxidant and antipyretic properties, useful in case of inflammation and mouth ulcers, against the flu, for cosmetic use makes the hair shiny, strengthens it and helps to counteract dandruff and itching of the scalp.

Elmleaf blackberry, also called bramble, scientific name Rubus ulmifolius, is a species of wild blackberry belonging to the Rosaceae family. The bramble is a remedy of tradition thanks to its powerful anti-pyretic properties, therefore useful to counteract the fever, and to its antioxidant effect given by some phenolic compounds such as ellagitannins (Martins et al, Food Funct, Jun 2014 - Niaz et al, BMC Complement Altern Med). These healthful properties are also transferred to honey that is obt...

Wintegreen essential oil

Anti-inflammatory action useful in case of rheumatism, muscle pain and back pain, thanks to its antiseptic properties counteracts acne, itching, dandruff and skin irritations, useful against cough, flu and cold.

Gaultheria procumbens is a plant belonging to the Ericaceae family native to North America. Its fruits are berries characterized by a special red color and the plant is an amazing ornament for balconies or tables during Christmas period. However, gaultheria doesn’t have just an ornamental role, from its leaves indeed an essential oil with painkilling and anti-inflammatory properties is extracted, this essential oil is called wintergreen essential oil. Let’s see its uses and properties. But first...

Cypress, mother tincture and extract

Mother tincture in case of colds, flu, phlegm and cough while fluid extract for water retention and venous insufficiency.

The cypress, scientific name cupressus, is a plant of the family Cupressaceae characterized by the typical candle-like and tapered shape. But the cypress is not just a beautiful ornamental tree, it has also important healthy properties. In a previous post we have already seen its use in the form of decoction, now we focus the attention on two preparations that you can easily find in herbalist’s or chemist’s shops, the fluid extract and the mother tincture. The fluid extract, obtained from the be...

Grapefruit, fruit

Source of vitamin C and potassium, important to support the immune system, antioxidant, protection for the cardiovascular system proven by scientific studies, diuretic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory.

Grapefruit, citrus paradisi, is a fruit tree belonging to the Rutaceae family. Its fruits, always called grapefruits, are round with a yellow skin and a bitter taste. The pulp instead can be light yellow or even pink. In particular, from hybridization with blood orange you can get a fruit with a sweet pulp and a bright pink color. In other cases the pink variant has been obtained by exposure to ionizing radiation, for example the two cultivars called Star Ruby and Rio Red, in this case the pink ...

Essential oil blends for fighting the flu

Antiviral, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, helpful to strengthen the immune defenses and to inhibit the germ proliferation, useful in this period of flu and cold, disinfectant action in the rooms, tonic for the body, helps in case of sadness.

This is the time of flu and cold and, in order to avoid getting sick, a good hygiene, a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and your doctor advice are very important. However, you can also act by preparing by yourself essential oil blends that can help you fight these seasonal illnesses by inhibiting virus proliferation and by supporting the body defenses. These blends can be made by ourselves, are easy and with beneficial effect. Let’s see how to make an essential oil blend to fight flu and cold....

Satsuma

Vitamins and mineral salts, important antioxidant content useful to fight the aging process, strengthen the immune system and protect the cardiovascular system, against constipation, diuretic action and control of both cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

The satsuma tangerine is a citrus fruit native to Japan. The scientific name of the plant is Citrus unshiu and it is also known as myagawa. The peel is thin, green or yellow, even after ripening, and the pulp is orange, seedless, characterized by a sweet taste with a hint of bitterness. The ripe fruit can be harvested between October and December, is very resistant to cold and is a very appreciated delicacy rich in healthy properties, let's see them. The satsuma is particularly rich in antioxida...

Christmas essential oil blends

Antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial properties, ideal to purify the air of houses from germs, virus and bacteria, against the seasonal illnesses, helps prevent cold and flu, relaxing and calming action.

Today we’ve thought to speak about something a bit different than the usual post about the properties of an essential oil. Today we will see how to prepare by yourself a blend of essential oils to make more magical your house, to create a warm atmosphere and, at the same time, to benefit from the healthy properties of the used essential oils. Let’s see a special blend of essential oils that, thanks to their scent and their relaxing, antibacterial and antiseptic action are perfect to be used in h...