Flu, natural remedies

Cinnamon essential oil, here the latest scientific research on its properties

Improves mood and drives away anxiety and depression, antiviral and antibacterial action, useful for the well-being of the respiratory tract, counteracts tooth decay and oral candidiasis.

Cinnamon has a unique, special, enveloping aroma. It is enough to perceive its scent for a short time to immediately go with the mind to the sensations of warmth, serenity and joy, to feel at peace. And science has precisely studied this effect, explaining why inhaling the scents of cinnamon is able to drive away anxieties and bad thoughts. And that's not all, cinnamon oil is also an ally for health, helping to clean the air by inhibiting fungi, bacteria and viruses. But let's understand better,...

Immune system, the nutrients that nourish it and strengthen it against attacks by viruses and bacteria

Substances and foods that can help us strengthen the immune system against attacks by bacteria and viruses.

Against external aggressions, be they bacteria, fungi or viruses, we can count on several powerful tools at our disposal. First of all, we must not forget about prevention, and therefore all those hygiene measures that can prevent infection. Then our natural defenses come into play. What can we do to support our immune system and put it in the best condition to cope with any threats? A help comes from diet and supplements that include some substances, which, as shown by scientific studies, have ...

Vitamin C, benefits and where to find it

Modulates the immune system, promoting the rapid elimination of viruses and at the same time avoiding an excessive and harmful response to the body, anti-inflammatory, protects the brain and skin, improves iron absorption, improves mood.

As the colder months approach, the commonly heard advice is to increase the intake of vitamin C. Because, it is said, that vitamin C prevents colds and strengthens the defenses. Is this statement true? As we will see, only in part. In addition, vitamin C contributes to the well-being of parts of the body, such as the skin and brain, that we are not used to associating with the action of this vitamin. So, let's try to understand all the properties of vitamin C based, as always, on scientific stud...

Ivy, to clear the respiratory tract and counter cough, bronchitis and colds

Anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antibacterial, antispasmodic and bronchodilator properties, useful against cough, cold, bronchitis but also asthma, sore throat and flu symptoms.

Legend has it that an ivy plant enveloped the body of the child Dionysus to protect him from the flames generated by a lightning bolt from Zeus. And this is why an ivy branch is always depicted around the head of the god of wine and grapes. Over the centuries, however, the sacred value of the plant has been somewhat lost, considering it almost a weed or a plant with a mere decorative purpose. Instead, ivy leaves are a concentrate of substances useful for health, especially in this period when it...

Heartburn and acid reflux, diet, remedies and lifestyle that can help

What can worsen and what can improve heartburn and reflux, here's how small diet and lifestyle changes can help us get better.

Acid reflux, accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms such as aerophagia, acid regurgitation, nausea, cramps, stomach pain or even asthma in predisposed people, is a condition that can happen frequently. However, some precautions, lifestyle changes and foods can help prevent or mitigate acidity and reflux. A few months ago a review that collects the main results of previous studies in order to shed light on what actually can promote or counteract acidity and reflux was published (Zhang et al, Th...

Immune system and respiratory health, here are foods and supplements that may help

Herbal teas, foods and supplements to strengthen the immune system of the respiratory tract and fight bacterial and viral infections, colds and flu.

How to strengthen our natural defenses and prepare us for the colder season that inevitably brings colds and flu? Certainly with diet and supplements it is possible to protect the respiratory tract, but let's try to understand better on the basis of scientific studies. Elderberries - Elderberry, scientific name Sambucus nigra, is considered a valuable ally against colds and flu. In fact, elderberries are a precious source of antioxidant substances, such as quercetin and anthocyanins. Thanks t...

Immune system, how to fortify it with tea and herbal teas

Infusions, teas and decoctions to strengthen the defenses, to fight colds and flu, to protect the lungs and to reduce inflammation.

When it comes to the immune system it is important to emphasize that there is no magic drink capable of wiping out viruses and bacteria. Rather, it is the synergy of food and drinks, which, if taken regularly, counteract inflammation, free radical damage and support the body's natural defenses. After this necessary premise, certainly there are drinks, teas and herbal teas, more powerful than others to strengthen our immune system, fortifying the airways, helping to prevent viral infections and a...

Poor man's ginseng, the remedy that takes care of the brain, intestines and defenses

Strengthens the immune system by modulating the response to external threats, protects the health of the microbiota by acting as a prebiotic and increasing the presence of good bacteria, counteracts gastritis, acidity and reflux, anti-fatigue remedy, strengthens the body in case of stress and fatigue.

There is, in Asia, a climbing plant, the Codonopsis pilosula. Well, from the extracts of this plant a natural remedy is obtained, also called bastard ginseng or poor man's ginseng, as its action is similar to ginseng but sweeter. In particular, the bastard ginseng is neuroprotective, it helps in case of heartburn and gastritis, it strengthens the defenses and the intestinal microbiota. Not only that, Codonopsis is also a remedy capable of strengthening the body, making it more resistant to fatig...

Ficus carica, the remedy that protects the stomach

Protects the stomach, liver and intestines, counteracts stomach acid, gastritis, reflux but also irritable colon, calming and healing in case of gastric ulcer, also acts against anxiety and neuralgia.

The buds of the fig tree, scientific name ficus carica from the Moraceae family, are the ingredient of a natural remedy that is truly beneficial for the health of our gastrointestinal system. We are talking about the glycerine macerate of ficus carica, which you can easily find in a pharmacy or herbalist's shop. But what are the properties of this remedy and for which ailments is it indicated? Let's try to understand better. Ficus carica glyceric macerate, properties for stomach and gut - Fic...

Reflux, how to counter it with lifestyle, nutrition and natural remedies

Remedies and tips to prevent or alleviate reflux-related symptoms. Licorice and olive leaves can become valid allies, but also probiotics and almonds.

Gastroesophageal reflux is a very common condition. For example, it is estimated that it can affect as many as 30% of the American population and that half of the world's adult population will have symptoms related to reflux at some point in their lifetime. Reflux can lead to pain, fatigue, a burning sensation that radiates from the stomach to the mouth, but also hoarseness, sore throat, asthma and chronic cough (Clarett et al, Mo Med, 2018 - Badillo et al, World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther, 2...

Tarocco blood oranges

Able to protect and strengthen the immune system by counteracting colds and coughs, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes and anti-cholesterol, protect the health of blood vessels and the brain from degeneration.

Among the different types of blood orange, the undisputed queen is certainly the tarocco blood orange, known and appreciated all over the world even though its origin is Italian, Sicilian in particular. Tarocco orange has a juicy and sweet pulp streaked with red. The red color is given by antioxidant substances, called anthocyanins, which are formed in the presence of particular climatic conditions, such as hot days and cold nights. Anthocyanins are present only in this type of oranges while the...

The treasures of the hive against viruses and bacteria

Royal jelly and propolis are characterized by an antiviral and antibacterial action, useful against sore throats, colds, sinusitis and in general against the infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract.

If the bee disappears from the surface of the Earth, man would have no more than four years left to live. This quote has been attributed for some time to the great physicist and Nobel Prize-winning Albert Einstein who, however, as it seems based on recent reconstructions, never said this sentence. In any case, this statement certainly gives a good idea of ??the importance of these small buzzing insects. Without bees, there would be a drastic drop in the production of fruit and vegetables and the...

Lactoferrin

Supports the immune system, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifungal action, counteracts candida, helps reduce the incidence of colds, gastroenteritis and viral infections.

Lactoferrin is a protein composed of about 700 amino acids and first identified in 1939 in cow's milk. However, lactoferrin is also very abundant in human milk and represents a protection for newborns against gastrointestinal infections. But that's not all. In fact, lactoferrin has an antibacterial and antiviral action and, for this reason, is the focus of numerous researches for its ability to strengthen human defenses against external threats, including, it seems, the infection caused by the n...

Food combinations and cooking methods, sweet peppers

Vitamins, mineral salts, proteins and antioxidants, peppers are a truly beneficial food for health, characterized by anticancer, anti-obesity, neuroprotective and diuretic properties as well as useful for bone health. Let's find out how to make them more digestible and what are the best cooking methods and food combinations to maximize their properties.

They can be of different colors, red, yellow or green, some are small and elongated, others larger and square, we are talking about sweet or bell peppers. Peppers bring joy to any dish but are also a precious source of healthy substances. First of all, they are characterized by a high antioxidant, anti aging, antitumor, anti diabetes and neuroprotective power. Peppers strengthen the immune system and contain vitamins, such as C, group B and P, provitamin A but also proteins and mineral salts (Ch...

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...

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...

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...

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...