Winter, for many of us, means an onslaught of colds, coughs and various strains of the 'flu. We've brought together some time-honoured natural remedies to help you through these coldest months. However, before we start listing mother nature's remedies remember that most natural remedies do not have an immediate effect but rather build up your immune system against bacterial and viral attacks. Take, for example, your morning glass of freshly squeezed orange juice - not an instantaneous cure for sore throats or colds but certainly an excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts the body's defence mechanisms against such ailments. So think preventative as we read on . . .

Thyme, mint and eucalyptus for your cough
Sick of that tickly cough that lasts from the start of November to the beginning of spring? Now you get rid of it before it sets in by drinking a warming cup of herbal tea every evening. Not any old herbal tea, though. Go to your trusted herbalist and ask them to you make you up a bag with 40g of thyme, 40g of eucalyptus and 20g of mint. Infuse a spoonful of this magical mixture in boiling water and sip before going to bed.
For stubborn coughs try inhaling eucalyptus oil. Boil a desert spoon of eucalyptus in some water. Then pour the mixture into a bowl and inhale the fumes. You can concentrate the effect by putting a towel over your head (mind you don't get burned!) This is also a great way of cleaning blocked pores.

When your temperature rises reach for Echinacea
Friday evening comes and you begin to feel all hot and feverish. No, you're not in love - you've got a temperature. Start by drinking (water and juice - not wine!) as much as you can to clear out your system then make a hot cup of Echinacea tea using the same method as above. (You can also try drops of Echinacea tincture in some water as a symptomatic cure to colds and 'flu.) A high temperature often means your body needs urgent detoxing. Purify your system regularly with dandelion, artichoke and thyme.

Splutter . . . splutter . . . sniff
Runny nose? Sore throat? Reach for a bottle of propolis drops. 20 drops in a glass of water a few times a day should ease your symptoms and speed up recovery.

A frog in your throat
When hoarseness sets in take a leaf out of Pavarotti's book and take hedge mustard drops. This ancient remedy for hoarseness and sore throats is frequently used by singers - indeed the plant is known as 'singer's plant' in French. If you're prone to sore throats and want to keep them at bay you can take 30 drops twice daily after lunch and dinner. And, who knows, you may soon be topping the bill at La Scala.