by Brendon Groves | 08/05/2019 at 6:26am | Autumn, Colds & Flu, Winter
Chicken Soup for the Immune System
Chicken soup has long a history as a remedy for symptom relief for upper respiratory tract infections like colds and flu. Scientific research confirms that chicken soup has a mild anti-inflammatory effect which is thought to provide a symptomatic relief in these upper respiratory tract infections. ref. Studies show that chicken soup contains properties that can help break down congestion.
Here is a recipe for chicken soup for cold and flu
Ingredients
1 whole chicken
10 garlic cloves
3 bunches of parsley
1 bunch coriander
1 tsp rosemary
1 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp of fresh ginger
1 tbsp lemon
1 tsp mint leaves
1 tsp curry powder
5 carrots
5 celery stems
Directions
Add all ingredients into pot, cover with water, bring to the boil and then simmer for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Sip the fluid only – 3 bowls per day. Cleans up congestion in a day. You may wish to use a pressure cooker to reduce the cooking time. The rest of the family can have the chicken and vegetables.
Precaution
Any persistent cough, accompanied by a headache or fever and/or has yellow or green mucus should be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner. One precaution I have read is regarding the honey: do not give honey to children under 1 year of age unless it is pasteurised or boiled for five minutes. I would not give this mixture to a young child. If a child has a persistent cough, they should see a doctor.
Are you inspired and feeling passionate about this post?
Let me know. I would love to hear from you. Contact us Furthermore, if you think of a friend or someone special that you would like to read this story… feel free to share it with them.
In wisdom and good health
Brendon.
Phone: 0409 278 320
Written by: Brendon Groves Clinical Naturopathic Practitioner and Founder of Groves Naturopathics
by Brendon Groves | 08/05/2019 at 4:00am | Autumn, Winter
Oats A Great Prebiotic
The benefits of Oats. Apart from the great taste, this healthy grain is an effective prebiotic, which means it supports your microbiome. As a result, oats increase healthy gut bacteria. It contains high amounts of beta-glucan fibre and some resistant starch. Also, some studies show oats may improve your blood sugar control. ref.
Recipe for Porridge
In a saucepan add 50g of rolled oats and 350ml of water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring regularly. Be careful not to let the porridge stick to the bottom of the pan. Pour in a bowl aloud to cool.
Spice up your porridge with a topping mix:
- Add a heaped tablespoon of linseed meal
- 1/2 tablespoon sunflower seeds
- 1/3 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1/2 grated apple
- Or just add some berries
Serve with choice of milk, diary free if required.
Are you inspired and feeling passionate about this post?
Let me know. I would love to hear from you. Contact us Furthermore, if you think of a friend or someone special that you would like to read this story… feel free to share it with them.
In wisdom and good health
Brendon.
Phone: 0409 278 320
Written by: Brendon Groves Clinical Naturopathic Practitioner and Founder of Groves Naturopathics
by Brendon Groves | 05/05/2019 at 8:38am | Autumn, Colds & Flu, Winter
Boost Your Immune System When You Need It.
The Ganoderma lucidum, common name reishi mushroom is hard when dried. It boosts the immune system in viral and bacterial infections. So to make a tea, you need to either use an infusion or a decoction method. A decoction is used to extract active ingredients out of hard substances like died mushrooms. The heat forces the plant material to release the active ingredients. In this case, immune modulation substances that are anti-viral, antibacterial, expectorant, and it anti-allergic.
Ingredients
5 grams of dried organic Reishi mushrooms slices
5 cups of water
Dosage
Daily recommended 1 tsp 1-2 times per day for prevention
Daily recommended 1 tsp every 2 hours for sore throats
I am happy to talk to you, text me and I will call back if you are unsure of what dosage to take.
Directions
Use the slices directly, or you can grind them in a coffee grinder or blender. The smaller the pieces the more active ingredients will be extracted in the decoction. In a pot bring the water to a boil, add the reishi mushroom slices or powder. Reduce the heat until simmering. Let it simmer for 30-45 minutes. Remove from the heat, strain, allow to cool a little. It tastes bitter. Don’t say you don’t like it. It’s good for you. If you need to change the taste add a bit of Manuka honey.
Tea Cautions
Not to be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not to be used in children under two years of age without medical advice. Allergy response is rare but can happen. Do Not take if on immune-suppressing drugs (kidneys, heart, lung transplants) it always wise to check with your health care provider. Any persistent cough, accompanied by a headache or fever and or has yellow or green mucus should be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner. I would not give this mixture to a young child. If a child has a persistent cough, they should see a doctor.
Are you inspired and feeling passionate about this tea?
Let me know. I would love to hear from you. Furthermore, if you think of a friend or someone special that you would like to read this story… feel free to share it with them. It might be the change they are looking for. Ultimately, my goal is to provide you with the knowledge to make an informed decision on the way to best support your health goals.
If there are any aspects of your diet or health, you would like to discuss or clarify. Contact us through this website or if it is of a more private nature contact me directly.
In wisdom and good health
Brendon.
Phone: 0409 278 320
Written by: Brendon Groves Clinical Naturopathic Practitioner and Founder of Groves Naturopathics
by Brendon Groves | 29/04/2019 at 4:15am | Autumn, Colds & Flu, Winter
A Remedy for Sore Throats.
The use of raw onion dates back to the 1500s where it was used to reduce symptoms of colds, flu and other mild respiratory conditions. More specifically runny nose, sore throat, congestion, mucus and coughs. Due to compounds found in onions called flavonoids and organosulfur. As a result, onions are a great way to manage these mild respiratory conditions. This onion cough mixture may help to soothe a sore throat.
Ingredients
1 Onion
4 tablespoons Honey
4 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions
Finely chop the onion into small pieces, placed into a clean jar and cover with 4 tablespoons of honey, good antibacterial honey like Manuka Honey or Active Jelly-bush honey. Leave this mixture to stand for 3 to 4 hours and then add 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, mix thoroughly.
Dosage
Take 1 teaspoon of the mixture as required for cough. For those you prefer it a little stronger, you can add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the mixture and if you want to take a step further add a pinch of cayenne pepper, remember to mix it in.
Caution
Any persistent cough, accompanied by a headache or fever and/or has yellow or green mucus should be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner. One precaution I have read is regarding the honey: do not give honey to children under 1 year of age unless it is pasteurised or boiled for five minutes. I would not give this mixture to a young child. If a child has a persistent cough, they should see a doctor.
Are you inspired and feeling passionate about this post?
Let me know. I would love to hear from you. Contact us Furthermore, if you think of a friend or someone special that you would like to read this story… feel free to share it with them.
In wisdom and good health
Brendon.
Phone: 0409 278 320
Written by: Brendon Groves Clinical Naturopathic Practitioner and Founder of Groves Naturopathics
by Brendon Groves | 05/04/2019 at 6:02am | Autumn, Colds & Flu, Winter
What most people do.
Generally, for the majority, every winter when we get sick we vow to do the right thing and be better prepared for next year. So, let’s take action and protect you and your family from colds and flu. You have enough time before winter gets here.
Why should you prepare?
It takes time for your immune system to build up reserves in readiness for the new strains of viruses. And it turns out that prevention is better than cure. A healthy immune defence can:
- Reduce your risk of getting sick.
- Reduces the severity of your cold and flu symptoms if you catch one.
- And can help to speed up your recovery.
Before you know it winter will be here
As soon as you hear the frequent sniffling and coughing around you, your immune system is working hard behind the scenes to fend off those bugs. Catching the cold and flu tend to be synonymous with being run down, stress and a reduction in air temperature. You may find yourself yet again suffering with cold and flu symptoms. It does not have to be that way this time.
How to protect yourself and your family?
What Supplements can I use to prevent and treat symptoms?
Studies show that Natural Medicines can prevent, treat and shortening the time it takes to get over a colds and flu. They can boost your immune system as well as provide a direct defence against the infection.
- Zinc: adequate levels of zinc inhibit the cold and flu viruses.
- Vitamin C: Enhances the activity of your immune fighting white blood cells. Also reducing severity and duration of symptoms.
- Vitamin D: It acts as inflammatory and also helps to build your immune system if it’s low.
- Probiotics have been scientifically proven to enhance immune responses. Due to their ability to providing healthy gut immunity, one of the best defences against inhaled and ingested pathogens.
- Andrographis is a powerful herb that stimulates the body’s natural immune response, and significantly reduces the duration of colds. It can be used as a preventive and very effective for acute treatment as soon as you get cold symptoms.
What the heck I have to change my lifestyle and diet.
Yes, once you get into it, it will become the second nature to you. Here are my recommendations to improve your resistance and support recovery from colds and flu:
- Rest is best. Have a good night sleep, give your body a chance to recuperate
- Eat warm, nourishing foods like homemade chicken and vegetable soup.
- Drink plenty of water and keep yourself well hydrated, especially if you don’t have an appetite.
- Introduce foods such as garlic, ginger, onion and chilli to help warm you up and reduce inflammation and fight off illness.
Be Prepared
Make sure you are prepared this cold and flu season and have your immune first aid kit ready. In most cases, cold and flu can last up to 7-10 days. It would be wise to have a:
- Prevention Plan (supplements take the recommended dose on the label)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D (if you are deficient)
- Zinc
- Eat warming foods
- Schedule in your rest and downtime.
- Drink 2 litres room temperature water per day.
- Reduce your stress, ask for help in those areas.
- Treatment Plan A (supplements take the recommended dose on the label)
- Andrographis
- Zinc
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Probiotics
- Rest a lot
- Keep hydrated 2-3 litres room temperature water per day
- Eat soups and stews as they are easy to digest
- Eliminate mucus forming foods.
- Treatment Plan B
- If symptoms persist and you are not getting better see your doctor.
Caution a cold and flu can get nasty.
If a persistent cough, accompanied by a headache or fever, a healthcare care professional should evaluate any cough which is productive or yellow or green mucus. You don’t want to end up with pneumonia.
Child with cold and Flu
Precaution: a child with a cough, and fever that spikes at 38.5°C you need to have a plan to manage the temperature, a high fever can quickly turn into a febrile convulsion. Seek medical help if you have any doubts about your child’s well-being, see your doctor as soon as possible. If your baby is under three months and has a fever above 38°C, see a doctor even if there are no other symptoms.
If your child has problems with breathing take them to the hospital immediately or call an ambulance.
Are you inspired and feeling passionate about this article?
Let me know. I would love to hear from you. Furthermore, if you think of a friend or someone special that you would like to read this story… feel free to share it with them. It might be the change they are looking for. Ultimately, my goal is to provide you with the knowledge to make an informed decision on the way to best support your health goals.
If there are any aspects of your diet or health, you would like to discuss or clarify. Contact us through this website or if it is of a more private nature contact me directly.
In wisdom and good health
Brendon.
Phone: 0409 278 320
Written by: Brendon Groves Clinical Naturopathic Practitioner and Founder of Groves Naturopathics
by Brendon Groves | 04/04/2019 at 1:53pm | Autumn, Colds & Flu
Can the Sun make you well?
One thing is for sure in winter you are going to get less sunshine no matter where you live on the planet, unless it’s on the equator. There is a vitamin that you can make. Yet, it depends on whether you get enough sun exposure to the surface of your skin. You should be getting sunlight on your face and arms in the morning and afternoon for 10-15 minutes per day. As a result, your skin cells produce vitamin D which can boost your immune system.
How can vitamin D help my immunity?
Vitamin D helps boost your immunity and reduces your chance of ending up in bed feeling sick. It acts as:
- An inflammatory.
- An immune modulator. As a result, it helps build your immune system if it’s low and helps to balance the immune response if it is high like in autoimmune disease.
Is there evidence to back up vitamin D?
Yes, studies show that vitamin D is particularly useful with individuals who are vitamin D deficient, Ref., and it reducers:
- The severity of cold or flu.
- The risk against acute respiratory tract infection.
Should you test your vitamin D levels before taking the supplement?
Appsolultly, a blood test will confirm whether or not you will benefit from taking vitamin D. If you are deficient you are more susceptible to the cold and flu. It would be wise to see a health care professional. So they can run some tests including vitamin D and recommend the correct dosage for you.
Why cold and flu prevention is a passion for me
In the same way, as some of you have experienced health setbacks, I too have had the flu get nasty. On one occasion, I had a busy work schedule, and I was building a house. My immune system struggled to cope with the almost constant stress. I ended up catching the flu which stopped me in my tracks.
When I saw the doctor, the test results confirmed I had caught pneumonia. Consequently, with the doctor’s treatment and my natural medicine knowledge, I returned to my old self again. I don’t wish that upon anyone. It was one of the most debilitating health conditions I have ever experienced.
After reading this article are you…?
Are you inspired and feeling passionate about this article? Let me know. I would love to hear from you. Furthermore, if you think of a friend or someone special that you would like to read this story… feel free to share it with them. It might be the change they are looking for. Ultimately, my goal is to provide you with the knowledge to make an informed decision on the way to best support your health goals.
If there are any aspects of your diet or health, you would like to discuss or clarify. Contact us through this website or if it is of a more private nature contact me directly.
In wisdom and good health
Brendon.
Phone: 0409 278 320
Written by: Brendon Groves Clinical Naturopathic Practitioner and Founder of Groves Naturopathics
