Dear friends,
there is so much advice swirling around us in these unsettling times that I want to keep these tips really simple for you
- Drink plenty of water!
I keep a litre jug of water on the side, and know that I need to drink all of it at least once a day, in addition to my herbal teas.
Adding a few drops of lemon juice can help make it even more purifying to the body.
Or add a sprig of fresh rosemary, this infuses it with a lovely flavour, and rosemary is good for our mood and for our immune system.
Some useful herbs at this time include nettle and dandelion. Pukka’s Cleanse is a useful mix.
Or, wearing garden gloves, pick some fresh nettles, put them in a jug or teapot and pour on boiling water. Leave to steep for 5 minutes or so, add lemon juice or honey as you prefer, or leave it plain. The taste of fresh nettle tea is a revelation.
And when the dandelions appear in your garden, harvest their leaves for fresh tea, rather than uprooting them.
Another healthy weed is the splendidly sticky goosegrass – known as cleavers – this is Wonderful for your immune system.
Why not combine all three? (I love combining and layering flavours . . . )
2. Fresh Air!
Granted fresh air does not grant us immunity, but it DOES help our immune system.
Open all your windows at least once a day to really air your home.
Stand by an open window, or on your balcony or patio, and do some deep breathing.
Another lovely way to do some deep breathing is to SING! Well I would say that wouldn’t I, given that my Twitter handle is @TheSingingOsteo . . .
Whether you sign up to Gareth Malone’s The Great British Home Chorus, or sing along with your favourite songs on the radio, singing is a great way to aerate your body, and lift your mood 
As is dancing – that will get you breathing!
3. Keep clean!
Not only washing your hands with soap – the soap can actually break down the walls of the virus making it useless – but also remembering to clean the small things like:
- Light switches, including bathroom cords
- computer keyboards
phones – mobile or landline - taps
- toilet handles or press buttons
- kettle switches
- steering wheel
- car keys
- handles of saucepans, cutlery,
- cooking utensils
- hangers
- etc
Just ask yourself what you are touching during the day, and clean it
If you have very sensibly worn gloves when you are out shopping, or buying petrol – then if your gloves are washable (ie not latex or similar) remember to wash your gloves.
Also – wash your clothes at a higher temperature, at least 40 degrees. With towels, teatowels and bedlinen – and gloves – go for 60 degrees.
Dental hygiene is also really important – our mouths can hold a lot of bacteria, plus if dental care is limited at the moment, you need to take even better care of your pearlies.
AND – if you have had a bug, Covid-19 or otherwise:
CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
