A pinch of turmeric to fight the cold News

AS and in fact more of a soft wool sweater, a warm-up you can also take advantage of the properties of some spices. And not just because you put in the cup in the form of herbal tea boiling. Some of the herbs and spices, in fact, have a real power and heating to help us even to ‘equip’ the immune system against the influenza virus. You can take in the form of decoctions and infusions, but also to prepare mouthwashes, hath gathered them, or a mix to put in the bath. " Ginger, cinnamon, turmeric (curcuma) , but also the nails of the clove and thyme - explain Fabio Firenzuoli , head of the centre for research and innovation in herbal medicine, and integrated medicine (Cerfit) of the azienda ospedaliero-universitaria Careggi, Florence - contain substances heating that have an action vasodilating and facilitate thermogenesis, i.e. the production and conservation of heat by the body". These spices are a rich source of molecules that stimulate the production of phlegm more fluid and carry out an action balsamic, anti-bacterial or anti-inflammatory.

Among the most studied in recent years, there is the turmeric , also known as the ‘saffron of the poor’. A study conducted by researchers at Oregon State University and published in the Journal of Nutrition Biochemistry, has shown that it is able to strengthen the immune system protecting our body from infections. The rhizome of turmeric also contains substances with anti-inflammatory effect that work especially when there is a chronic disease, such as, for example, the rheumatic pains which this season are more frequent because of the severe temperatures and humidity. "Curcumin has a low bioavailability, that is, at the level of hepatic and intestinal is transformed into substances which have a biological activity of the most bland," warns Valeria Severe , a biologist and nutritionist who Cerfit. "Therefore, in order to enhance the absorption, we recommend that you take it together with the black pepper maybe on dishes of meat and fish or you can add to the milk, grapefruit juice, and pineapple or place it in a meal with fatty dressing like olive oil or dairy products such as yogurt". Among the spices to the thermal effect, there is a ginger-rich gingerolo and other substances with a strong anti-inflammatory action. Against the common cold "is particularly useful - continue Firenzuoli - to relieve the symptoms of cold, cough or bronchitis . If you add it fresh in a centrifuged fruit and vegetables has an anti-inflammatory effect very marked. Alternatively, you can add the milk to the boil to get a drink very pleasant, slightly pungent". But also some herbs in our house can come in handy. As the Thyme - vulgaris considered to be the 'prince' of the remedies for the evils of the season: "Thanks to its active ingredient, thymol, and tannin which it contains," explains Matt - the thymus plays an antiviral action and is used for its balsamic properties, and as a soothing cough. Also relieves the symptoms of the common cold and for this reason it can be nice to use it for a hot bath".

you Must prepare a mixture by boiling 20 grams of dried thyme that you leave in infusion for 10 minutes. Then, a tablespoon of almond oil or jojoba oil add a drop of essential oil of thyme, mix well and then pour everything into the bath. And then there are the cloves : "The essential oil continues, Severe - notably, it contains eugenol, a compound that has a high power of anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects against bacteria and fungi. In particular, various studies have shown the bactericidal activity against Streptococcus pneumonie, one of the main bacteria that cause pneumonia". Same properties for oregano: "it has been scientifically proven - ends Firenzuoli - that this spice has an antibacterial effect against germs become resistant to antibiotics, but only if used in the form of fluid extract or in capsules prepared in the pharmacy."

"The Republic will fight always in defense of the freedom of information, to its readers and to all those who have at heart the principles of democracy and civil coexistence"

Carlo Verdelli SUBSCRIBERS TO REPUBLIC © Reproduction reserved Today on The government now bale Count challenge Renzi and seeks to replace technical Tests of crisis “Immediately distrust Bonafede”. And Matteo Renzi suggests Gualtieri or Dragons premier The wrath of Zingaretti, about the former secretary Pd: “Want to make as Read, stop him” We are here, majesty!