Covid is back again and it is a worse strain that some of its predecessors. The symptoms of Covid include a dry cough, sore throat, feeling achey and tired, and lacking energy. You can’t cure it, but as with flu and colds, you can soothe symptoms.

Coughing at night

Dilute a teaspoonful of honey (preferably Manuka honey) in a glass of  warm water and have it by the bedside in case you start hacking in the night. If  it starts as soon as you lie down it’s a good idea to prop yourself up on pillows, which means you might get at least some sleep.  I always like to massage Vicks Rub into the chest area before going to sleep. It contains eucalyptus oil, but for a completely natural remedy a few drops of Eucalyptus or Olbas oil in a carrier oil (almond, calendula, etc.) has the same effect.

Steaming for blocked nose

You can’t beat steaming either – morning and night and even in between, but especially before you go to sleep.  If you put a few drops of essential oil, such as Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, or Olbas oil (a combination of essential oils) into a bowl of steaming hot water so much the better.  Cover your head with a towel and breathe in the pungent vapours. But be careful – if they are too strong it can be quite overpowering so start with a couple of drops and add more if necessary

Gargling for sore throats

When I was a child we gargled with TCP which was horrible!  Now I prefer something more natural – if you’ve got Himalayan salt crystals put a pinch in a glass of warm water. Or if you’re prepared for another strong taste a couple of drops of Tea Tree Oil in warm water works well on a sore throat/cough.

Echinacea Throat Spray is fantastic for soothing the throat and can be kept by the bed for topping up at night.

Dr Jen Tan of A. Vogel, recommends plenty of hydration with hot drinks and water, but avoiding mucus-forming milk.  He also endorses lemon and honey which can be mixed together and sipped, and plenty of Vitamin C.