Got a frightful ailment? Channel your inner witch and brew up these quick and easy health spells
CHICKEN SOUP TO SOOTHE FRIGHTFUL SNIFFLES
Hideous cold left you feeling like the walking dead? Ease it with a bowl of soup. ‘Homemade chicken soup can boost the immune system and help fight off a viral infection quickly,’ says nutritional therapist Nat Hawes. ‘Chicken soup also helps to keep the body hydrated, which can speed up the healing process.’ Treat yourself to a steaming bowl every day until symptoms ease.
Beetroot for a wicked sex life
Want to raise a dead libido? Beetroot could help. Often used by athletes to improve performance, the nitric oxide found in the veg causes increased blood flow to the genitals. ‘Beetroot is also linked to libido as it contains the compound boron, which impacts our body’s use of oestrogen and testosterone, increasing sex drive,’ says nutritional therapist Alexa Mullane*.
Milk for when things go bump in the night
Thought that a warm, milky drink being good before bed was just a myth? It’s not. ‘Milk contains tryptophan – an essential building block in the production of serotonin and the sleep hormone melatonin,’ says Alexa. To help induce relaxation and sleepiness, try warm milk mixed with 1tsp organic raw cacao (of at least 85%), ¼tsp of nutmeg and 1tsp of honey before bed.
MUGWORT TO REGULATE HORMONE LEVELS
Often tied to the world of witches and potions, mugwort is believed to promote lucid dreams and keep evil spirits at bay. ‘But when taken as a supplement, it also helps digestion, increases circulation to warm up the uterus and pelvic region – which aids a smooth menstruation – and is thought to help regulate hormone levels,’ says Bayu. Try Naturalma Common Mugwort tincture (£15.99 for 120ml, amazon.co.uk) diluted in water.
Basil to relieve monstrous aches and pains
Also used in love potions, basil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with pain relief. ‘Ingesting a few fresh leaves of basil every day – in hot water to make basil tea or sprinkled on soups, salad or pizza – can have an anti-inflammatory effect, which means it’s good for joint pain and arthritis,’ says Alexa. Choose Thai basil, which contains more of the anti-inflammatory agent eugenol than other types.
A CASTOR OIL POULTICE TO EXORCISE TOXINS
As old as the hills, this is a cloth soaked in castor oil and applied to the body for joint pain, s
