While working on this article, the weather has suddenly changed from being pleasantly mild to considerably chilly. In these circumstances the chance of infection caused by viruses is greatly increased

Unfortunately, many people forget to adapt their clothing to suit such weather by changing to woollen or cotton garments. Natural materials are always preferable to artificial fibres. People should particularly beware of draughts during a sudden change of temperature. In fact, draughts are often more damaging to the health than a sudden drop of temperature itself.

It is also important to obtain sufficient rest, sleep and relaxation. When the body has become chilled, or when you have been out in the rain or snow, take a hot bath to get the circulation going again and so raise the body temperature.

When suffering from a cold, try at all times to keep the nasal passages clear so that you can continue to breathe through your nose. Steam inhalation with the addition of some essential oils such as Vogel’s PoHo oil has a soothing effect on an inflamed respiratory tract and will aid breathing.

Try to keep your diet very light. One rarely feels like eating heavy meals when feeling congested. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, especially fruit juices that are rich in vitamin C. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and, at such times, I would also advise taking a natural vitamin C supplement made from fruit.

The first thing that I would recommend in cases of a common cold is usually Alfred Vogel’s marvellous remedy Echinaforce. I could fill volumes on the remedial properties of this tincture and it must be the one I have prescribed more than any other during nearly 40 years of practice.

In cases of flu, cold, bronchitis and many other types of infection, Echinaforce provides a tremendous boost to the immune system. Many studies have shown that Echinaforce enhances the body’s natural reserves.

Over the years Professor H. Wagner at the University of Munich has spent an enormous amount of time and energy researching the properties of Echinacea. Although research is still on-going, modern science has provided us with enough knowledge to help us understand this wonderful herb, which can be of the greatest help in cases of infections – bacterial, viral and fungal.

My suggestion that Echinaforce tincture should be taken immediately in cases of a common cold is based on many years of experience seeing how it has helped so many of my patients.