Summer means sun, sea, sand and sniffles

Despite colds usually being associated with the dark, chilly days of winter, they can just as easily strike in the sun. There are over 200 types of virus’ which can cause a cold, making it the most commonly suffered illness worldwide. So wherever your holiday destination may be this year, you could find yourself sneezing and with a sore throat.

There are a few factors which may increase your risk of getting the summer sniffles:

• Cabin Fever – The confined space of an aircraft provides the ideal environment for transmitting airborne diseases, such as the common cold. Some of your fellow passengers may already have a cold, which can easily be spread by the re-circulated air. According to the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University, experiments on exposing uninfected people to the common cold infection have shown that the chances of catching a cold are directly related to the length of exposure - making it more likely to catch a cold on your way to Oz, rather than a short haul hop to Europe.

• Air conditioning not so cool –The lining of the nose is coated with a layer of mucus which protects against infection. As air conditioning extracts moisture from the air, this can cause drying of the mucus making people more susceptible to infection. So whilst away enjoy the great outdoors on the beach or countryside, to reduce your risk of exposure.

• Foreign Countries Bring Foreign Germs – It is likely that we have already been exposed to the majority of common cold viruses at home, however whilst abroad we may be subjected to a host of new viruses which we have no immunity to.

• Stress! – Holidays should be a time for relaxation and fun, however unfortunately they can be a source of stress - from completing your workload before you go away, to booking travel insurance and squeezing in that last minute packing. Stress can lower our resistance to infection by suppressing the immune system, so try to stay relaxed and focus on your amazing holiday ahead of you.

Duchy Originals has launched Duchy Herbals Echina-Relief Tincture*, a traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve the symptoms of the common cold and flu, exclusively based on long standing use as a traditional remedy.

Duchy Herbals Echina-Relief Tincture* is made using Echinacea which has a long standing tradition of use as a herbal remedy. The product uses Echinacea specially grown for use in herbals remedies and is harvested when the plant is at its peak condition. Each batch of the Echinacea plant used in Echina-Relief is extensively tested to ensure it is of the highest possible quality. It comes in a traditional liquid tincture format, rather than a tablet, making it much easier to take. The tincture is made to pharmaceutical quality and specific safety standards.

For more information on the Duchy Herbals range visit: nelsonshomeopathy.com

* Always read the label.