Boost a young immune system (The Sunday Times, 19 February 2006)

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Whenever my three-year-old son gets a cold, he suffers from a high temperature and is sick for 24 hours. This happens each time he goes back to school after the holidays. Is there anything I could put in his milk to help boost his immune system?



A. All manner of goodies go into my son’s rice milk or smoothies throughout the year, including omega oils, a powdered multivitamin for children and, for an extra boost, a probiotic. In the winter months, I always add half a teaspoon of a formula containing either pure elderberries or echinacea and elderberry in glycerine. Elderberries have traditionally been used to strengthen immunity and reduce flu symptoms, and are particularly helpful for those with more vulnerable immune systems, such as children and the elderly. Echinacea has active compounds that can reinforce the body’s defence mechanism, and is well known for its ability to accelerate recovery from infections. It’s a safe and delicious formula — glycerine is sweet, which, as parents will know, is an important consideration. Granary Herbs’ non-alcoholic elderberry and echinacea formula costs £8.50 for 100ml; the elderberry formula (also non-alcoholic) costs £7.50 for 100ml. As this is a cottage industry, it is probably most convenient to order at www.granaryherbs.co.uk. However, telephone orders can be made between 5pm and 7pm (01622 737314).





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