Grannies are good at making concoctions to stave off colds. This recipe is an up-to-date version of 'lemon and honey' and good at tackling dastardly 'man flu'.

Honey has been used by humans for thousands of years. Descriptions of its medicinal use are found in the Qur’an and the Bible, as well as in texts by Hippocrates, the Greek physician credited with devising the Hippocratic Oath and considered one of the fathers of early medicine.

It is believed that the prophet Muhammad taught the people how to make kefir in the Caucasus mountains. In the early part of the 20th century, the Russian immunologist and Nobel Prize winner for his work on immunity, Dr. Ilya Ilyich Metchnikoff, became interested in learning about the causes of the exceptional longevity of the people in this region. He came to the conclusion that soured milk, including milk kefir, was one of the keys to longevity and well-being. In recent times, it has come back into vogue and is a fabulous probiotic that supports immunity.

Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain (particularly in the core), which may help reduce pain, boost immunity and lower inflammation. Citrus is packed full of vitamin C, and ginger and turmeric reduce inflammation and congestion. Cloves have a cooling effect on the throat and fiery horseradish can help clear sinus passages and alleviate mucus build-up. Oatmeal has immune-boosting copper, iron, selenium, zinc, fibre, and protein, and elderberry seems to have a good effect against viruses.