Belvoir has bottled the ultimate cold-fighting combination in its new cordial. Blossom honey, pressed lemon juice and ginger combine to soothe sore throats, boost the immune system with vitamin C and help unblock noses. Mixed with hot water it’s like a cuddle in a cup.

Belvoir Honey, Lemon & Ginger Cordial, £3.84

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Protect yourself from colds and flu
How to ward off winter sniffles
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Ruby-red rosehips are a natural source of vitamins A, C, D and E (as our mothers and grandmothers knew) so if cold season is wiping out co-workers it’s wise to dose up on rosehip syrup. A spoonful of the sweet stuff mixed with hot water will do the trick and if you’ve already succumbed to the sniffles then it’ll soothe your sore throat.

Atkins & Potts Classic Rosehip Syrup, £3.79, Lakeland

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Protect yourself from colds and flu
How to ward off winter sniffles
Help yourself to healthier drinks

Ginger’s piquancy means that, like chilli, it naturally clears the sinuses. Bottlegreen has combined the root’s decongestant properties with lemongrass’s exotic fragrance in its cordial. Drink in hot water and instantly be transported somewhere tropical.

Bottlegreen Ginger & Lemongrass Cordial, £3.15, Waitrose

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Protect yourself from colds and flu
How to ward off winter sniffles
Help yourself to healthier drinks

Thanks to its antibacterial properties, rosemary is thought to be a natural decongestant. If your nose is well and truly bunged, either infuse a bowl of hot water with some sprigs and inhale or put two teaspoons of the dried flower tops (the part of the plant containing the most antioxidants) in a mug of hot water and leave for 20 minutes before drinking.  

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Protect yourself from colds and flu
How to ward off winter sniffles
Help yourself to healthier drinks

If the lurgy’s well and truly taken hold and you’re feeling sorry for yourself, a hot toddy’s got to be the ultimate pick-me-up. It’s traditionally brewed by mixing sugar, honey and boiling water with a generous splash of whisky, although warming spices like cloves and cinnamon are common additions. Whether it’s the honey’s sticky sweetness that relieves your sore throat or the alcohol that knocks you out, it’s guaranteed to send you to sleep feeling decidedly more mellow. 

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Protect yourself from colds and flu
How to ward off winter sniffles
Help yourself to healthier drinks