Inmupec Defens

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a small shrub whose fruits (berries) are round-shaped, 3-11mm long and 3-5mm in diameter, and turn yellow to orange when ripe and persist during winter. They have got a large amount of vitamin C, polyphenols and carotenes. Traditionally fresh fruits, between 30 to 50 clean berries, are added to boiling water and left settle for approximately 30 minutes; then they are strained, allowed to cool down and can be sweetened with a little honey.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is a small plant belonging to the family of daisies. Its flowers are cone-shaped, very showy and pink, white or purple-coloured. They bloom between June and September. It has been traditionally used by native people in North America for the respiratory system in the form of teas of the aerial parts of this plant (either the leaves or the flowers), putting 3 to 4 parts in 1 litre of water and boiling it over a low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes; after allowing it to cool down for 15 minutes you can take it sweetened with honey or another sweetener.

Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a shrub full of branches with dense foliage found in temperate zones. Its fruits are black, blue-black or red berries (rarely yellow or white) with a high anthocyanoside content, and have traditionally been used for winter discomfort in the nose and throat. With the berries dried and cleaned add 2 tablespoons in about 400ml water, boil and then cook it slowly for 15 minutes; allow it to cool down for about 20 minutes, and serve a cup adding lemon juice with honey or cinnamon.

Useful recipes to say goodbye to colds this winter.