Natural health: I'm struggling to get over a chest infection

Plus how to care for a cut from a rusty nail

Herbal infusions are often used to help stave off sugar cravings, a common side effect of low energy levels Picture: iStock

Fri, 15 May, 2026 - 02:00

Megan Sheppard

I picked up a chest infection while travelling recently. I’m taking the usual remedies, honey, ginger and garlic, but I can’t quite shake it off. I’m feeling tired and listless as a result. What would you recommend?

Honey, ginger, and garlic are a great place to start and will no doubt help manage your symptoms and support your immune system. You can also add thyme to this concoction, as it is strongly antiseptic due to the constituent thymol — it has long been used to treat respiratory infections, asthma, and hay fever.

Liquorice root is another simple remedy to help manage fatigue and lethargy after an illness. It contains glycosides that support adrenal health and address muscular fatigue, as well as natural cortisone, which is also nourishing for the adrenal glands.

To make a herbal infusion using dried liquorice root, add a teaspoon of the root per cup of water and steep for as long as you like. You can also re-infuse the same dried root three to four times throughout the day rather than making a fresh batch. This infusion is often used to help stave off sugar cravings, a common side effect of low energy levels. Note: liquorice supplements or large quantities of liquorice tea are not to be taken if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or heart disease.

Magnesium can supercharge your healing while you rest and sleep. This mineral helps muscle and nerve repair, and promotes relaxation and sleep. Subclinical levels of magnesium can be a contributing factor when it comes to physical and mental fatigue.

Zinc is an important mineral for immune health. You will need to take around 30mg daily for a week, then reduce the dosage to 15mg daily for maintenance and ongoing immune support.

Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum) are a delicious natural remedy for respiratory conditions and also support immunity. High in bioflavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C, they have three times the antioxidant activity of blueberries and have a specific action against allergens, helping to regulate the immune system.

I caught my hand on a rusty nail a few weeks ago. The cut is quite deep and is slow to heal. Is there anything I can do to speed up the healing process?

Two of my favourite topical remedies for wound healing are hypericum and calendula. Both of these medicinal herbs can be found in Viridian’s Organic Calendula and Hypericum Balm, €31.55 for a 60g pot.

Calendula is well-known as a soothing skincare ingredient; it also has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Topical application of calendula cream or balm can help to keep wounds clean, promote the growth of new tissue, and reduce inflammation.

Calendula is often recommended for slow wound healing. It promotes blood flow to the affected area while softening and soothing the skin. It also supports immune function, which helps to speed up the healing process and ward off infection.

Calendula is also frequently indicated for redness or tenderness around the wound or affected area. Since it promotes new tissue growth, it can help reduce scarring.

Other uses for calendula preparations include blisters, cold sores, insect bites, rashes, welts, burns, and bruises.

Hypericum is excellent for tissue regeneration and helps to prevent infection. Like calendula, it has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe skin irritations and reduce redness.

In addition to its antibacterial and antiviral properties, hypericum has mild analgesic properties, making it useful for alleviating pain from minor wounds. It also shows potential for managing mild neuralgia or nerve pain.

Internally, it is a good idea to supplement with both vitamin C and zinc, as these two nutrients are key to the wound-healing process, particularly when combined. Deficiency in vitamin C and/or zinc is often a factor in slow wound healing.