An increasing number of people with flu, colds, coughs, asthma and sinus and chest infections are now visiting the clinic.

Older folk and children are most susceptible to chest infections but smokers and people suffering from asthma, diabetes and heart disease are also at higher risk of developing infections, as are people recovering from operations and other illnesses and those suffering from depression, stress and fatigue.

Sore throats, coughs, headaches and fevers are common symptoms of respiratory infections which can be helped by natural treatment.

How can we boost our immunity to try and prevent infection?

Firstly, keep warm and try to avoid exposure to cold if you are susceptible to chest infections in winter.

Secondly, make sure you take a good brand of multivitamin with B-complex and minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium and copper to build and maintain strong body tissues and blood cells.

Eat fresh yellow and red fruits and vegetables such as carrots and tomatoes because they contain antioxidants such as beta carotene and lycopenes which cleanse the body of toxins.

The pulp of Indian gooseberry (amla) is the richest source of natural, stable vitamin C and comes in the form of standardised extract in vegetarian capsules or as a herbal mix called Chyavanprash.

It is a well-established ayurvedic medicine for building immunity and preventing and treating infections.

Chyavanprash is my favourite herbal spread as it can be eaten off the spoon or on toast, crackers or rice cakes.

Made from Indian gooseberry pulp and 44 other herbs, it has a delicious citrus and spicy taste and can be safely taken by children who like it mixed in water and fruit juice.

Many of our patients who take it regularly in winter have found it has reduced the frequency or severity of infections.

The original formula was developed by an ancient Indian physician called Chyavan to treat chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis and as a general tonic.

Another effective herbal remedy is a mixture of long pepper, ginger, black pepper and bamboo gum called Sitopaladi.

This helps coughs, colds, wheezy chests, sore throats and sinus congestion.

One teaspoon of Chyavanprash herbal spread twice a day and half a teaspoon of sitopaladi mixed in honey forms an effective treatment.

Honey itself is a natural antiseptic and soothes the throat.

Fresh root ginger steeped in a pot of hot water with a teaspoon of honey and a dash of lemon or fruit juice makes a soothing and refreshing drink for those with colds, coughs, sinusitis and headaches.

The herbal formulations mentioned above are available from the clinic.