With the flu bug all around us, you probably know a family member, friend or neighbour who had the flu recently. You may even be recovering from a bout of illness!  Throw in the haze and the situation at clinics gets even worse, with people complaining of coughs and sore throats.

With September holidays just around the corner and the year-end exams not too far away, you can't afford to have an illness in the family - regular flu, H1N1 or other pesky bugs. Many rely on traditional Asian tonics and herbs to stay healthy but if you have a fussy child, you may have experienced problems getting them to try these.

Help is at hand! Check out these recipes to help boost your immune system - they're easy to prepare and kids will love them.

Anti-flu Cocktail - for Kids
4 Carrots
2 Cucumbers
1 Celery stalk
1 Lemon
1 Orange
1/2 Grapefruit
Slice, peel and discard the rinds and seeds of the lemon, orange and grapefruit. Keep the white pith (soft underside beneath the peel) as they are a good source of bioflavonoids, which work with other antioxidants to offer a system of protection (Numerous studies have shown their unique role in protecting vitamin C from oxidation in the body, thereby allowing the body to reap more benefits from vitamin C). Peel carrots and cucumbers, and feed all pieces of fruit and vegetables into a fruit juicer. Drop in an ice-cube or two and enjoy!

Anti-flu Tonic - for Adults
Note: While a great source of rich enzymes and antioxidants, some kids may not take to the stronger flavour of this version, due to the addition of ginger. Ginger is known for numerous health benefits including lowering of cholesterol, relief from headaches and soothing of common cold symptoms and respiratory infections.

3 Green apples – peel and discard core
1 Lemon – peel and discard seeds but keep the white pith
1 Ginger – thumb size, peel and discard skin
1 Green Pepper – clean and discard seeds

Cranberry-Orange Muffins
Packed full of antioxidants and infection crime-busters, these are a great treat for breakfast and snacktime!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups pastry flour
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 egg
3/4 cup skim milk
1/2 cup orange juice
1/3 cup canola oil, soyabean oil or other transfat-free oil, melted
4 T (1/4 cup) chopped cranberries
Butter for coating muffin tin

Preheat oven to 205 degrees Celcius. Spread some butter on the inside of a muffin tin or use muffin cases. Mix together the flour, walnuts, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. In another bowl, combine egg, milk, juice and oil.  Add the liquid and cranberries into the first bowl and stir well. Spoon the batter into muffin tins, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Do you have other Anti-Flu recipes to share? Do let us know!
Also look out for Anti-Flu Recipes from the Asian Kitchen - coming your way soon.