Probably much like your household at this time of year, half our family's down at the moment with cold and flu type bugs. 

And although everyone wants a quick fix, sadly much of it’s about just riding it out, rest and fluids.

But it made me think about the ‘wellness’ era we’re living in at the moment and how many more tools we have in our arsenal these days.

I am, for example, a huge fan of essential oils, yet they're not everyone. I saw a story on the news the other day about the dangers of essential oils for some people despite their popularity.

Like all ‘lifestyle medicine’, it’s often dished out without any expertise, but because it’s regarded as ’natural’ we therefore assume it's perfectly fine and safe. 

But how much of what we’re peddled these days is actually effective? 

When I was growing up, my Grandad was a Homeopath. Way ahead of his time and regarded as a bit kooky, it's probably more acceptable these days. We were treated with homeopathic medicines until we were teenagers (and discovered Panadol existed). Even now, I keep Arnica at home for the kid’s bruises and scrapes.

But the ‘wellbeing’ industry these days is massive - it’s extremely lucrative and awash with participants. 

Some say it preys on our increasing paranoia to live glowing healthy long lives 'from the inside out'. 

It offers us everything from essential oils, to vitamins, to fad diets to supplements, to keep ourselves fit and fabulous. 

And I don’t see anything wrong with that, if you’re into it, but it doesn’t always work. 

Often the advice is dished out by pseudo-experts or Instagram influencers with no real science behind it at all.  And while your Keto diet, Ice baths, fasting and Bullet coffees looks amazing and may work wonders for you, it might be the worst thing for someone else. 

But lifestyle gurus are powerful marketing machines, slick and convincing, and the products seem alluring and easily accessible. No appointments or prescriptions needed here, nice and easy. And the ultimate buzzword - "natural".

I’m a big believer in the holistic approach – I love my essential oils, natural supplements and herbal remedies. But I do accept they work in conjunction with, and alongside conventional medicine, not instead of.

As one cardiothoracic surgeon said, “lifestyle medicine is just one tool in the battle against disease”. So while I won't stop diffusing eucalyptus oil for colds, I also appreciate that all of that goes hand in hand with conventional medicine when needed.

The modern day magical healers are awesome, but I’m always going to put the advice of trained medical specialists, to the forefront. And if my kids have a headache, I'm going for Panadol over a cold flannel, every time.