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Win the War
Against Cold and Flu
Article by herbalist
Dave
Hawkins, MH, CNC
It’s
that time of year again. The sneezing,
the coughing, it’s everywhere you turn.
Cold and flu season is upon us. We know
that colds and flu are not easy to avoid, but there are
steps you can take to minimize your chances of contracting
them. If you do become infected,
there
are several tried and true natural remedies to use for
symptom relief and to shorten the duration of your illness.
First of all, what is the
difference between a cold and the flu?
The influenza virus can cause a wide range of symptoms
including fever, muscle aches, headaches, cough, sore
throat and congestion. Typically the
common cold, which can be caused by one of over 200
viruses, isn’t as severe. Both cold and
flu can be transmitted by hand-to-hand contact but can also
travel through the air, particularly via coughs and
sneezes. So, while hand washing is
essential in preventing the spread of these germs, it may
not be enough. Your best defense
against these illnesses is a powerful immune system.
There are several ways to
boost a sluggish immune system.
You
should start with a good night’s rest, which for the
average person should get 6-8 hours of sleep per night.
During these hours, the body’s natural defenses are
at their peak. Stress, both
psychological and physiological, should be avoided when
possible. In times of stress, the brain
releases cortisol, a hormone that attaches to receptors on
the surface of white blood cells, one of the main
components of the immune system, and alters their
functionality. Also, avoid smoking,
sugar, and processed fats. A proper
diet is critical in maintaining optimal immune function.
An immuno-building diet
would include plenty of liquids, fruits and vegetables,
garlic, essential fatty acids, and yogurt.
But, what if you do begin
to feel the symptoms of cold and flu?
There are numerous folk remedies that come to mind. Vitamin
C has long been touted for the common cold.
Dr. Linus
Pauling, the father of vitamin
C research, recommends taking vitamin C at the onset of a
cold or flu; doses of 500 mg to 1000 mg every two hours.
This may seem like a lot and it is, but research
shows that vitamin C has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and
immunostimulant properties. At
this dosage level, however, some folks may experience
stomach upset and loose stool. If one
experiences these symptoms, it is recommended that they
begin with a lower dose and increase over a slower period
of time.
More recently research has
targeted the mineral zinc in the form of a zinc lozenge
that you dissolve in your mouth at the first onset of a
cold or flu. Zinc
aspartate is the form used and dosage is one 15 mg
tablet every four hours the first 3 days.
Zinc maintains a healthy immune system and promotes
thymic hormone activity.
With the use of zinc, the duration of the cold or
flu has been shown to decrease.
Because the cold and flu
virus implant at the throat site before moving into deeper
sites in the body, I use a throat spray that includes a
compound called beta 1-3 glucan.
This compound has been shown to increase the macrophage
activity of the immune system thus reducing the number of
potential pathogens.
I also use the herb elderberry extract
for the same purpose. Both substances have been thoroughly
researched and have been proven to be effective. Of course,
the use of Echinacea, which I hope you are all aware,
has
been very effective in treating and preventing the spread
of cold and flu.
Newly available in the
U.S. this cold season is a traditional South African
decoction of Pelargonium sidoides
– a geranium unique to the region.
Popularized as a “consumption cure” in England in the 19th
century, the remedy is sold under the brand name
Umcka.
Umcka has been proven in
clinical tests to relieve cold symptoms, reduce symptom
severity and shorten the duration of the illness.
It is available as a syrup or drop and can be used
safely by adults and children.
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