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| Category: Home Remedy Cures |
Date published: July 14, 2004 |
Natural Remedies for Cold & Flu Season
by Arianni Masters, Ph.D., N.D.
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory. The flu, more properly known as influenza, effects both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Both are caused by the same viruses of which there are 200 known strains. These are spread by inhaling droplets coughed or sneezed by other, or by direct hand-to-hand contact with sufferers. We are all constantly exposed to many of these viruses, yet the majority of us only experience the discomfort of getting sick, once or twice a year. This typically happens when we have a decrease in our immune function. That is why "getting sick" always happens when we are stressed. You will hear people say, "I don't have time to be sick, I have too much to do!" You will also find that getting a cold or the flu once in awhile is actually good for your immune system. It forces your immune system to work hard and therefore become stronger.
Maintaining a healthy immune system is the primary way to protect yourself against getting an excessive number of colds or influenza. Some people seem to get sick every time a virus "goes around." If you catch yourself getting sick more than once or twice a year, it may be indicative of a weak immune system. Staying healthy is important and yet when we get sick we want to make sure that it is for the shortest time period possible.
Don't confuse the flu (a viral respiratory illness with high fever, chills, prostration, muscle aches, dry cough and headache) with colds (runny nose and mild fever).
Here are a few suggestions for improving your immune system and dealing with the cold or flu when it comes.
Prevention (Building up your immune system):
1) To homeopathically prevent an attack of influenza, take: INFLUENZIUM 30 C, three pellets a week from October to April. This treatment isn't a vaccine but it works in a similar way.
2) The mind and emotions have a tremendous impact on immune function. Stress depresses your immune function. So, learn healthy ways to deal with stress such as: meditation, breathing exercises, guided imagery, listening to relaxing music, get a massage or other body work, if possible removing the stressful situation.
3) Nutrient deficiency is the most common cause of low immune function. So, eat healthy. Stay away from "fast foods." Limit your intake of sugar. Too much sugar in the diet leads to lowered white blood cell activity. Alcohol consumption also apparently inhibits white blood cell activity. Make sure you are drinking enough water each day.
4) Exercise can build your immune function. This doesn't need to be vigorous, just a walking in the evenings, doing yoga or tai chi can be greatly beneficial to your health.
5) Key nutrients for supplementation to support the immune system are: vitamin A, carotenes, vitamin C, vitamin E, B-Complex vitamins, iron, zinc, and selenium.
6) The herbs Echinacea and astragalus exert broad-spectrum positive effects on immune function.
Dealing with a Cold or Flu:
1) Homeopathy:
a. At the slightest sign of a cold, take: INFLUENZIUM 30 C, one unit-dose tube as soon as symptoms occur. Then, alternate ACONITUM NAPELLUS 9 C with BRYONIA ALBA 9 C, three pellets of each three times a day. If you have acute symptoms, you may take it more often at first. See a homeopathic doctor for further information.
b. For recurring colds, check with a homeopathic doctor. While waiting, take: NATRUM MURIATICUM 9 C, three pellets three times a day.
c. If the cold is well-established, take three pellets of one of the following remedies three times a day, according to symptoms: ALLIUM CEPA 9 C - for clear, watery nasal discharge. HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS 9 C - for nasal discharge of lumpy yellow mucus. KALI BICHROMICUM 9 C - for greenish-yellow nasal discharge or for crusting in the nose. MERCURIUS SOLUBILIS 9 C - for yellow, irritating discharge. NUX VOMICA 9 C - if you sneeze a great deal or if your nose is stopped up at night and runny during the day. PULSATILLA 9 C - for yellow, non-irritating nasal discharge or for loss of sense of taste and smell while suffering from a cold. SAMBUCUS NIGRA 9 C - if the nose is stopped up and dry.
d. At the slightest sign of the flu, take: OSCILLOCCINUM - one unit-dose tube as soon as symptoms occur. Then, repeat for 2 more doses at 6 hour intervals. Treatment course (3 doses) may be repeated as needed through the flu season.
e. Treatment for acute flu attacks: SULPHUR 30 C, one unit-dose tube. Then, alternate three pellets of each of the following remedies at least three times a day until the flu symptoms have entirely disappeared: EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM 9 C, GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS 9 C, RHUS TOXICODENDRON 9 C.
2) Folk Remedies:
a. Always get plenty of rest when you are sick. It allows the body to recuperate and rebuild your immune system.
b. Drink lots of fluids to hydrate the mucus membranes as viruses prefer dry environments; hot liquids are best at killing viruses.
c. Drink hot lemon and honey in a cup of warm water to ease inflammation and fever.
d. Crush ginger root, add a little honey and lime, make a tea and drink as required.
e. Gargle with lemon juice to kill germs and help to stop the spread of the virus.
f. Gargle with warm salt water.
g. Gargle with apple cider vinegar in warm water to kill germs and restore the pH balance of your throat.
h. Barley water with lemon and homey will encourage healing. Barley water is a traditional remedy for high fever - especially one caused by infection and inflammation.
i. Fresh garlic, eaten daily, will discourage the onset of a cold. Garlic will also work to reduce fever.
j. A mustard poultice on the chest or mustard seeds added to a foot bath will act as a decongestant.
3) Herbalism:
a. Astragalus elevates antibody levels.
b. Ginger promotes perspiration and helps soothe the throat.
c. Elder Flower is a demulcent and anti-catarrhal that can help in colds and flu. It combines well with Yarrow and Peppermint.
d. Echinacea and Golden Seal are also very helpful in rebuilding the immune system.
e. Boneset is useful in all forms of fevers and colds, drink an infusion of boneset to relieve aches and pains and clear congestion.
f. Sage is a proven help in fevers, and for colds, sore throats, coughs (as tea and gargle), sore and ulcerated mouths.
g. Wood Sage has been used from ancient times as a blood-cleansing tea. It is good for coughs, colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, and general catarrh.
h. Ashwagandha stimulates the immune system.
i. Juniper, Melissa, eucalyptus, and licorice all have antiviral properties.
4) Aromatherapy:
a. Gargle with tea tree oil to prevent the spread of infection.
b. Use a eucalyptus or peppermint inhalation to unblock sinuses and the chest.
c. Tea tree, lemon, eucalyptus, and cinnamon or clove oil help to fight infection. Massage, in a light carrier oil, into the chest, head, and feet or place in the bath or a diffuser.
d. Lavender, marjoram, or bergamot oil in the bath will help you sleep, to aid recovery - particularly good if there is a cough.
e. Eucalyptus oil can kill bacteria and soothe inflamed mucous membranes.
f. Frankincense, Hyssop, Mountain Savory, Clove, Cumin, Sandalwood, and Idaho Tansy are all great for improving your immune system. Diffuse them or add them to a light base oil and massage your throat, chest, feet, back, or under your arm pits.
g. Take a daily hot bath, adding 8 to10 drops of tea tree, rosemary, or thyme to the water, this combats congestion and fights infection.
h. Camphor, cedarwood, or myrtle are very good for steam inhalation or vaporizers.
5) Vitamins, Minerals and Foods:
a. Vitamin C, 1 to 3g, has antiviral properties, and can reduce symptoms and length of infection.
b. Bioflavonoids, 1g, in divided doses, work synergistically with vitamin C.
c. Vitamin E, 200 to 400 IU with mixed tocopherols, enhances immune cell activity.
d. Zinc, 15 to 25mg, aids the production of antibodies and T-cells; especially helpful for recurrent infections.
e. Always take a regular multivitamin with minerals to keep your body working well.
f. Royal jelly acts as a tonic and an antiviral.
g. Stay away from mucus producing foods, such as: milk, cheese, and ice cream.
h. Eat plenty of fresh fruits, citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, fresh vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, onions, basil, tomato juice, and leafy greens.
Always check with your medical doctor before starting any new health programs.
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Arianni means "The Heart of Divine Love" - She became aware of her healing abilities and spiritual calling very early in life. She has a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, Ph.D. in Holistic Psychology, and is an N.D. - Naturopathic Doctor. You can find more articles like this one at, Universal Oneness United www.uou.to or you can take classes and get your degree through distance learning at Universal University of Holistic Spirituality www.universalu.com
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