Friday, January 1, 2010

Surviving Cold and Flu season, the natural way

The weather outside has changed from the warmth of summer s to the cold, gray days of winter. Your child’s nose is red and running, your co-worker’s hacking cough is expelling germs into the recycled air of your office building. It is officially cold and flu season. But there is hope of avoiding the stuffy head and body aches that invariably follow exposure to the cold and flu virus. You can even achieve good health without having to subject your body to the flu shot.

Practitioners of Chinese medicine advise that a rotation of natural supplements can help you maintain optimal health during this frustrating season. Natural remedies have been used for thousands of years to treat the symptoms associated with the common cold and flu. Recently Western medical doctors have begun to acknowledge the benefits of holistic medicine in viral infections like myxovirus, A.K.A., the flu. The benefits to using natural remedies are both physical, taking what Mother Natural has provided to safely and gently boost our immunity, and financial, the supplements are less costly than a trip to the doctor’s office and a prescription.

According to Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Vicente Valeriano, using a monthly rotation of Echinacea, Goldenseal, Elderberry and Astragalus can help prevent the contraction of a viral infection. Should you contract a virus, taking Zinc, Vitamin C and Burdock in conjunction with Echinacea and Goldenseal can provide relief and shorten span of the virus. All of these supplements are readily available in most health food stores such as Whole Food Market.

Echinacea is a plant is native to the United States. Native Americans have used this plant for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. When ingested the plant stimulates your body’s production of immune cells that will help to fight off viral organisms before they can take hold. This plant is a natural anti-biotic. At the first sign of symptoms take Echinacea every two hours until your symptoms abate. To ensure a complete recuperation continue taking three times a day for one week.

Goldenseal works to treat infection and inflammation. It has been proven to combat not only E.coli but also streptococcus. For the purpose of a cold, Goldenseal helps to relieve congestion. It should be used together with Echinacea for maximum benefit. Goldenseal should be taken every two hours until congestion subsides and then taken three times a day for a week.

Vitamin C is the number one recommended choice to boast immunity. Medical studies prove it helps to shorten the time and reduce the severity of a cold. The suggested dosage for Vitamin C is 500 mgs daily.

Elderberry has been used by holistic healers for a long time. Its components include a powerful antioxidant that can help stabilize cell walls, making it easier to ward off a viral attack.

Astragalus works to combat the fatigue and weakness that commonly accompanies a cold or flu. Recent studies have shown promise in using Astragalus as an immunostimulant for cancer patients enduring chemotherapy treatments.

In 1996 a zinc lozenge was patented as “the cure for the common cold.” Medical research has proven that zinc does greatly shorten the duration of a cold. Zinc ions work as a stimulant to the immune system and as an antirthinoviral agent. This can be purchased over the counter at nearly any store that sells cold remedy medication.

In addition to the above referenced supplements, fresh ginger root is recommended for relief at the first sign of onset of cold and flu symptoms. Brewing a cup of strong ginger tea laced with honey can help to ease upset stomach and help to reduce fever. Dr. Valeriano recommends drinking a cup of the tea while soaking in a hot bath. Once the tea is ingested, lie down under a heavy blanket. The tea along with the heat can help to break a fever.

Of course, the tried and true suggestions should always be adhered to, frequently washing hands, getting plenty of rest, eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Products on the market such as antibacterial hand gels are also beneficial to the prevention of viruses.

For optimal prevention of colds and flu following the four-week rotation schedule below is recommended throughout the cold and flu season:

First week: Take one dose of Echinacea and Goldenseal three times a day.

Second week: Take one dose of Elderberry three times a day

Third week: Take one dose of Echinacea and Goldenseal three times a day.

Fourth week: Take one dose of Astragalus three times a day

If you do contract a virus Dr. Valeriano recommends the following for relief of symptoms:

1. Take a dose of Echinacea and Goldenseal every 2 hours

2. Take dose of Vitamin C and Burdock every 3 hours

3. Take a Zinc lozenge every 2 to 4 hours

4. A pot of ginger tea, one cup per hour until all the umed.

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