More information about Colds and Flu - Page 2
Try to speed up the recovery time of a cold. You can shave a few days off and get things back to normal as quickly as possible. Here's more info:
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Natural cold and flu remedies Is echinacea the answer or not? The two famous G's |
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The truth about vitamin C Should you eat when you have a cold? Your immune system can make you feel worse! |
The truth about Vitamin C
Some people seem to take pot shots at vitamin C saying it doesn't help or that it just gets urinated out. They seem to have a fixed idea about it.
This is rather negative because for a lot of people it can be very helpful.
Once again there are many factors that contribute to determine how long a cold will last or how severe it will be. You have to look at the whole picture and see what you can do to speed things up.
Vitamin C is very good for the relief of cold symptoms and to help the body fight infection. The best source of vitamins is always fresh fruit and vegetables. Citrus fruit is especially high in vitamin C. Combine orange, pineapple, seedless grapes, lots of fresh ginger, banana, pink grapefruit, cantaloupe in a blender. Add orange juice if more liquid is needed. This not only makes a delicious drink, but is healthy and fights that cold.
Don't eat junk food when you have a cold or flu
When you have a cold or flu your body is under a lot of stress, fighting the viral infection. Big, heavy meals take vital energy to digest, resources which your body could be using to fight the infections.
An old saying states "Feed a cold and starve a fever".
A better saying is "Starve a cold and starve a fever".
The best thing to do is drink plenty of liquids - water, fruit juices and if needed soups, but stay away from heavy and highly processed food. High liquid intake is important as the body uses water to carry waste products and toxins to your elimination systems.
Sometimes you may feel like eating some "junk" food to try and cheer yourself up, but the downside is that your already overworked body will have to try and process it and get no energy in return. So think twice about junk food when you are feeling low.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is both antiseptic and immune stimulating, increasing blood supply to the spleen. The spleen is the bodies staging area for the fighting cells in your immune system. Berberine is present in goldenseal, and activates macrophages (special white blood cells), which are responsible for destruction of bacteria, fungi, viruses and tumour cells.
Your immune system can make you feel worse
When your body is fighting off a cold or the flu, you internal temperature often rises. This is a self defence mechanism which your immune system helps to trigger. By raising the body's temperature, it is better able to launch a defence against attacking viruses and bacteria.
The downside is that you can sometimes feel worse and feverish for a short time.
Many modern medicines try to reduce the fever and actually end up suppressing the immune system, which can reduce its fighting capabilities in the future.
Studies have suggested that it may be best to let a mild fever run its course. Action only being necessary if things don't improve after a day or two or if the body temperature rises too high (more than a few degrees above normal). Then it could be more serious and attention should be sought.
When you are rundown it is a very good idea to boost your immune system so that your body can fight back. An excellent supplement to use in these circumstance is our Goldenseal, Astragalus and Echinacea combination. We also recommend that you take this with the circulation formula which consists of Garlic, Ginger, Cayenne and Ginkgo Biloba.
Taken together you get the individual benefits of each and they compliment each other. The immune formula is assisted by better circulation. And your circulation improvement will be maximised if your immune system is in good shape. You can find further details of these products here <-- There is also a discount available there if you choose to buy both of them together.
Other suggestions
Herbalists have been using liquorice to soothe chest and throat complaints since the third century BC. It is used in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, throat problems, colds and coughs. Liquorice contains anti-viral compounds that induce the release of interferon, the bodies own anti-viral constituents. It is an expectorant* and anti-inflammatory making it excellent for stubborn coughs and lung infections. As well as being a soothing herb, liquorice tastes nice! Large doses can act as a laxative.
*expectorant: this means something that helps you eliminate mucus or sputum from the chest and out of the airways. This is often thought to be something rather disgusting, and frankly it isn't very pleasant, but it is good to clear the chest of excessive mucus.
Sage is a traditional remedy of long standing for soothing sore throats as it has antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. For an inflamed throat and hoarseness use a hot sage infusion or gargle with a sage, apple cider vinegar and honey mix. In feverish conditions, sage is very cooling. Take as a tea or tincture.
Peppermint is a valuable expectorant* in the treatment of bronchitis, colds and flu. It reduces fevers by inducing sweating and cooling the body. It is also a painkiller for headaches and some migraines. It is a soothing decongestant and makes an effective inhalation for clearing blocked sinuses.
Other herbs which will assist in combating and relieving colds are:
Lemon Balm: Lemon Balm tea promotes sweating. This is good for feverish colds as it helps to eliminate the toxins from the body.
Blackberry: More commonly know as Bramble. The fruit is rich in vitamin C. The leaves can be used to make a cleansing tea, or make a poultice from fresh, lightly boiled leaves.
Borage: A versatile herb, borage promotes sweating and has expectorant* properties, both of which are beneficial for feverish, chesty colds.
Catnip: Catnip or Catmint, promotes perspiration and a hot infusion is good for feverish colds and flu's. Catnip is also a muscle relaxant and mild sedative so will help to induce sleep.
Cinnamon: Will stop vomiting and relieve feelings of nausea. Take as a tea. Cinnamon oil also had anti-bacterial properties.
Fenugreek: Has expectorant qualities. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and soothing. It can ease coughs and sore throats.
Juniper: Steam inhalations of Juniper is beneficial for relieving congestion in coughs and colds. Add a few drops of the oil to hot boiled water, place your face over the bowl, cover with a towel, and inhale the steam.
Lemon: Lemons are a rich source of vitamin c, and taken hot in a hot lemon and honey drink, is a traditional remedy for colds and sore throats.
Yarrow: Yarrow has anti-inflammatory properties, and a hot yarrow tea will promote sweating. Many herbalists consider yarrow to be one of the principle herbal remedies for fever, feverish colds and flu. It is often taken in combination with elderflower and peppermint. Or try adding a strong infusion of yarrow and camomile to a warm bath.
