Help for Colds and Flus
By Marilyn Zink
When you get sick with a cold or flu, it’s not only unpleasant but can cost you lost time and wages.
Of course, it’s best to prevent a cold or flu as soon as you feel the symptoms coming on.
Echinacea is commonly thought of as one of the top herbal medicine for combating a cold. Increasing Vitamin C intake up to 1,000 mg. every two hours is also another strategy. (Decrease intake if it produces excessive gas or diarrhea. If you use the enteric coated brands this effect should be less common).
Echinacea increases levels of properdin, a chemical which activates the part of the immune system responsible for increasing defence mechanisms against virus and bacteria attacks.
Echinacea is an excellent blood cleanser as it helps to sweep away dead cells and other debris through the channels of the lymphatic system, and it then send white blood cells to fight the infection.
A high quality Echinacea tincture can be felt on the tongue. After you have taken the tincture, the back of your tongue should feel numb or tingly, which will soon pass.
Another herb to take for beating sniffles and the flu is Elderberry, which prevents viral hemagglutinin. That’s when viral cells use spike-like projections to invade healthy cells.
Olive leaf extract is also great for beating flu symptoms, as it boosts energy levels and can shorten the duration of an illness.
Goldenseal, which is both antiseptic and immune stimulating, increases blood supply to the spleen, the body’s staging area for the fighting cells in your immune system. Goldenseal contains Berberine, which activates macrophages (special white blood cells), which are responsible for destruction of bacteria, fungi, viruses and tumour cells.
Consider Cinnamon tea for the flu as it will stop vomiting and relieve feelings of nausea.
Fenugreek can ease coughs and sore throats as it is an expectorant and is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and soothing. It can ease coughs and sore throats.
Marilyn Zink is the publisher.editor of The Herbal Collective magazine. This article first appeared in the Herbal Collective Jan/Feb,’09, www.herbalcollective.ca
