Re: cold remedies/ immunity debate

January 6, 2008

Thanks for this input, BJ!

Also, thanks for the recommendations of Cold FX, Joanna. I'll keep all

this in mind. I should also get some zinc tabs as mentioned to

have on hand when I feel something coming on--my mom swears by them.

The vaporizer at night seems to be really key--I feel so much better

after 2 nights of that. I find throughout the day I have to do some

steam inhalation just to stay comfortable. My sinuses have always been

my problem area.

I actually like to treat stuff like this naturally too, but I don't

want to take a risk on something that " boosts immunity. " I could try

and see but I personally don't remember any dramatic results from

echinacea anyway when I've taken it before my Hashis.

There is definitely a debate about this one--an interesting one--but

we should all be open to each side of the debate. Shomon isn't

always right either. My father has RA (bad) and all he takes are

medicines that suppress his immune system. This kind of thing gets to

the heart and complexity of autoimmune disease itself, and I don't

think anyone completely understands it.

>

> Echinacea is a herb that is only to be used for a very short time -

> not over six weeks. I don't know the exact reason it is " bad " for AI

> patients. I do know that I don't use it for two reasons.

>

> 1) It increases production of Killer T cells and my anti-thyroid

> antibodies don't need to increase, period...

>

> 2) The white cell count will go down significantly in non-AI people,

> so why would I want to take anything that would decrease my white

> cells...

>

> There are a number of AI supportive supplements that work. Have you

> ever tried Moducare? It works wonderfully if you take it

> consistently.

>

> As for colds, I haven't had one since getting rid of gluten in my

> diet. I always give Zicam to my kids and the cold goes away or only

> lasts a few days. We have no other cold meds in our house.

>

Recommended Posts