Re: Natural Remedies /+ Honey & Cinnamon Cure All's

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>

> Natural Remedies for Colds and Flu

>

> Colds and the flu or influenza are similar in many ways, yet the flu

> can sometimes lead to more serious problems, such as pneumonia. Colds

> and flu are the most common and communicable and spread easily

> between people. They are more likely to strike when a person's immune

> system is low. The common cold is an acute (short-term) viral

> infection of the upper respiratory tract.

>

> Symptoms of a cold include runny or congested nose, sneezing,

> fatigue, headache, body aches, cough and general feeling of malaise.

> A sore throat is sometimes a (differential) symptom of a more serious

> condition distinct from the common cold (such as strep throat) that

> may require medical diagnosis and treatment. A cough can be further

> differentiated by the sound of the cough and the ability to expel or

> not to expel the phlegm. The color of the phlegm is also looked at.

> (See Traditional Chinese Medicine).

>

> The flu typically affects 20%-50% of the U.S. population each winter.

> It's a highly contagious disease, spreading mostly by direct person-

> to-person contact and coughing is the most effective method of

> transmission. The flu virus can linger in the air for as long as

> three hours. In close quarters, conditions are ripe for the spread of

> the virus.

>

> Symptoms of a flu are very similar to that of a cold, but the signs

> of a flu can be much more severe, especially at the oneset. A fever,

> characteristicly high (102-104 F); that lasts 3-4 days, a severe

> cough that gets worse, with chest discomfort or pain can be signs of

> pneumonia. Severe body aches and fever/chills are side effects of the

> body doing its job of trying to fight off an infection.

>

> Colds can be spread through the air, such as when a person sneezes,

> or by contact with contaminated objects.

>

> Those most at risk are children in 5 to 14 year range, who spend much

> of their time in school, in close contact with their classmates. More

> serious complications occur in elderly adults and those with

> compromised immune systems.

>

> The remedies for a cold or flu are sleeping, resting, plenty of clear

> fluids, and avoiding sugar, which will assist your immune system to

> recuperate. There is no proven cure for colds or flu, but time.

>

> Tips For Avoiding A Cold

>

> 1. Wash your hands often. This is the number one preventative measure

> you can take. You can pick up cold germs easily, even when shaking

> someone's hand or touching doorknobs or handrails. You should lather

> up your hands well for at least 20 seconds, then rinse-off the soap

> thoroughly for another 20 seconds. Be sure to include the areas under

> you nails when you wash your hands, as they are a lurking ground for

> germs. Drying your hands, studies have shown, is also an important

> step in removing germs.

>

> 2. Keep your immune system strong. Get good quality sleep, eat

> nutritious food and stay strong with moderate exercise.

>

> 3. Limit airborn risks by keeping your nose clear and hydrated.

> Usually, we infect ourselves by placing our own virus contaminated

> hands to our faces. Less frequently, we can catch them from airborne

> sources.

>

> 4. Sneeze or cough into a tissue and then throw the tissue away.

>

> 5. Clean surfaces you touch with a germ-killing disinfectant.

>

> 6. Don't touch your nose, eyes, or mouth. Germs can enter your body

> easily by these paths.

>

> 7. Any season is cold and flu season but the most prevelant time

> tends to be in the fall and winter, when people are together in close

> surroundings.

>

> 8. Avoid large crowds in enclosed areas as much as possible,

> especially during cold and flu season.

>

> 9. Keep your feet and neck warm. Cold feet and a chilled neck cannot

> cause a viral infection. When the feet or neck are cold, cold

> contracts, that includes the mucous membranes in the nose. When

> mucous membranes contract, they dry out and cause the glands to stop

> functioning. This easily allows dust and bacteria in, as the nose

> stops it's filtering function, making your entire system more

> vulnerable.

>

> 10. Sometimes even when we do our best to avoid these situations,

> they occur regardless. Just being aware is half the battle.

>

> Managing Your Cold

>

> 1. Stay home and rest, especially while you have a fever.

>

> 2. Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, which can make cold

> symptoms worse.

>

> 3. Drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit juices and clear soups.

> Fluids help loosen mucus. Fluids are also important if you have a

> fever because fever can dry up your body's fluids, which can lead to

> dehydration.

>

> 4. Don't drink alcohol.

>

> 5. Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to relieve a sore

> throat. Throat sprays or lozenges may also help relieve the pain.

>

> 6. Use saline (salt water) nose drops to help loosen mucus and

> moisten the tender skin in your nose.

>

> 7. Consider supplements such as Vitamin C, 2,000 to 4,000 mg in

> divided doses (based on bowel tolerence). Vitamin E compliments C,

> 400 IU. Echinecea, Goldenseal, Garlic and Licorice root all help in

> fighting viruses and strengthening immunity.

>

> 8. Chicken soup has been shown to have healing properties. Enjoy this

> great old remedy.

>

> 9. Keep washing your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze

> and cough in order not to spread the virus to others in your

> household.

>

> 10. Pay attention to good hygiene and skin care. Eat a proper diet.

>

> Nutritional Advise

>

> Water is essential in any healing process. 6-8 eight ounces glasses

> per day.

>

> In addition to eight glasses of water, clear juice, tea, and other

> mostly clear liquids are advised. This will replace important fluids

> lost during a cold and help flush out impurities that may be preying

> on your system.

>

> Sip chicken soup. A long-time folk remedy is now a proven fact. A cup

> of hot chicken soup can help unclog your nasal passages. Researchers

> at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach found that hot chicken

> soup, either because of its aroma or its taste, " appears to possess

> an additional substance for increasing the flow of nasal mucus. "

> These secretions†" what comes out when you blow your nose or sneeze†"

> serve a first line of defense in removing germs from your system, the

> researchers say.

>

> Zinc lozenges can cut colds short, to an average of four days. Zinc

> can also dramatically reduce symptoms such as a dry, irritated

> throat.

>

> At first onset, do a dropperful of Goldenseal and/or Echinacea

> directly in the mouth three to four times a day. **Do not take

> Goldenseal for more than seven days.***

>

> The very fact that you have a cold in the first place may point to

> your eating " too congesting a diet " that puts a strain on your body's

> metabolism. Counteract it by eating fewer fatty foods, meat and milk

> products, and more fresh fruit and vegetables.

>

> What You Should Avoid:

>

> Limit foods that have little or no fiber such as ice cream, cheese,

> meat, snacks like chips and pizza, and processed foods such as

> instant mashed potatoes or already-prepared frozen dinners. Too much

> white flour and refined sugar.

>

> What you don't eat may be even more important than what you do eat.

> Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugar, because they tend to worsen the

> situation.

>

> Reduce Processed and Refined Foods:

>

> Avoid fried foods, white pasta, white rice, full fat dairy, white

> potatoes, white bread (baguettes, bagels, pita).

>

> Processed food can rob your food of nutrients and vitamins that your

> body needs to fight off stress and promote good health. Try to buy

> whole foods, unprocessed foods and try and stay away from " instant "

> foods, preservatives, artificial flavors, saturated fats, refined

> foods, hydrogenated food and MSG.

>

> Reduce Sugar Intake:

>

> Too much sugar can rob our body of essential nutrients. Simple

> carbohydrates from baked goods, pastries, most crackers and cookies

> must be limited to a very small portion or completely removed from

> the diet.

>

> Supplements

>

> Alpha Lipoic Acid is a unique antioxidant that is both water and fat

> soluble, which allows it to enter all parts of the cell to neutralize

> free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid contributes to and is important for

> the production of energy inside the cell by utilizing sugar to

> produce energy contributing to mental and physical stamina, reducing

> muscle fatigue and neutralizes free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid

> recycles and enhances the effects of both Vitamin C.

>

> Lysine an amino acid, can have a general antiviral, tonifying effect

> that fortifies the immune system. Take 1,000mg daily in divided

> doses.

>

> A probiotic will fortify your intestinal flora, which are essential

> for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. This is key to good

> health and a strong immune system. Studies have shown that patients

> who begin a course of probiotics with fiber a few days prior to

> surgery are less likely to pick up a post-operative infection during

> their hospital stays. This demonstrates a strong connection between

> intestinal flora and immune function. The fiber †" which provides the

> friendly bacteria both food and sanctuary †" can be as simple as an

> apple or banana.

>

> Omega-3: found in fish oil has been shown in many studies, to reduce

> your bad cholesterol levels and reduce plaque buildup in your blood.

> By reducing your bad cholesterol, you are helping your body to fight

> off stress and relieve anxiety, tension and even prevent heart

> disease! Fish that are high in Omega-3 are excellent ways to help

> your blood stream.

>

> Vitamin C acts primarily in cellular fluid. Vitamin C scavenges free

> radicals and cleans up waste products. In addition to its anti-

> oxidative activities, vitamin C benefits many other body functions.

> Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which is an

> important component in the structural make up of blood vessels,

> tendons, ligaments, and bone. Vitamin C also plays an important role

> in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters and norepinephrine.

> Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and are known to

> affect mood. Vitamin C, even in small amounts, can protect molecules

> in the body, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic

> acids (DNA and RNA) from damage by free radicals. Vitamin C helps in

> the fight against free-radical formation caused by pollution and

> cigarette smoke and also helps return vitamin E to its active form.

>

> Vitamins B6,12 Foods rich in the B vitamins, which help regulate

> metabolism, are also beneficial, as diets high in sugar tend to burn

> these vitamins at a faster rate. These foods include wheat germ,

> yogurt, and liver.

>

> Herbal Remedies

>

> Adaptogen herbs: which include Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), Asian

> ginseng, Astragalus, and Schizandra, are thought to help keep various

> body systems†" including the immune system†" functioning optimally. Take

> Siberian ginseng in tincture, herbal granules or in capsules. Capsule

> doses of 500mg three times a day. Another immune stimulant, Boneset,

> helps fight off minor viral infections, such as the common cold.

>

> Echinacea: Patients primarily use echinacea to prevent and treat the

> common cold. The alkylamide, alkaloid, and polyacetylene fractions

> are thought responsible for stimulating leukocytes and increasing the

> release of TNF and interleukin 1. A double-blind, randomized studies

> for the treatment of the common cold suggest that, if initiated

> within 24 hours of onset, echinacea may shorten the duration of

> colds, but may not reduce the severity of symptoms. More research is

> needed. Fresh pressed juice of the flowers of Echinacea (E. purpurea)

> preserved with alcohol and tinctures of root of echinacea (E.

> pallida) have been shown to reduce symptoms of the common cold.

> Echinacea (E. angustifolia) root tinctures has been shown to reduce

> symptoms of the common cold. The minimum effective amount of

> Echinacea tincture or juice that is necessary to take is 3 ml three

> times per day. More (3†" 5 ml every two hours) is generally better and

> is safe, even for children. Encapsulated herbs may also be effective,

> generally 300†" 600 mg capsules three times per day are used. Recent

> studies indicate that regular use of Echinacea to prevent colds does

> not work. Therefore, it is currently recommended to limit use of

> echinacea to the onset of a cold and to use it for only 7 to 10 days

> consecutively.

>

> Elderberry: is derived from the dark purple berry or from the white

> to light-yellow flowers of the black or common elder tree.

> Elderberry, a relative of the blueberry, has been found to have

> powerful anti-viral properties. Elderberry extract may be used to

> treat a cold or flu, or taken as a prophylactic which fortifies the

> immune system.

>

> Horseradish has antibiotic properties, which may account for its

> easing of throat and upper respiratory tract infections.

>

> Goldenseal: In traditional herbal medicine, Goldenseal root is often

> taken with Echinacea. The pharmacological action of goldenseal is

> attributed to both hydrastine and berberine. Berberine has been shown

> to have anti-microbial activity against certain pathogens such

> enterotoxigenic E. coli and V. cholera. However, due to small amounts

> in the root, it is unlikely that these effects would occur.

> Goldenseal soothes irritated mucous membranes in the throat, making

> it useful for those experiencing a sore throat with their cold.

> Goldenseal root extract, capsules, or tablets are typically taken in

> amounts of 4†" 6 grams three times per day. Using Goldenseal powder as

> a tea or tincture may soothe a sore throat. Caution: Goldenseal root

> should only be used for short periods of time, up to 7 consecutive

> days.

>

> Garlic: The intact cells of garlic contain an odorless, sulfur-

> containing amino acid derivative known as alliin. When the cells are

> crushed, alliin comes into contact with the enzyme alliinase located

> in neighboring cells and is converted to allicin. Allicin is a potent

> antibiotic, but it is highly odoriferous and unstable. The ajoenes

> are apparently responsible for the antithrombotic properties of

> garlic. Allicin is described as possessing antiplatelet, antibiotic,

> and antihyperlipidemic activity.

>

> Ginger: An anti-inflammatory. Ginger has been used in Ayurvedic and

> Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory. Taking 6†" 50 grams of fresh

> or powdered ginger per day indicated that ginger might be helpful.

> Suggested Dosage: 0.5 to 1 mg of powdered ginger daily

>

> Licorice Root is anti viral, anti-inflammatory, soothes gastric

> mucous membranes. The root cleanses the colon, increases fluidity of

> mucous in the lungs and bronchial tubes. Licorice is used extensively

> in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a variety of conditions and

> ailments. Almost all clinical studies on licorice have been performed

> in combination with other herbs. Alone, licorice is used primarily to

> manage gastric complaints. A number of active chemicals are thought

> to account for its biologic activity. Due to the adverse reaction

> profile of licorice, many studies have been performed using the

> deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract, which is free of

> glycyrrhizin and has had no significant reported adverse effects.

>

> Mucilage herbs, such as Slippery Elm and Marshmallow, are often

> helpful for symptomatic relief of coughs and irritated throats.

> Mullein has expectorant and demulcent properties, which accounts for

> this herb's historical use as a remedy for the respiratory tract,

> particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion.

>

> Red Raspberry, Blackberry and Blueberry leaves contain astringent

> tannins that are helpful for soothing sore throats.

>

> Sage tea can be gargled to soothe a sore throat.

>

> Yarrow has been used for sore throats. All of these remedies are not

> supported by modern research at this time, but are traditionally

> used.

>

> Wild Indigo also stimulates the immune system, which might account

> for its role against the common cold and flu.

>

> Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

> http://peacefulmind.com/cold_flu.htm

> Therapies for healing

> mind, body, spirit

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