A Natural Approach to Colds and Flu

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Vaccines have certainly been a hot topic in the last 10 years or so.  Most recently, there is a really big push to vaccinate our nation in this cold and flu season. Keep in mind that fears ‘sells’.  Although it is great to be informed, what the media chooses as a spectacular issue should not necessarily be the total driving force in our own personal health choices.

There are people who for whatever reasons of their own, are very strongly opposed to vaccines.  Needless to say, I will say nothing about this subject, as this is a personal choice.  I encourage people to weigh their decisions carefully. I recommend a pro-active program this season, especially for those who are feeling more rundown or have other challenges.

Consider using a specific homeopathic ‘plex’ remedy that is used once every 2 weeks preventatively.  This alerts the body to be vigilant in regard to airborne viruses and bacteria.  This can be for adults and children alike. Many companies make plexes that are effective when working with cold, fever, flu and gripe. Most products that people choose tend to suppress the body’s functions.  Natural remedies used wisely, support the body’s efforts.

When we buy a new car, we get an owner’s manual in the glove box.  We then have some idea how to operate and maintain the equipment.  When we have a baby, guess what?  No owner’s manual!   

Take the time to become familiar with single remedies for home use.  The best home-care-on-hand manuals that I know are:

Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines

By Stephen Cummings, M.D. & Dana Ullman, M.P.H.

Homeopathic Medicines at Home

By Maesimund B Panos M.D. & Jane Heimlich

Together they are a great cross reference.  I would not like to try and raise a child without these.  Overall my advice is research, research research!

   

Consider boosting the body’s immunity and energy at this time.  Royal Jelly is a good addition for those additional B Vitamins at times of stress as well as a good Ester C complex.  Energy tonics that support the adrenal glands are really helpful for those times when we feel run down or stretched in a dozen directions.  During the fall and winter, our bodies are stressed just trying to stay warm.  Again it is easier to prevent the common cold by supporting the body.

It is helpful to keep up on pro-biotics such as acidophilus.  This helps to keep pathogenic and toxic bacteria in check.  Flora markets an oral probiotics called ‘Udo’s Super 5, which is great to suck on.  This helps to balance bacteria in the throat, esophagus and stomach. 

Echinacea works very well to support the body’s fight factor.  The golden rule is to take it every hour or so until symptoms abate, and then back off gradually.  You have a 14 day window where Echinacea is effective. (period)  Pay attention.  If your symptoms get worse by using this herb, stop using it.

Oil of Oregano is a wonderful remedy to discourage bacterial growth.  I often open a slippery elm capsule and add a couple drops of oil.  I take this with food and it doesn’t tend to repeat or irritate my stomach. 

Fall is when the food quality tends to deteriorate.  I recommend Vegge Greens which is an alkaline ash whole food concentrate, as well as Phytoberry antioxidant to protect and support all the tissues and systems of the body.

For further research I recommend the articles:

• Bio-chemical Individuality 

• Increasing Immunity