Fighting Colds and Flu (Part 4)

There are some herbs and nutrients that can help immensely when you are under the weather.

One such herb for colds and flu that’s recommended by both complementary therapists and orthodox doctors is Echinacea.

Commonly known as purple coneflower, it contains several active ingredients in the root and leaves that has antiviral, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Not only can it help to prevent or shorten the course of an acute infection,  it also helps stop colds or flu developing into more serious conditions, such as sinusitis, bronchitis or middle ear infections.

As a result, it can be of particular benefit to high-risk groups, such as the elderly, or children with asthma.

For an acute infection take 15 drops of echinacea tincture twice a day as a maintenance dose, increasing to 20-25 drops of tincture in water three or four times a day when necessary.

For children, give one drop for each year of their age, twice daily, increasing both dosage and frequency by 50 per cent when the cold and flu symptoms are at their most acute.

Echinacea tincture is readily available in most healthfood stores and chemists.

Like echinacea, Vitamin C is rich in antiviral and antibacterial properties. Many people take supplements of the immune boosting vitamin at the first signs of a cold.

I would suggest taking 1g of Vitamin with bioflavonoids a day, starting when you first notice that those around you are beginning to go down with something.

Some clinical studies have also found that the mineral zinc can help nip cold symptoms in the bud.

Zinc plays an important role in many aspects of immune health, and scientists now believe that the mineral could inhibit colds from developing by coating and inactivating viruses in the throat as soon as they appear.

There are many other ways in which you can help yourself to boost your own immune system.

Eat a healthy diet, including at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily and no more than 2-3 units of alcohol and watch your caffeine intake.

Take some daily exercise – a brisk 20-minute walk lowers stress and boosts immunity, which helps to reduce your chance of developing a cold.

Getting enough sleep is also important to help build resistance.

Increase your fluid intake to at least one glass of water or juice every waking hour. Not drinking enough fluids causes mucus to dry out, which in turn can affect your ability to keep secondary bacterial infections from taking hold in your system.

Steaming liquids, such as water, herbal tea (and yes, chicken soup), will help relieve congestion.

If your nose is red and raw from using tissues, rub a little petroleum jelly or chickweed cream into the sore area. This will protect and waterproof the area.

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