ALTERNATIVE
Health Information
Alternative Medicine Flu Prevention & Treatment
With the media focusing on the spread of
the ‘flu virus we could all do with an immune boost to try and
prevent catching any nasty bugs this Autumn and Winter.
As we return to work and school after our Summer holidays
and as the seasons change, this is the time to be looking after
your immune system, especially if you are one of those people
who catches everything that goes around.
Herbal medicine provides a treasure chest of
remedies to help boost the immune system and to reduce the
severity and duration of the symptoms when we do get ill.
Herbal Immune Boosters
Usually taken as liquid tinctures, these
herbal remedies can be bought in all good health food shops and
online. It is best
to source organic tinctures to avoid any contamination by
pesticides and herbicides.
Astragalus and Echinacea can be taken preventively all
through the Autumn and Winter and Goldenseal is best used during
an infection.
Astragalus
(also
known as yellow vetch or Huang Qi)
Astragalus has been used for hundreds of years
in traditional Chinese medicine.
Research has shown it to stimulate the immune system and
to provide general prevention of infection, including protection
against viral infections such as the common cold.
It is best to start taking Astragalus preventively if you
are prone to colds and ‘flu’s at certain times of year, for
example at the change of seasons.
However, Astragalus
should not be taken during an infection as it ‘nourishes’ the
infection.
Echinacea (purple coneflower)
Echinacea is a natural antibiotic as well as being anti-viral
and ant-fungal. It
is best taken at the first signs of ‘flu or a cold and has been
shown to reduce the severity of symptoms and the length of acute
infections. It
boosts the immune system and is a very effective remedy against
all kinds of bacterial infections, especially upper respiratory
tract infections. (Do not take with immuno-suppressant medication)
Goldenseal is very
useful in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections,
especially those with yellowy green discharges and if the
patient is suffering heat symptoms, such as a fever. It is
effective in the treatment of colds, flu’s, sore throats and
middle ear infections and is an effective immune enhancer.
Goldenseal is a very bitter herb and hence is cooling and
drying. It is a
powerful healer of the linings of the respiratory and digestive
tracts and is often used in digestive complaints such as peptic
ulcers.
(Do not take in pregnancy as it stimulates the uterine muscles).
-
enhances the body’s natural defence
mechanisms
-
helps dispel
catarrh
-
soothes inflammation
of the nose, throat and eyes
-
is soothing and anti-inflammatory
-
is an excellent
cough remedy relaxing the respiratory system
-
(Do not take in pregnancy, breast feeding or liver disease.
Not for prolonged use in children)
Elecampane
-
specific for
irritating bronchial coughs especially in children
-
helps dispel
copious catarrh
-
soothing
-
anti-bacterial
-
use as a gargle to soothe sore throats and
painful tonsils
-
(Do not use in
pregnancy)
A healthy diet = a
healthy immune system
By eating a balanced healthy diet, taking exercise and having a
balanced home/work lifestyle you can ensure that your immune
system is always in good health which will reduce your chances
of contracting colds and ‘flu in the first place.
A very large percentage of your immune system is located in your
gut, so by eating a nutritious diet with lots of fruit and
vegetables, wholegrains such as brown rice, fish and only a
little meat, you can improve your digestion and hence your
immunity. Foods such
as coffee, tea, alcohol, sugar, processed foods and fizzy drinks
are all detrimental to your digestion and immune health.
Nutritional supplements to enhance immunity
Vitamin C
– research has shown that Vitamin C helps to lessen the symptoms
and duration of colds.
It is active throughout the body and is important in the
prevention of heart disease and cancer.
Zinc – is important for a strong immune system, helping to protect the body against colds and ‘flu. Zinc lozenges can be sucked at the start of a cold to help speed recovery.
Essential Fatty Acids
– fish or plant-based oils
Omega 3 & 6 are essential fatty acids that
play a key role in all processes of the body from boosting the
immunity to the prevention of heart disease and improving joint
health.
Typical ‘flu symptoms:
-
Fever and chills
-
Aches and pains
-
Tiredness and lethargy
-
Loss of appetite
-
Sore throat
-
Cough
-
Sneezing
-
Runny nose
-
Headache
-
Possibly upset tummy
The situation is often compounded by a
secondary bacterial infection which may lead for example to a
chest infection or ear infection.
What to do at the first signs of a cold of
‘flu
1
Stop taking Astragalus
2
Take 2mls of Echinacea
tincture regularly throughout the day in hot herbal tea such as
peppermint (do not exceed the daily dose)
3
Drink 3 cups of peppermint tea a day with
2–4mls of elderflower tincture added
Peppermint helps the body to increase
circulation and perspiration, thereby enhancing the body’s
natural defences.
Elderflowers are anti-microbial and
decongestant
4
This helps to soothe sore throats.
Honey is a natural antiseptic and sage is anti-microbial
5 Eat pungent foods
Pungent foods such as garlic, onions, horseradish, mustard,
cabbage and broccoli are rich in sulphur and are good for the
lungs. Try crushing
a clove of garlic in honey and leave to infuse.
Either eat it all or just drink the resultant garlicky,
gooey syrup.
6 Steam inhalations
Add essential oils such as mint, rosemary, chamomile, eucalyptus
or fresh herbs or tinctures to a bowl of steaming hot water,
cover your head with a tented towel and inhale the herby fumes.
2 Chamomile tea
to soothe and promote rest and sleep.
It is also anti-microbial and will therefore help to
resolve infection, reduce fever and clear catarrhal congestion
3
Red clover
tincture relieves coughing and encourages the
removal of mucus
4 Hand and foot baths
can be a good way of administering herbs to children
Add to a basin of hand hot water any of the following:
Peppermint, chamomile, elderflower, red clover or a teaspoon of
English mustard powder
Most of all, wrap up warm and cozy and drink plenty of fluids
and eat simple foods such as soups.
So think now about preparing your immune system to fight off the
winter viruses and hopefully you will be well even if others
around you are not.
www.organic-herbal-remedies.co.uk/
To purchase dried herbs ask your herbalist or go to:
http://shop.nealsyardremedies.com/category/101/Dried_Herbs
The information given above is not meant to replace advice from a health professional. My advice is to always consult a herbalist, your GP and/or a naturopathic therapist
About Ana Durning
Ana Durning trained in herbalism and naturopathy at the College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is a member of the Association of Master Herbalists. Her approach combines western herbalism, ayurvedic herbalism and traditional Chinese medicine
Ana combines a scientific approach to herbalism with a holistic, naturopathic approach to well-being. She treats the person not the disease and a typical first session will take more than an hour as she investigates all aspects of your lifestyle in order to get a detailed understanding of your problems and the causes behind your ailments.
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