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3430-D Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA 23139 ~ Ph: 804-598-5352 www.herbalconsultant.com

NOVEMBER, 2004 NEWSLETTER

INSTEAD OF THAT FLU SHOT…

Build your immunity naturally! When combined with a healthy diet high in fresh fruits & vegetables, getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of water, immune-building herbs, vitamins and supplements REALLY DO WORK.

The herb studied the most in China for cold and flu prevention is Astragalus. Several published double-blind studies prove that extracts of Astragalus have been found to stimulate parts of the immune system in mice and humans, and to increase the survival time of mice infected with various diseases. Doses vary according to the formula, so read the bottle carefully.

Garlic is another wonder preventative. Take one whole clove daily, but be sure and smash it first to release the medicinal properties - or, take garlic tablets or capsules. Many pills contain odor-neutralizing herbs like parsley. Do not use if you take blood-thinning medications.

Vitamin C is one of the best cold and flu fighters in the vitamin world. Taking up to 2,000 mg daily is recommended, but spread the doses out over the day to keep it in your system. This vitamin has been studied for many years and is very safe for almost everyone.

In September, the Journal of the American Medical Association published an article showing that Vitamin E had immune-building properties. According to the study, those taking the Vitamin E supplement pills were 20 percent less likely to suffer from respiratory infections and that Vitamin E supplementation reduced the incidence of common colds by about 22 percent. In addition to their regular multi-vitamin, the study participants took an additional 200 mg Vitamin E capsule daily.

If you do get sick… take Echinacea at the VERY FIRST SIGN of the illness, like when you feel tired and get that almost scratchy feeling in the back of your throat. Contrary to popular belief, Echinacea does not prevent illness. It works to treat it. Various studies, mostly in Europe, prove that it cuts down on the duration and severity of colds and flu. Take 300 mg three to four times daily the entire time you're sick. Do not use if you have an auto-immune disease.

Another good remedy that has scientific studies is Elderberry. It usually comes in tea or liquid formulas and like Echinacea, is taken at the first sign of a cold or flu and for the duration of the illness. Formulas differ, so read labels carefully.

Homeopathic remedies are combinations of highly diluted substances that are formulated for various conditions. The theory is that they work like a vaccine by providing you with minute amounts of things that make you sick so your body will develop immunities to them. Oscillococcinum works like Echinacea if taken when symptoms are barely felt. Other products are used to relieve symptoms. If you aren't high risk for pneumonia or other life-threatening respiratory diseases, natural immune products and remedies will help get you through this season a little stronger despite not having your flu shot. Call us if we can answer your questions.

Save Our Supplements!!

In 1994, the U.S. Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act (DSHEA), which gives the FDA the power to regulate dietary supplements. It requires that all supplements meet many of the safety guidelines required of any other food or additive. The FDA even acknowledges that there may be a connection between using dietary supplements, reduced health-care expenses and disease prevention. Up until last year, the FDA never utilized their power. When they implemented a ban earlier this year on the herbal supplement ephedra, which was misused as a weight loss product, they proved they had the power to regulate herbs and supplements effectively.

Now several bills are pending before Congress which would regulate vitamins, herbs and supplements more strictly than many OTC medications. To put supplement safety into perspective, in 2001, the FDA received 1,214 adverse events (which may not necessarily be caused by the product) regarding dietary supplements or herbs. Comparatively, the FDA received more than 300,000 adverse reports about drugs or OTC medications. Protect your right to buy your vitamins and supplements without a prescription! Visit www.saveoursupplements.org and sign the online petition… or stop by and sign one at our shop. PLEASE HELP!

NATURAL COLD, COUGH, FLU REMEDIES & IMMUNE FORMULAS IN STOCK NOW

Arizona Naturals Cold & Flu Formula (homeopathic) Natra Bio Sinus Pills (homeopathic)

Astragalus Jade Screen Oil of Oregano

Cherry Bark Syrup Olive Leaf Extract

Echinacea Defense Force Oscillococcinum

Echinacea Elderberry Syrup Source Naturals Wellness Formula

Garlic (odor controlled) Traditional Medicinal Cold Season Teas

Goldenseal Vitamin C

Kids’ Echinacea & Astragalus Vitamin E

Kids’ Echinacea & Golden Root Warm Herbal Cold & Flu Formula

Kids’ Immune Protect Well Child Echinacea-Elderberry Syrup

Lemon-Zinc Lozenges Zinc Tablets