OCTOBER, 2006 NEWS

CONQUERING COLDS AND FLU 

(An abbreviated version of the following previously appeared in our November, 2004 newsletter.)

     It’s hard to believe, but cold and flu season is right around the corner.  Most people end up getting at least one cold every year and perhaps even a bout with the flu.  There are ways to combat colds and flu naturally by building immunity.  That way, even if you get sick, the severity and duration could be decreased. 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 may prove helpful.

     As always, the best preventive medicine is eating a healthy diet.  Foods rich in Vitamins C, like citrus fruits, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, papayas and red peppers; and those high in Vitamin E, like wheat germ, almonds, hazel nuts, broccoli and red peppers, will provide great protection for your immune system.  Sugar provides empty calories that fill us up without providing any essential nutrients.  Eliminating sugar will leave room for more nutritious food choices like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and fish. Drinking lots of pure water can keep tissues hydrated and flushed of invading toxins. 

     Colds and flu are caused by viruses, not by bacterial infections.  Study after study has shown that antibiotics do not kill viruses – they kill bacteria.  People will rush to the doctor to get something to “cure” their colds, but right now, nothing cures a cold or the flu.  Some drugs are available to treat symptoms, however.   

     The herb studied the most in China for cold and flu prevention is astragalus. According to Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 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. Several types of medicinal mushrooms have antiviral properties. Reishi, maitake and shitake mushrooms have been widely used to build immunity and fight colds and flu. Garlic is another wonderful preventative because it’s antiviral and antibacterial. Take one or two whole cloves daily, but be sure and smash them first to release the medicinal properties - or, take garlic tablets or capsules. Many pills contain odor-neutralizing herbs like parsley. Do not use garlic if you take blood-thinning medications. Vitamin C is one of the best cold and flu fighters and immunity-builders 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.  It increases the number and quality of our white blood cells which fight infections.

     If you do get sick, take echinacea at the very first sign of the illness, like when you feel run down and get that annoying 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 - 600 mg three to four times daily the entire time you're sick. Do not use echinacea if you have an autoimmune disease like multiple sclerosis, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, etc. Another good remedy that has been scientifically studied 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. On average, flu patients given elderberry recovered in 3.1 days, compared to 7.1 days for those given a placebo. Other good remedies include oscillococcinum, goldenseal (for upper respiratory infections), and colloidal silver or combination formulas designed for colds and flu.

     Finally, although it usually pains me to admit it, Mom was right.  Studies prove that eating chicken soup really does help you feel better when you’re sick.  According to www.about.com, the steam from the soup can help unclog congestion in your chest and nose, which results in loosening up mucus. Of course, many other warm liquids will do the same thing.  Also, researchers found evidence that the broth from chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in soothing your sore throat and helping to stop mucus production.

   If you aren't at high risk for pneumonia or other life-threatening respiratory diseases, a healthy diet along with natural immune products and remedies will help get you through this season a little stronger even if you miss getting your flu shot.  Rest, wash your hands a lot, drink plenty of water, take your vitamins, and be sure to do what Mom does - stock up on your chicken soup!

ADULT CLASSES

at Powhatan High School

HERBS, HERBS, HERBS!

Learn to identify common local herbs, their medicinal properties & culinary uses.

 October 11 – 

4 Weeks (Wednesdays)

 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

 SENIOR’S NUTRITION

November 8 – 

1 week

(Wednesday)

 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

VEGETARIAN COOKING

October 16 – 

1 week

(Monday)

 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Instructor:  Debbie Markel, Certified Herbalist and Certified Natural Health Professional

 Call Sharon Faubert at PHS 598-5710 for registration information.

 IN STOCK NOW!

Vitamin C:

Various strengths/sizes

Wellness Formula:

 Astragalus Jade Screen:

Colloidal Silver:

Garlic: