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Article for Santos Newsletter.

Combating Colds and 'Flu

Winter is upon us and the temperatures have plummeted to single figures overnight here on The North Coast and everyone, as usual, seems to be in shock that it can get sooo cold in sunny Byron Shire! Consequently, many people are falling victim to various bugs that are currently being spread around.

What can we do to avoid these unpleasant and sometimes debilitating illnesses?

Firstly, bacteria and viruses constantly surround us and we now know that we need these to keep our system's running smoothly. They do, however, increase in winter and because of the cold conditions and our busy lifestyles we are at risk of "catching" a cold or a virus. So keeping the immune system boosted with herbs like Echinacea, Andrographis, Thyme, Cat's Claw and Calendula at the beginning of winter will help to avoid the onslaught to some extent.

Secondly, lifestyle factors play an important role, so cutting down on any unnecessary activities and responsibilities and getting more rest and early nights will definitely help. Keeping warm is also a must!

Thirdly, Candice Pert, in her book Molecules of Emotion writes about her discovery of a particular emotion related to 'flu viruses. She says if we have enough "happy" hormones in our bodies then these specific chemicals/endorphins will sit on the same receptor sites that hold the lock and key for 'flu viruses. So, to turn that around, if you are unhappy in your life you are more likely to have a 'flu virus come and attach itself to your receptor sites in place of the missing happy hormones. Interesting!

Also, don't forget to wash your hands regularly with warm soapy water especially if around people with the 'flu.

So here is some acute treatment for when you are suffering the consequences of a cold or a 'flu:

  1. 1. Stay in bed and keep warm.
  2. 2. Kick a 'flu Recipe - in a large teapot put 2 - 3 teaspoons of any herbal tea (i.e. licorice, chamomile, lemon grass, thyme etc.) Add juice of one lemon, 1-2 cloves of garlic chopped, 1 chopped small hot chilli or a pinch of cayenne pepper, 2-3 teaspoons of good raw, organic honey, one inch cube of fresh ginger chopped. Fill with boiling water and infuse for 10-15 mins. Sip 3 - 4 cups a day. Stay in bed and sweat it out!
  3. 3. Take a combination of Andrographis, Echinacea, Baical Skullcap and some Olive Leaf. There are a few good combinations around in tablet form or you can get a herbal tincture made up by one of naturopaths.
  4. 4. Vitamin C - 2,000 mg a day is needed to kill off a virus. Combining this with Zinc will be even more effective, especially if you are suffering a sore throat.
  5. 5. Warming Soup - fill a large saucepan with boiling water. Add fresh ginger and garlic (and fresh chopped chilli if you don't mind it hot) and as many vegetables as you have in your fridge all diced. Add a few dried Reishi Mushrooms and take them out at the end of cooking. Simmer till vegies are cooked.
  6. 6. Consume lots of warm fluids in the way of herbal teas, honey, lemon and ginger drinks and clear vegie soups.

Lastly, as you are lying in bed recovering, remember that a cold is a good cleanse for your body so read a book, enjoy it and treat yourself kindly.

 

Suzanne Staples, ND DBM ATMS.




Last updated : Tuesday, October 18, 2011
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