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Cold and Flu Remedies That Build Your Immune System
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| Human Rhino-virus, responsible for cold symptoms, and flu (influenza). Imaging by Jean-Yves Sgro, PhD |
Cold and flu advice from Dr. Donielle Wilson 
ND, naturopathic physician.
When people get a cold, they get nervous and they just want to get some antibiotics. That's a huge mistake, because colds are viruses. What we want to do even before they catch the virus is take something like a triple flu defense. This is a homeopathic remedy that prepares your immune system for being in contact with the virus. Once the virus hits, then you can take the triple flu defense three times a day to help your immune system fight it off.
What is Triple Flu Defense?
Developed by Dr. Steve Nenninger , Triple Flu Defense is a homeopathic formula adjusted each year to combat the current season's flu viruses. It's a liquid formula that involves no allergens, no needles, and no stress. The homeopathic remedies and potencies are all HPUS (Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States) which falls under the guidelines of the FDA.
Antivirals, Working with Your Immune System
EHB, is a favorite flu remedy that has all the different remedies you've probably heard about, like vitamin C, garlic and echinacea, all in one bottle, and, you're not having to juggle all these products you can get at the health food store. Instead, you can get this from a health practitioner or a naturopathic doctor. Just take one bottle to get all of those great nutrients, both supporting the immune system and being anti-viral.
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Cold, Flu, Rhino-virus Plush Toy |
A serving size of two EHB capsule contains:
Vitamin A 5000IU
Vitamin C 500mg
Vitamin B-6 25mg
Zinc 15mg
Echinacea propreitary blend 350mg
Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex 250mg
Garlic Bulb Extract 100mg
Licorice root degylcyrrhizinated 100mg
Bromelain 50mg
Ginger Root 50mg
Oregon Grape Root 50mg
Goldenseal proprietary blend 25mg
It's not about curing colds and flu, but it's about shortening the duration and working with your immune system to help you get over it faster.
The key is frequent dosing. A lot of times people just think, "I'm going to take it once a day." The key is if you dose every four hours, you're much more likely to accomplish that goal.
Magic Socks
A hot shower, helps clear up the nose. Another natural remedy is called magic socks, also known as the "wet sock treatment." Magic socks are my favorite name for a remedy, especially for the kids in my practice. First, take some regular cotton socks and get them cold and wet. Put them in the freezer for a few minutes until they're nice and chilly then put them on your feet. Next, cover them with dry, warm wool socks, then bundle yourself up...wrap up. What you're doing is increasing circulation throughout your whole body and stimulating your immune system by doing this. You want to relax for at least 15 minutes. Sometimes this helps your immune system to fight off this virus.
According to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health,
"The wet sock treatment is used in conjunction with other modalities to treat inflammation, infection or soreness of the throat, headaches, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis and sinus infections."
"It's best to start the wet sock treatment on first day of an illness, ideally repeating it for three nights in a row. People with chronic conditions, or a compromised immunity should consult with a doctor before starting the wet sock treatment. The wet sock treatment is only one component of an integrated treatment plan that includes hydration, proper nutrition and immunity-boosting supplements."
See also:
Bastyr's Dive "Feet First" Into Wellness With a Natural Remedy
Heartspring's Guide To Water Filter Systems
Tea and Honey
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| Green Tea, is studied for it's anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, and flu prevention properties. |
When I get sick, I drink lots of fluids, I bundle up, and get as much rest as I can. One of the fluids I go for all the time is tea with honey. You can actually use raw honey to support the immune system even more and be anti-microbial in the respiratory tract. It's going to help with coughs as well.
Dr. Ian M. Paul, associate professor of pediatrics and public health sciences at the College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, revealed in a double blind study that honey reduced the frequency and severity of cough, and sleep quality. DM (dextromethorphan) did no better than no treatment at all. Futhermore, a combination dose of DM and honey didn't improve cough symptoms, so buckwheat honey emerged as the clear winner. See: Is Honey Better Than Cough Medicine?
Honey has been a medicinal food for centuries. It's been around for a very long time. I add a little bit of lemon to tea and honey. After that it's great.
Donielle Wilson, ND is a natural health expert and Naturopathic Doctor with a private practice in New York City, Port Jefferson, NY, and Connecticut. To learn more about Dr. Doni and her approach to achieving health naturally, please visit Dr. Doni. at DrDonni.com
