| Copyright (c) 2008 Mary Ann Copson | | | | saturated with antibodies to fight the bacteria, virus |
| Our approach to colds and the flu is comprehensive | | | | or other microbes, from working. |
| and holistic. Just as in our most comprehensive and | | | | Clinically Goldenseal is used for subacute and chronic |
| integral health and wellness programs, it works best | | | | infections of the mucus membranes but it is not |
| to look at the whole person, taking into account | | | | usually thought to be appropriate for use in the acute |
| many different aspects of wellness health care and | | | | stage. |
| then nourish and support the body's own natural | | | | Goldenseal works as a cleanser and anti-inflammatory. |
| means of keeping itself well. | | | | It can be helpful at very specific times in very |
| If you are interested in a more natural approach to | | | | specific doses in a cold. But there is not a single |
| colds and flu and in taking better care of your whole | | | | study that shows that Goldenseal works as a cold |
| self you should know: | | | | fighter. |
| Over the counter drugs that are designed to | | | | Even better cold & flu herbs: |
| eliminate the symptoms of the cold - ease | | | | Black elder is another traditional herbal remedy that |
| congestion, stop the cough, soothe the sore throat - | | | | has been shown that it may have good effects on |
| actually interfere with the body's protective immune | | | | the flu. A recent clinical trail showed that a |
| responses. The condition may seem to get better | | | | preparation of black elder ended cases of the flu |
| because of the masking of the symptoms, but | | | | within three days and also boosted the immune |
| actually all that has happened is that the body's | | | | system responses. Oregon grape can be used as a |
| natural immune response has been curtailed. Over the | | | | contemporary substitute for Goldenseal and may be |
| counter cold remedies do nothing to fight cold viruses | | | | much better than even Echinacea for use with the |
| or boost the immune responses so they can have | | | | common cold. |
| little effect on the duration of colds. | | | | Peppermint contains compounds that can relax the |
| Of the five antihistamines commonly used to treat | | | | airways and open congested sinuses and nasal |
| colds, research shows that only one of them may | | | | passages. |
| actually help dry a runny nose. | | | | Ginger appears to fight inflammation and pain. It also |
| Researchers have found that over the counter drugs | | | | appears to acts as an expectorant and have |
| may have no benefit for preschoolers. | | | | warming effects that can be helpful if you are chilled. |
| Decongestants can produce side effects like jitters | | | | Yarrow fights inflammation and muscle spasm and |
| and insomnia. | | | | promotes sweating. It has long been used against |
| Mucus, tears, and saliva are all saturated with IgA | | | | colds and flu. |
| antibodies. Mucus is a genetically engineered antibiotic | | | | Thyme is an expectorant and appears to fight |
| substance that contains specific antibodies to your | | | | microbes. Its flavonoids may help decrease smooth |
| current infection. Thus when you take an over the | | | | muscle spasm which may assists in opening tight |
| counter decongestant that dries mucus secretions | | | | airways. |
| during a cold or flu you may be reducing your | | | | Mullen is a demulcent which contains mucilagous |
| immune responses and contributing to lengthening the | | | | substances that coat and soothe irritated respiratory |
| duration of your infection. It's better to take | | | | linings. It may help to loosen a cough and fight |
| substances that thin and liquefy the mucus and keep | | | | viruses. |
| it flowing freely with plenty of liquids. | | | | More natural herbal remedies: |
| Herbs like licorice may deal with excess mucus | | | | St. John's Wort has been shown in test tubes studies |
| through a moistening action, loosening mucus and | | | | to inhibit influenza A viruses and parainfluenza virus |
| making it flow more readily out of the body. | | | | but not rhinovirus (a cold virus). Osha has traditionally |
| Marshmallow and slippery elm are two other herbs | | | | been used in the Rocky Mountains as the most |
| that may help to do this. | | | | important plant for treating respiratory infections. |
| Echinacea and Goldenseal are probably the most | | | | Osha is used extensively to treat colds, flu, and |
| frequently recommended herbs for colds and flu in | | | | bronchial infections. The tincture or tea is antibacterial. |
| the United States: | | | | Boneset is used as a traditional remedy for the flu. |
| Clinically Echinacea is not generally considered to be a | | | | Traditionally, Boneset was used as a major remedy |
| major herb for working with the flu although it is | | | | for the flu, fevers, and as a general tonic. It has been |
| often used as an auxiliary herb. Research suggest | | | | used to treat both acute and chronic conditions. In |
| that Echinacea may be particularly helpful at the | | | | one study the immune stimulating polysaccharides in |
| onset of a cold or flu. If taken early enough in the | | | | Boneset were found to be ten times more potent |
| appropriate dosages it may contribute to heading off | | | | than Echinacea polysaccharides. |
| a cold or flu. | | | | An herbal bath may be an effective remedy for |
| Once the cold is well established, though, Echinacea | | | | easing cold symptoms and increasing immune |
| by itself is not the most effective herbal approach. | | | | responses. It may help to nip them in the bud. During |
| After the cold or flu has taken hold Echinacea | | | | the bath the essential oils of the herbs are released |
| continues to be useful in combination with other | | | | by the hot water. These oils are believed to be |
| herbs and it helps shorten the duration and severity | | | | absorbed through the pores of the skin and through |
| of the infection. By itself Echinacea does not usually | | | | the nose and mouth mucus membranes. Absorption |
| knock out a cold or flu. | | | | through the mucus membranes may bring the oils |
| Taking Goldenseal in the early stages of a cold or flu | | | | into contact with the upper respiratory tract where |
| may actually make the condition worse by drying up | | | | they are able to exert their antibacterial effects. |
| the mucus membranes. This inhibits the mucus, | | | | |