Natural Defense for the Cold and Flu Season

Did you know that a virus is not a live organism like a bacteria is? Did you know that a virus, which is just a particle of DNA or RNA wrapped in a protein sheath, must hi-jack a living cell (in a body) in order to use the cell’s energy and functions to thrive and multiply? That is why antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses. Even though the modern medical arsenal has very few safe, effective remedies for viral infections, the human body does have ways of dealing with viruses. So by strengthening the body’s own natural defenses, viral infections can be effectively dealt with.

Why do some people get colds and flu’s easily and others seem to never or rarely get sick? The answer lies with the immune system. If the immune system has what it needs to mount an effective defense, the body can throw off the threat easily. Many look to the flu shot to boost the function of the immune system, but the flu shot is only marginally effective on a few circulating viruses. If the whole immune system had what it needed to be more effective, then it would be able to defend against a wider variety of pathogens without the potential risk associated with flu shots. People who are most at risk of getting the flu are also the ones more at risk for side-effects from the flu shots.

Just doing the things we know to do to be healthy will help the immune system be stronger and more resistant, such as: eat more fruits and vegetables, exercise, rest, reduce stress, drink plenty of water and avoid substances (food-less food and drinks) that lower the health of the body in general and the immune system in particular. Just one candy bar has enough sugar to lower immune system function by half for 5 hours! No wonder there is more sickness between Halloween and Easter!

The following recommendations are from information by Master Herbalist, Steven Horne and Tree of Light Publishing.

To put the immune system on “high alert” check out herbal combinations like Ultimate Echinacea or Nature’s Immune Stimulator. These formulas activate the immune system to seek out and destroy any foreign invaders that appear on the scene.

One of the best herbs for use with colds and flu symptoms is elderberry. Elderberry Defense is a combination of herbs that has been effectively used for acute viral infections. Modern research shows that elderberries inhibit viruses from entering the cells which prevents them from replicating.

Ginger has historically been used when there is stomach upset associated with the flu. Ginger often helps stop vomiting and eases cramps and spasms. A couple of very effective formulas that contain Ginger are: FV- especially designed for symptoms of flu, vomiting and fever, and HCP-X- for respiratory congestion with the flu symptoms.

When there are aches and pains associated with the flu, the herbal formula, APSII is helpful. This herbal aspirin also helps with inflammation without irritating the stomach.

When there are deep joint and muscle aches associated with the flu, boneset is the herb to reach for.

Yarrow herb has been a historical favorite for safely reducing fevers. It may be even more effective when used as a tea. Another good choice would be the Chinese herbal blend IF-C.

Influenza homeopathic remedy can be used alone or in combination with any and all of the above mentioned remedies. It helps with all flu symptoms and enhances the effects of herbal remedies.

When there is a risk of secondary infection to the lungs, the best support to reach for is a combination of High Potency Garlic and Nature’s Immune Stimulator. These, taken together can help prevent pneumonia from setting in as a flu complication.



And, of course, don’t forget to rest and drink plenty of water.

Marshmallow & Feugreek Combination

Nature's Sunshine has a handy little herbal formula called Marshmallow & Fenugreek Combination, that I use when we have what I call the "left-over cough". That's the cough that hangs on and hangs on long after the other viral symptoms have past. The people I have told about how well this combination has worked for us agree that the cough tends to go away with just one bottle. Here's a sample testimonial from happy Marshmallow & Fenugreek Combination (stock #843-1 www.mynsp.com/herbsnwhey)users,

"Good morning,
Just wanted to let you know after coughing hard ....on and on I finally got (my family member) to use the marshmallow-?? supplement I purchased from you the other day....he now can get through a night without coughing....and much better during the day.
Some may say coincidence...but I (we) feel it was the supplement...thank you! :)

Probiotics and Hayfever

Probiotics and Hay Fever

If you are one of the more than 35.9 million hay fever (allergic rhinitis) sufferers in

the United States, you know that the runny nose, sneezing, congestion and sinus

pressure do not end with winter (1). These symptoms may be just beginning in the

spring and summer months. Fortunately, a variety of natural products help deal with

allergic reactions to a variety of airborne substances. In addition to the great seasonal

allergy remedies available, a new pilot study might have you reaching for one of your

favorite winter products; probiotics.

During a hay fever attack, the immune system reacts upon exposure to certain

airborne substances that it thinks are harmful. Pollens, fungal spores, dust mites and

dander are all common culprits. In the body’s initial exposure to these substances, the

immune system produces specific antibodies to fight them. In subsequent exposures,

these antibodies will recognize the substances and signal immune cells to release

histamine and other chemicals that help deal with the symptoms associated with hay

fever.

For the first time ever, scientists from the Institute of Food Research reported

that a specific strain of probiotic may help reduce hay fever symptoms in humans (2). In

a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 10 hay fever sufferers were given a milk drink

with added Lactobacillus casei (L. casei); while 10 others were given a milk drink without

the added probiotic as a placebo for a five-month period. The researchers collected

blood samples before, at the peak, and at the end of grass pollen season to determine

levels of the plasma antibodies and cytokines specific to grass pollens. Levels of both

were significantly decreased for the group that took the probiotic milk drink compared to

those who did not.

These results suggest that supplementation of L. casei and possibly

other probiotic strains may reduce the symptoms of hay fever.

Because the effects of probiotics on hay fever constitutes a new area of research,

it may work best to consume a broad range of probiotics for the time-being. These

microorganisms perform essential functions in the body like crowding out unfriendly

microorganisms, altering pH in the colon, neutralizing free radicals, and helping with a

variety of gastrointestinal issues.

It is important to select probiotics that are

manufactured in capsules with a special coating that ensures the bacteria will survive the

rigors of digestion and be able to colonize. Either Bifidophilus (stock #4080-4 ) or Probiotic 11 (stock # 1510-1) would be a good choice.

In addition to probiotics, supplements commonly recommended for hay fever and

seasonal allergies include combinations of stinging nettle, quercetin, bromelain and

immature orange peel. (Hista-Block stock #776-1) These ingredients act by providing antioxidant strength to

maintain stable mast cells and support the body’s efforts to maintain normal mucous

membranes and keep nasal passages clear.

Another valuable combination to provide

immune system support during seasonal changes includes andographis with other

immune-supporting herbs such as bitter orange fruit, thyme, oregano and eleuthero root. (Seasonal Defense stock # 806-6)

Works Cited

1. Natahn, R.A., Meltzer, E.O., Selner, J.C., Storms, W. "Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis

in the United States." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (1997) 99:S808-14.

2. Ivory K, Chambers SJ, Pin C, Prieto E, Arqués JL, Nicoletti C. “Oral delivery of

Lactobacillus casei Shirota modifies allergen-induced immune responses in allergic

rhinitis.” Clin Exp Allergy. 2008 May 28. [Epub ahead of print]

Submitted by:

-Jeanette Barcus

Natural Health Consultant, Iridologist

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THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN

It is amazing the effect vitamins and minerals have on health. Just a small deficiency of any single nutrient can cause many symptoms. Even though some experts proclaim that Americans have no nutritional deficiencies, the symptoms showing up on individual Americans indicate otherwise.
For example, recent research shows that the following symptoms can be related to the lack of just one vitamin:

Depression
Childhood diabetes
Heart disease
Itching, redness and scaling skin
Mood disorders
Parkinson’s disease
Cancer
Rickets
Calcium deficiency
Inflammation
High Blood Pressure
Increased susceptibility to colds and flu

Emerging research shows that a lack of adequate vitamin D can increase your risk for the above mentioned health challenges and more.

We can get Vitamin D from sunlight, if we are out in it enough and aren’t wearing sunscreen. At the minimum the skin should be exposed to the sun for 15 minutes per day and 45 minutes would be better.

The sun’s rays are safer for the skin in the summer before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m. Also the risk of developing skin cancer can be reduced by avoiding the ingestion of hydrogenated oils which produce trans-fats.

Of course it’s a little uncomfortable being outside with bare skin exposed to the sun this time of year. That’s why food sources that are high in Vitamin d are so important here in the Mid-west. The best natural food sources of Vitamin D are Cod liver oil, Halibut-liver oil, herring, mackerel, salmon, and sardines.

Since the above mentioned foods may not be high on many peoples' “yummy” food list, there may be need for supplementation. Actually the research shows that we have need of a much higher RDA than formerly believed. The best supplement form of vitamin D is Vitamin D3.