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.