Surviving cold and flu season the natural way

-- Roxanne Valeriano

The weather outside has changed from the warm, sunny days of summer to the grey, cold days of winter. Your child’s nose is red and running, and your co-worker is expelling germs into the recycled air of your office building.

It’s officially cold and flu season.

But there is hope of avoiding the stuffy head and body aches that are bound to follow exposure. You can even achieve good health without having to subject your body to the flu shot.

Practitioners of Chinese medicine advise that a rotation of natural supplements can help you maintain optimal health during this frustrating season. Natural remedies have been used for thousands of years to treat the symptoms associated with the common cold and flu.

Recently, medical doctors from the Western Hemisphere have begun to acknowledge the benefits of holistic medicine in such viral infections like myxovirus, that is, any of a group of RNA viruses including those that cause the flu.

The benefits to using natural remedies are plentiful. The most beneficial being the ability to use what Mother Nature has provided to safely and gently boost our immunity against a viral attack.

According to doctor of oriental medicine, Vicente Valeriano, using a monthly rotation of echinacea, goldenseal, elderberry and astragalus can help prevent the contraction of a viral infection.

Should you contract the virus, taking zinc, vitamin C and ginger root in conjunction with ehinacea and goldenseal can provide relief and shorten the time span of the virus. All of these supplements are readily available in most health food stores, such as Whole Foods Market.

Echinacea is a plant that is native to the United States. American Indians have used this plant for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. When ingested, the plant stimulates your body’s production of immunities that will help to fight off viral organisms before they can take hold.

This plant is a natural antibiotic. At the first sign of symptoms, take echinacea every two hours until your symptoms abate. To ensure a complete recuperation continue taking three times a day, for one week.

Goldenseal works to treat infection and inflammation. It has been proven to combat not only E. coli but also streptococcus. For the purpose of a cold, goldenseal helps to relieve congestion. It should be used together with echinacea for maximum benefit. Goldenseal should be taken every two hours until congestion subsides and then taken three times a day for a week.

Elderberry has been used by holistic healers for a long time. Its components include a powerful antioxidant that can help stabilize cell walls, making it easier to ward off a viral attack.

Astragalus works to combat the fatigue and weakness that commonly accompany a cold or flu. Recent studies have shown promise in using astragalus as an immuno-stimulant for cancer patients enduring chemotherapy treatments.

In 1996, the zinc lozenge was patented as "the cure for the common cold." Medical research has proven that zinc does greatly shorten the duration of a cold. Zinc ions work as a stimulant to the immune system, and as an antiviral agent.

Vitamin C is the number one recommended choice to boost immunity. Medical studies prove it helps to shorten the time and to reduce the severity of a cold. The suggested dosage for vitamin C is 500 milligrams daily.

In addition to the above referenced supplements, fresh ginger root is recommended for relief of cold and flu symptoms. Brewing a cup of strong ginger tea laced with honey can help to ease upset stomach and help to reduce fever.

Valeriano recommends drinking a cup of the tea while soaking in a hot bath. Once the tea is ingested, lie down under a heavy blanket. The tea along with the heat can help to break a fever.

Of course, the tried and true suggestions should always be adhered to: Frequent hand washing, plenty of rest and eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals.

For optimal relief of cold and flu symptoms, follow the recommendation of Valeriano below:

•Take a dose of echinacea and goldenseal every two hours.
•Take a dose of vitamin C and burdock every three hours.
•Take a zinc lozenge every 2–4 hours.

For optimal prevention of cold and flu, follow the four week rotation schedule below:

Week One:
Take one dose of echinacea and goldenseal three times a day.

Week Two:
Take one dose of elderberry three times a day.

Week Three:
Take one dose of echinacea and goldenseal three times a day.

Week Four:
Take one dose of astragalus three times a day.