COLDS, 'FLU & SORE THROATS: RESEARCHED FROM THE NATURAL PHARMACY

How can we help our immune system as the seasons change and Winter colds and 'flu become more common? My advice to people like myself, who are over 60, is to make an appointment with their local 'flu clinic. If one is 65 or older, or suffers from certain conditions, a 'flu vaccination is completely free. It's well worth checking with your local practice.

What else can we do? We can take more Vitamin C. It has been proven that the frequency and severity of the common cold can be reduced by an average of 25% by taking 1-3 grams of Vitamin C per day. Zinc Glucomate is also effective in warding off colds.

Vitamin A is also needed for a healthy immune system. My family finds that the most effective way of taking the extra vitamins and minerals is by taking a good quality combination multivitamin and mineral once daily. Some people like to use a more traditional and herbal way of helping the immune system. Echinacea could be just what you need. It can be taken either in tablet form or as a liquid mixed with water. However you take it Echinacea will stimulate the immune system, but it is not recommended to be taken every day over long periods. The body tends to diminish the effectiveness if taken for more than six weeks. The correct dose is always stated on the packaging and it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Echinacea root has been well researched by scientists and herbalists and most recommend taking 1-3 doses of 500mg per day. It should not be taken during pregnancy although there are no known contradictions to its use. Echinacea has several constituents that combine and increase the production and the activity of white blood cells. (Lymphocytes and Macrophages) It also helps in the production of Interferon, which is an important part of the body's defence against the following: viral infections, cold and 'flu, herpes, bacterial infection, respiratory infection and urinary infections.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is another of the herbs from North America, like echinacea it was used by the American Indians for the treatment of irritations and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the respiratory, digestive and urinary tract. It was also used for infectious diarrhoea, colds and 'flu. Both these herbs can be obtained separately orin a combined form. Available in tablets or tincture. Once again, they are not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Last but not least, if you like yoghurt make sure it is of the live type. It does not matter whether it is flavoured or plain as long as it is live. Live yoghurt contains the beneficial bacteria, acidophilus lactobacillus or bifidobacterium bifidum or both of these probiotics. They are the friendly bacteria that inhibit and alter the intestinal microflora balance. By this they promote good digestion, boost our immune function and increase the intestinal resistance to infection. Probotics produce bacteriocins that act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable micro-organisms.

Graham Mason

Archive Winter 2002 | next

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