Natural Cold and Flu Remedies That Work

 

Over the counter remedies for colds and flu treat the symptoms but your bodies desire to create mucous, fevers, coughing and sneezing are its way to carry away bugs and viruses. By suppressing these symptoms these decongestants, and antihistamines may actually make your immune system less able to fight off the next season of colds and flue.

 

Natural remedies support your body's own fight against these germs and over time you will notice fewer episodes that are less intense. It has been scientifically proven that chicken soup does fight against viruses so in addition to having some of this in your freezer for emergency use there are several natural remedies you should be taking doily or have in your first aid cupboard.

 

Many folks believe that once your cold or flu starts that nothing can be done naturally to stop it. I find in my practice this just isn't true. The natural remedies will shorten the duration if adequate doses are taken. Of course the trick is to treat as soon as you notice symptoms rather than thinking "Oh this will go away". Here are those that have worked in my practice.

 

First is Vitamin C. Dosage does vary from individual to individual but the key is bowel tolerance. If you are taking too much your bowels will let you know with either too much gas or looser bowel movements. My recommendation is 2000mg doily for maintaining good health and to increase from there when fighting off bacteria and viruses. There is no toxicity associated with Vitamin C but a few people are allergic to this acid.

 

Echinacea is the number one herb used in the world today and has been scientifically proven to reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms by 40%. It is non-toxic and when taken in the liquid form in multiple doses per day may very well ward off a serious bout of the cold or flu. A good echinacea will slightly numb your tongue and I find liquid herbs work faster than those in dried or tablet form. There is a wonderful new chewable form available called Esberitox which is great for toddlers! Another cold remedy is Cold FX, which can stop a sore throat within hours!

 

From my perspective as a naturopathic physician, people don't get sick if they aren't toxic. It is the body's way of saying slow down, ease up on your normal diet and rest. If we do this regularly before we get sick, then you can go years without getting sick. Twice a year I encourage people to take a break from their regular diet and take herbs to cleanse the liver, kidney, and intestines.

 

Other ways you can improve your immunity are: taking homeopathic preparations monthly that act in place of a flu vaccine and taking garlic fresh or in capsule form daily.

 

Next time you get a cold, give your body a fighting chance and help it with natural remedies, eliminate dairy and sugar, drink those 8 glasses of water a day and get the rest you need!

 

Dr. Pincott has been practicing naturopathic medicine since 1985 and is currently practicing in Campbell River. She can be reached at (250) 286-3655 or www.DrPincott.com