Cold Remedies

PREVENT AND TREAT COLDS AND FLU THIS WINTER THE NATURAL WAY

By Dani Duffil, our resident Homeopath

Yes, winter is the time for more colds and flu. Have you ever wondered why the Christmas and New Year period brings more colds and flu than any other time during the year? Colds and flu are viral infections and it's no surprise that our bodies are more susceptible to these infections during times of high stress. With more intense stress during the holidays, our immunity is more compromised.

Plants and animals intuitively know that they need to rest during winter to be ready for the renewal and rebirth of spring. While our thinking minds are a great asset, they can also get in the way of our body's natural need for rest. Our thinking minds push us to do more, accomplish more, when our bodies want us to rest and renew.

During the colder weather, we spend more time indoors in unnatural heat. This dry heat dries out the mucous membranes lining the respiratory tract, nose, mouth and beyond into the lungs. Our diets are usually worse during the winter season. Over consumption of dairy foods can promote the overproduction of mucous in the respiratory tract, which can support growth of bacteria and viruses.

Here are some tips to keep you healthy all year round:

1. GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP: Your immune system needs to rest in order to repair.
   
   
2. INCLUDE FERMENTED FOODS AND DRINKS IN YOUR DIET: Health begins in your digestive system and fermented foods or a pro-biotic supplement can keep that system running smoothly with plenty of immune boosting microflora.
   
   
3. AVOID SUGARS and acid-forming foods. Sugar almost immediately decreases immune function.
   
   
4. TAKE VITAMIN C: Studies show that vitamin C can prevent colds. While you can take vitamin C in supplement form, it is much more potent to get your vitamins from food. Found in tomatoes, raw green peppers, carrots, strawberries and citrus fruit.
   
   
5. ZINC: This is recommended for immune system support. Zinc lozenges can soothe a sore throat and help fend off a cold before it takes hold.
   
   
6. OTHER SUPPLEMENTS: Eat sea plants or algae. These can remineralise the body after overexposure to processed foods. Spirulina, alfalfa, chlorella or seaweeds can be added to soups and juices in powder or capsule form. Garlic can also help ward off a cold by inhibiting the growth of staphyloccus and streptococcus bacteria. Take omega-3 and 6 essential fatty acid which help strengthen cell membranes, thereby speeding healing and strengthening resistance to infection. Echinacea and Aloe Vera juice are other wonderful immune boosting supplements.
   
   
7. AVOID ALCOHOL AND CONVENIENCE FOODS: These put extra strain on the liver which is responsible for efficient detoxification of the body.
   
   
8. DIET: Eat fresh, raw fruit and vegetables, whole grains, garlic, pulses, beans, small helpings of fish, nuts and seeds. These foods appear to increase resistance to infection and improve vitality.
   
   
9. BE JOYFUL! At least once a day laugh, have fun, smile. These little pick-me-ups also boost your immunity.

If however, you are already sick, how can you feel better and heal more quickly?

1. BE STILL: When we rest our body is gathering energy to heal. It is vital that we store energy right now so that our body can renew itself in the Spring. Spring in most climates (as far as your body is concerned) is around the end of February. Stress intensifies cold and flu symptoms.
   
   
2. EAT LIGHTLY: Warm soups and teas are easy to digest. Chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties and contains an amino acid that closely resembles a pharmacological agent called acetylcysteine, often prescribed for bronchitis. Traditional ingredients in soup like garlic and pepper work as natural decongestants - they thin out mucous and make breathing easier. Drinking hot soup and breathing in the steam can also help decongest the respiratory system.
   
   
3. INCREASE YOUR LEVELS OF VITAMIN C: High levels of vitamin C can decrease the severity of your symptoms and help you recover faster. It acts as a natural antihistamine that helps dry up watery eyes and reduce nasal and chest congestion.
   
   
4. BEE PROPOLIS has natural anti-biotic properties and can be particularly useful with sore throats.
   
   
5. TAKE PLENTY OF FLUIDS: Drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid daily. Fluid helps to thin secretions, making it easier for the body to flush these toxins out of the system. When there is fever, take liquids only.
   
   
6. AVOID DAIRY PRODUCTS AND SUGAR: These increase and thicken mucus particularly if there are chest problems.
   
7. BE GRATEFUL! Our perception of stress can be changed almost immediately if we 'refrain' our thinking to become grateful for even the most difficult times.

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