Thursday, October 1, 2009

Cold/Flu Check List

Photo courtesy Bettman/Corbis


It's that time, whether a Cold or Flu, swine or not here's a check list to keep you on the healthy side of life

Herbs:

Astragalus- Chinese herb-caspule-(make sure it contains 16%polysacchands & 0.2% flavones)-has been revered for more than 2,000 years in China for its beautiful yellow root and tonic effects, which include strengthening the immune and respiratory systems, and assisting recuperation from the effects of viruses. One of a class of herbs called adaptogens that build the body's resistance to stress and disease, astragalus not only seems to fight pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells, it also restores immune function in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Research suggests heart and kidney benefits, too.


Olive Leaf- (caspule or tincture)-Olive leaf dates back to around 1000 B.C. It has been known to work as a powerful antioxidant. Olive leaf works at the cellular level to measurably strengthen the body's immune response. The oleuropein in olive leaf is a natural wide-spectrum antibiotic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. Unlike synthetic antibiotics, it destroys only the bad bacteria and protects the good. Medical research shows that when olive leaf is taken orally, it searches out and "inactivates" bacteria. It does this by dissolving the outer lining of the infectious germs and then penetrates the infected cells, thus inhibiting the replication of the bacteria. Olive leaf is a cold and flu buster that delivers effective inhibition and prevention of infection by a wide range pathological microbes, including viruses, bacteria, retrovirus, fungi, yeasts and molds.
A great book on Olive Leaf is Olive Leaf Extract by Morton Walker, available at www.CrimsonMoon.com.

Lomatium (antiviral herbal tincture)-When the world faced the influenza pandemic of 1917-18, Americans tried remedies such as castor oil , tobacco, aspirin, and morphine. American herbalists recommended use of lomatium, and the remedy was used with reported success, especially in the Southwest.

Lomatium is currently used as an anti-viral remedy to treat colds, coughs, and infections. The herb is also known for boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.


Garlic-capsule or raw- is a broad spectrum antibiotic with powerful antibacterial properties. In general antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections of the sort that cause most colds and flu. Fortunately garlic isn't "just" an antibiotic. As well as the powerful antibacterial allicin, garlic produces a number of other potentially beneficial compounds.

7 cloves per ½ cup water blended to liquid, then 1 ½ tablespoon 4-6 times daily in tomato juice (tough on tummies, but works)

Dr.Calyton's Cold/Flu-combination of homeopathic and Chinese herbs in table form. For relief of symptoms caused by the common cold. Strengthens the immune system. Active ingredient: Echinacea 3x
Other ingredients: Bayberry Bark, Ginger Root, White Pine Bark, Cayenne, Clove available at www.CrimsonMoon.com

Homeopathic:

Osillococcinum- at first signs of any flu

***Gelsemium 30c-gradual onset with dizziness, chills, muscle aches, flushed face, sneezing, dull pain in back of head

**Ars-alb 30c for 5 days

**Bryonia-slow onset, sweats, dry obstructed nose, dry mouth, bursting frontal headache, dry hacking cough.

*Belladonna-hot, throbbing headache; red skin; glaring eyes; flushed skin; excited mental state; increased sensitivity of all senses (sometimes oversensitivity); delirium; suddenly appearing (and disappearing) neuralgic pains. For a sore throat, symptoms include: a dry, inflamed throat and difficulty swallowing

*Arnica-muscle aches from the flu
A great book to have on hand- Homeopathic Remedies by Asa Hershoff available at www.CrimsonMoon.com

Vitamins:

Vitamin C –2000 to 3000 daily-Dr Thomas Levy, he is one of the world’s experts in effects of vitamin C on viruses. Here’s what he says “I have not found any flu virus for which vitamin C does not exert a virucidal effect, as long as enough vitamin C reaches the virus, such as in any acute infection. I don’t know about Tamiflu, but the vitamin C is virtually devoid of negative side effects.” Here is the rest of the article...it is a interesting read http://www.patrickholford.com/index.php/blog/blogarticle/can_vitamin_c_kill_swine_flu/

Vitamin D –1000 units daily- very interesting article on Vit D dificiency linked to more colds & flu http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=vitamin-d-deficiency-linked-to-more-2009-02-23

Multi Vitamin-help promote your optimal health and strong immune system, providing support for defense against a growing number of health concerns

Respiratory Infections/Bronchitis – Clear Lung from Ridge Crest and QBC- (derivative of vitamin C. Do not use a cough suppressant if you have bronchitis. Coughing is essential for eliminating mucous secretions.

Increase PROBIOTICS-needed to boost the immune system (must have b.bifdum &l.acidophilus &l.bugarius)

*** Don't forget to stop all B vitamins while sick with infection as they feed the infection. Add the B's back once you have recovered.

Essential Oils for influenza:



****Star anise- Anti Viral- Tami flu is made of this

Ravensara (or Ravinsara this oil is milder-good for kids)used in treatment of respiratory conditions - Ravensara oil is said to work effectively against acute cases of the flu, both through its anti-viral effects-

Oregano-Anti Viral-Use as a powerful antiseptic, bacteria killer, and virucide. Inhale or in a 2% dilution of a base oil for respiratory problems, asthma, bronchitis, and viral and bacterial pneumonia.


Lavender-Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to diseases.

Frankincense-Anti-infectious, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-septic: helping to slow and deepen breathing, Used as a vaporizer, frankincense can help reduce the spread of disease.


Other Oils that are also beneficial
***Lemon-anti/bacterial
Cinnamon-anti/bacterial
Clove bud-anti/inflammory
Eucalyptus-anti/inflammory
Tea Tree- both
Pine-anti/bacterial

Uses for the Essential Oils
1 drop on soles of feet

Add to massage oil and rub affected areas-chest, back, sinus points, back of neck, etc...

use in bath

inhale/diffuse

room / linen mist

10% Ravensara in Aloe Vera gel= Natural Hand Sanitizer


Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Community

Stay informed
Get enough sleep
Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.

Drink sufficient fluids
Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.

Boost your immune system
Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colourful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you are sick, you may be ill for a week or longer. You should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.


The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained on this blog are not intended as a substitute for consulting with you physician. All matters regarding health require medical supervision. Author shall be liable for any loss, injury, or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestions from these published writings/blogs.

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