The
transition from the warmer months to the cooler months can be
difficult for some of us. Coughs, sneezes, runny noses, aches and
pains often interrupt our every day life. The flu season could last
until the roots from a new spring shoot have absorbed the last drop of
winter's snow. Most people cannot afford to be sick and risk missing
too much school or work due to ill health. The good news is there are
many natural ways to boost one's defenses against the flu and to help
winterize the immune system. It's no longer necessary to dread the
effects of the season.
Improving the Immune System
We
are all exposed to bacteria to viruses every minute of our lives.
Since living in a germ proof bubble is not a reality for most of us, it
is imperative to maintain a strong immune system to help ward off
infection. Otherwise, we become vulnerable and are more susceptible to
the flu, colds, and more serious illnesses. Proper nutrition is
essential. Key nutrients that stimulate the immune system include
vitamins A, C, E, B complex and minerals, such as Zinc, Selenium, Kelp,
Germanium, Magnesium, Copper, Iron and Manganese.
You can obtain
these nutrients by eating an organic whole-foods diet, which consists of
fresh fruits and vegetables nuts, seeds, grains, and other foods high
in fiber. Avoid consuming foods high in sugar, such as dairy products,
processed foods, candy and soda. Sugar weakens the immune system and
reduces the white blood cell count within the body. The function of the
white blood cells is to fight and destroy germs that can cause disease.
For this reason, it is crucial to strengthen the immune system to
increase your natural defense against infection. Sugar may also
contribute to depression, which can result in a suppressed immune system
response. A positive frame of mind, massage, plenty of sleep, fresh
air and exercise can make a big difference in improving your health.
Herbal Relief
Aside
from obtaining proper nutrition and rest, herbal remedies are providing
relief from wintertime maladies. Many herbs are ubiquitous in human
foods, and because herbs provide more than just great flavor, they now
fill medicine cabinets across the country. Capsicum (cayenne) adds more
than spice to many cuisines around the word. It offers intense heat,
which actually has potent fever-reducing properties. For thousands of
years, the civilizations in tropical areas consumed cayenne peppers as a
source to stay cooler through a mechanism that stimulates the part of
the brain that regulates body temperature. According to folk
literature, cayenne increases sweating and opens pores to reduce fevers.
Other febrifuge herbs or herbs that reduce fevers, are chamomile,
eucalyptus, and yerba santa. Another crucial element in overcoming the
flu is vitamin C. Naturopaths often recommend lemon peel for its
reputed content of bioflavinoids and vitamin C content. Herbalists have
also used lemon peel, as well as thyme and mugwort, to increase the
energy and efficiency of the liver and spleen, two key organs in our
ability to resist infection. In terms of alleviating an inconvenient
cough, coltsfoot and wahoo are traditional Native American lung tonic
and expectorant herbs for coughs and congestion. People seeking relief
during the cold and flu season know that many parts of the body are
affected such as the lungs, nose and throat. It is important to restore
balance to these areas to improve overal comfort during times of
illness.
Lungs
Does
your cough keep you up at night? Your miserable symptoms may be
causing you temporary suffering, but this is your body's natural way to
fight the infection. That annoying mucus you expel helps your body
flush out toxins. It is important to help promote the elimination of
pathogens by using herbs such as rosemary, thyme, rose hips and garlic.
these herbs have folk reputations for easing the discomforts of a cough
by making your mucus thinner, clearer and easier to expel as well as
strengthening lung function and capacity. It is also necessary to use
herbs to help keep minor bacterial complaints from getting out of
control. Many people swear by garlic and echinacea during colds and flu
because of their combined antiviral and antibacterial action. They are
two of the most intensively studied herbs in natural medicine today.
Impressive results clearly point out the immune-enhancing benefits
garlic and echinacea provide.
Nose
A
stuffy nose and blocked sinuses can make us all a bit restless. Your
head feels heavy and all you crave is relief. Holistic naturopathic
philosophy suggest that congestion in the sinuses is a sign of mucus
accumulation originating in the digestive tract from poor digestion,
sluggish elimination, and intestional floral imbalances. It is
important to address all of these issues when overcoming colds and flu.
There are many herbs to help ease these symptoms. Many of us have
enjoyed peppermint's aroma and have felt its medicinal effects
immediately. It's the menthol in peppermint that is responsible for
alleviating nasal congestion. Did you also know that horseradish is
another herb with a strong aroma that can help clear a stuffy head?
Traditionally, these herbs as well as others, such as wood betony and
lettuce, have been used to treat sinus congestion, improve circulation,
cleanse blood and lymph glands, and fight infections.
Throat
A
sore throat on top of a fever, a nasty cough, and a sinus infection can
make life difficult to overcome the battle of the "cold war." Don't
give up yet because according to traditional folk herbalism, black
radish and parsley are treasured for their ability to aid in the relief
of sore throats that accompany colds and flu. This combination of herbs
also promotes elimination of toxins and fights infections.
Reminder
Most
people anticipate a horrible flu season every year, anxiously waiting
for their turn to become sick. Ideally, when winter arrives, we all
want to remain healthy. Obtaining a healthier lifestyle to improve your
natural resistance to infections and using herbal helpers to lessen the
duration of a cold or flu can make a world of a difference. Hopefully,
if people decide to take care of themselves, they will no longer fear
the cold and flu invaders but will face them with courage and win the
winter battle!
(( Taken from
Herbal Insights Reflections - Fall 2000 edition of Herbal Insights.
Herbal Insights is a publication of Kroeger Herb Products Co., Inc., 805
Walnut St., Boulder, CO 80302 ))
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