Newsletter #2

                                                                   Achoo!

While there is still no "cure" for the common cold (including antibiotics), we now know how a cold takes hold. Caused by any one if about 200 known viruses, a cold is contagious, passed from person to person (usually hand to hand), or inhaled from airborne particles. It takes two to three days after infection for cold symptons to settle in with runny nose, sneezing, congested nasal passages, sore throat, cough...sound familiar?  That aphorism "colds will run their course," is true enough, but why suffer when there are many natural products to help prevent or minimize discomfort, without the harsh side effects? 

Before the sniffles start, give your immune system a boost with herbal or homeopathic therapies known to actually strengthen your body's natural immunity. The body's own lymphocytes (special white blood cells or T-cells) act as natural immune enhancers, activated when an antigen (like a virus) attacks the body's cells. You can enhance the effectiveness of your body's defenses with a wide variety of natural supplements, ranging from echinacea, goldenseal and garlic, to astragalus, oil of oregano and ginger root. 

For a super-immune-booster, greens are a nutritional power-house based on their concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Once a cold arrives, the respiratory system is inflamed, congested, and downright miserable. That's when herbal remedies like eucalyptus, peppermint and white willow bark can kick in as decongestants or anti-inflammatory agents. Imagine the soothing sensation of steaming eucalyptus - just a few drops of the essential oil is sufficient for a tingling vapor.  And lucky you if you're a garlic lover! Garlic has often been cited as an effective immune enhancer for its active enzymes that act as a decongestant and are believed to stimulate the body's anti-viral "T cells".

DID YOU KNOW...

During World War II, British physicians treated battle wounds with garlic. Earlier historical notes disclose that Louis Pasteur proposed that garlic killed bacteria, and Albert Schweitzer used garlic to treat cholera and typhus.

Flu presents more serious symptoms - fever; headache; extreme fatigue; severe aches; as well as respiratory distress. Important clinical studies conducted in germany, where herbal remedies are considered conventional, found that echinacea is very effective in reducing the duration and severity of flu as well as colds. In addition, there are many homeopathic remedies that specifically and effectively attack flu symptoms by stimulating the body's own defenses - look for those containing Arsenicum alba, Gelsemium, and Eupatorium perfoliatum to address flu's nastier symptoms. Nux vomica helps clear a stuffy head and rough throat. Remember - it's importanat to recongnize when not to self-medicate, particularly it there's a danger of a secondary infection, such as pneumonia, strep throat or sinus infection.  If you're unfamiliar with the discipline of homeopathic treatment, the online Encarta encyclopedia defines it:

"Homeopathy is an alternative system of medicine developed in the early 19th century, based on the concept that disease can be cured when a patient is treated with minute quantities of a substance that produces symptoms of the disease in a healthy person.  Homeopathy focuses on healing the underlying cause of disease, not simply eliminating the symptoms caused by the disease."

Homeopathy traveled from Europe to America, becoming the predominant system of medicine in the U.S. until the late 19th century when modern clinical medicine began to emerge. Homeopathy has once again captured the interest of Americans who seek a natural alternative to control illness, for children as well as adults. The homeopathic approach to wellness is to gently stimulate the body to heal itself.  Herbal and homeopathic products are available in tinctures, dried form (for steeping as a tea), or capsules. As alway, read the labels carefully to determine which product and dosage best fits your condition. Homeopathic practitioners suggest starting with the lowest dosage (of homeopathic) if you're trying a product new to your body.

Vitamins and minerals are also front line challengers in the cold and flu battle. We know that Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, is one of the best immune enhancers around, so don't get caught without your daily RDI serving of at least 60mg.  The trace mineral, zinc, has received much positive acclaim for its role in increasing immunity and reducing the duration of a cold. Human studies were conducted with lozenges containing zinc gluconate and zinc acetate, with results indicating a reduction in the cold's duration. Zinc as a supplement (RDI 15mg), is important as an antioxidant for supporting the body's natural defense system. Other critical antioxidants, including COQ-10, Vitamins A, E and beta carotene are recommended as well. 

If it's any consolation, wintry sniffles and achy bodies caused by cold and flu will usually run their course. Yet, it's comforting to know that a wide assortment of wonderfully gentle, natural remedies are on your natural grocer's shelves today.

Consult your physician or health practitioner for any health issue in which dietary supplements or homeopathic remedies are contemplated for medication purposes. Remember that each individual responds differently to treatment. The information presented is for general information only. Information is obtained from a variety of published sources. For a list of references contact Honeycomb Natural Foods,810-984-1773

(January Newsletter, TOL)