Natural Remedies for Cold and Flu

by Paola Scaduto

Photo courtesy of Dr. Doni

Tired of missing work, canceling plans, walking out of your classroom or workplace coughing and/or simply being under the weather? I know we are!  In researching this informative article, we found that we don't know/can't tell the difference between allergies, a col or the flu.  While allergies and a cold react similarly, flu symptoms can be very different.

Do you know the difference between allergies and a cold?  

Allergies are immune responses to substances in our environment (dust, mold, dander.) Colds are immune responses to fight off a virus.  The healthy immune response of a cold encourages cytokines (inflammatory signals) to be released that cause symptoms throughout the body. Symptoms of a cold tend only to last 3-14 days, according to Dr. Ruth Gold, allergist at Allergy and Asthma Specialists in Riverdale, NJ. Allergies, on the other hand, can last much longer, depending on the environment.

Regardless, whether it is a cold or allergies, Dr. Gold said greenish yellow phlegm means that it is no longer an easy fix and proper drainage may be required to avoid infection.
In regards to the flu,Naturopathic doctor, Doni Wilson, says that if you have contracted the flu you could have sudden onset fever, chills, aches, weakness, headache, cough, runny nose and nasal congestion. You may also experience sneezing, vomiting and diarrhea.

In her article, How to Avoid Colds, Flu, and Other Infections This Winter Dr. Doni uses the acronym “CARE” to represent the four key elements of healing:

• Clean eating
• Adequate sleep
• Reduce stress
• Exercise at your own speed

Even after her C.A.R.E. treatment, she recommends drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Treating the body at the first sign of illness is also very important, as is reaching out to a doctor if you are not recovering.

Dr. Doni recommends the following supplements (found in her store) for boosting the immune system:

For Adults

EHB, HMC, Triple Flu Defense, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, probiotics, olive leaf extract, oregano oil, colostrum, Larch arabinogalactan, mushroom extracts

• If it becomes bacterial (presence of green or yellow phlegm):  Plant based Berbercap or Berbine-500, or Argentyn23, which is a nano-particle form of silver.

• If Pregnant, it is safe to use Triple Flu Defense for a short duration. Doni recommends resting often and gargling with salt water, but to also consult with your doctor or midwife.

For Children (non-capsule)

Respiguard liquid, Immune Glycerite liquid, Liposomal, Vitamin C, Berry immune, arabinogalatan powder.

Tips:

Want to keep your nasal passages clear and prevent virus growth? Here are a few tips!

• When showering; at the end, run the water as hot as you can tolerate for 30 seconds, then turn the water cold for ten seconds.  Repeat these steps 3 times, and finish off with cold water.
• Adding eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil is great to drop into your bath water.
• Hot tea, Herbal Medicinal’ T throat coat and Yogi’s Echinacea immune support are great herbal teas. - Add honey and freshly squeezed lemon for healthy soothing benefits.
• Eat Spicy foods.
• Avoid: Dairy, Alcohol, fatty foods, and sugar.

Remember to always wash your hands and cover your mouth when sneezing and/or coughing!

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