Common Cold
Rhinovirus is the most common cause of the common cold. Wash your hands regularly throughout the day.
Consuming the following foods and supplements will help prevent & heal cold symptoms:
- Allium family: garlic, onions, leeks, shallots and chives are antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral & antiparasitic
- Andrographis
- Beta-sitosterol
- Chicken soup (preferably organic) contains carnosine which has antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties, so can ease sore throat & congestion
- Citrus Fruit contain quercetin which prevents viruses from spreading
- Colloidal Silver
- Cranberries contain phytochemicals that boost the immune system by increasing defensive cells
- Dark chocolate: phytochemical theobromine helps to stop coughing
- Elderberries are anti-viral (Sambucus Canadensis is more stable than Sambucus Nigra)
- Echinacea reduces symtoms
- Exercise strenghtens the immune system and helps us recover faster if we get sick (try walking 20 min. per day)
- Fermented Foods: raw sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, kefir, yogurt & unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Ginseng: the North American variety may prevent colds and the flu
- Influenzinum
- Mushrooms have immune-stimulating & modulating properties, including cancer prevention
- Oil of Oregano & Wild Oregano
- Olive Leaf Extract
- Oscillococcinum
- Probiotics (yogurt) may lessen duration
- Spirulina Extract with beneficial bacteria reduces symptoms of influenza A (H1N1)
- Vitamins B Complex, C (daily) and D due to lack of sunshine in northern regions
- Zinc speeds up recovery and reduces symptoms: within 24 hrs of symptoms appearing, take elemental zinc lozenges containing acetate or gluconate
Drink lots of water and Teas:
- Chamomille: increases body’s anti-bacterial compounds
- Echinacea Purpura hot drink containing European elderberry cures the flu in 5 days {same as the drug “Tamiflu” (oselamivir)}
- gargle with saltwater to soothe the throat
- Ginger: reduces nausea & inflammation
- Green Tea: will keep flu viruses at bay
- Peppermint: soothes sore throats and loosens phlegm
- White Tea: prevents growth of bacteria, strep throat and pneumonia
Avoid: Caffeine
Influenza
An estimated 56,000 people die every year from flu-related symptoms. This is not because the flu is such a deadly disease but rather because it puts people’s immune systems to the test. A person’s experience with the flu is directly proportional to the strength of their immune system. People who are relatively healthy will be down for the count for usually a week or so and then fully recover.
The flu is dangerous for those with compromised immune systems due to underlying health issues, while undergoing drug-related treatments or in a weakened state due to advanced age. As well, babies & young children whose immune systems have not had a chance to fully develop yet will be at higher risk for more severe symptoms.
High dosages of Vitamin C is highly recommended to help with recovery.
*Did you know LAUGHTER boosts the immune system?
Personally, I’ve been using Oil of Oregano: 5 drops 3X a day for several days as soon as I feel a hint of a cold and it just nips it in the bud!