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Colds/Flu
Every year, about one-fifth of the U.S. population get infected with the flu. This translates into 15 to 111 million lost work days because of the flu. The common cold is even worse in terms of lost work. The common cold is an upper respiratory infection that can be caused by any one of 200 viruses. Symptoms of the common cold include fever, fatigue, sore throat, and runny nose. While most colds clear up by themselves in a week or two, occasionally a cold can turn into a more serious illness such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Children are more likely to get frequent colds because of an immature immune system.
Symptoms
 | Sore throat, head congestion, coughing, headache, fever, restlessness, watery eyes, sneezing, and body aches and pains. |
How Alternative Medicine may potentially help?
There are many nutrients that may help boost immune system function, thus enabling the body to fight viruses. Other nutrients can help ease and treat the symptoms of the cold itself.
Herbs
| Ephedra - Commission E has approved ephedra as an antitussive (cough inhibitor) and to help relieve bronchial congestion. Do not use ephedra if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, anxiety, restlessness, impaired circulation of the cerebrum, adenoma of the prostate with residual urine accumulation, pheochromacytoma or thyrotoxicosis. Side effects may include insomnia, irritability, restlessness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia (palpitations). Do not exceed recommended dosages. |
| Other Commission E-approved herbs are: elder flower & berry to help clear bronchial congestion; linden flower for colds and cold-related coughs; meadowsweet as supportive therapy for colds (This herb contains salicylate, so it is not to be used in salicylate-sensitive individuals; iceland Moss for the dry cough that accompanies irritations of the mouth and throat. |
| Garlic has natural antibiotic properties that may help to treat the common cold. |
| Echinacea is extremely popular for its potentially beneficial effects upon strengthening the immune system. Echinacea should be taken at the first sign of a cold. Do not use if you have tuberculosis, MS, leukosis (a condition in which there is an abnormal amount of white blood cell-producing tissue), collagenosis, AIDS, HIV infection or other autoimmune diseases. If you have high blood pressure, do not use eleuthero |
| Goldenseal has qualities that may help to combat symptoms associated with colds; it should not, however, be taken over a prolonged period. |
Vitamins
| Vitamin A may help to heal inflamed mucous membranes. |
| Vitamin C may reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. |
Minerals
| Zinc - A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reported that zinc lozenges (13.3 mg per lozenge) reduced cold symptoms. Lozenges may have a beneficial effect upon boosting immune function. |
Other Considerations
| Acidophilus may help to restore intestinal bacteria, and is especially helpful after taking antibiotics. |
| L-lysine may help to combat viruses and discourage the formation of cold sores in the mouth. |
| Hydration with hot clear liquids such as turkey and chicken broth may help. Stay as active as possible and wash hands often to avoid spreading the infectious virus. |