Monday, 05 December 2011 12:13

December brings first snow, shorter days, and a fun holiday season. It also brings with it sniffles, scratchy throats, and a general malaise when we realize that winter is here! Instead of waiting around to get sick this season, why not be proactive and take your health into your own hands.

There are many vitamins, supplements, herbs, and homeopathic remedies that work very well for preventing and treating colds and flu. They also have no side-effect and are non-drowsy unlike some medications. This article will go over some of the remedies that work best if you feel like you are getting sick, or if you already are sick.

ECHINACEA - very common herb widely available (you can even find it on our lake shore). Echinacea is considered to be an exceptional infection fighter and immune enhancer. It works for treating and preventing colds and upper respiratory infections. A 2007 study by the University of Connecticut combined findings from 14 previously reported trials examining Echinacea and concluded that Echinacea can cut the chances of catching a cold by more than half, and shorten the duration of a cold by an average of 1.4 days

ASTRAGALUS - a herb, belonging to legume family, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine  for thousands of years. It was often combined with other herbs to strengthen the body against disease. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals (by-products of cellular energy). University of Maryland, Medical Centre supports Astragalus for use to protect and support the immune system, for preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, to lower blood pressure, to treat diabetes, and to protect the liver.

OIL OF OREGANO - has amazing antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-parasitic properties. Oil of oregano works great for killing any type of virus. It is perfect for that moment when you can feel you are getting sick -taken right away it can actually prevent you from getting really sick.

ELDERBERRY (sambucus nigra) - this remedy is taken from the berries and flowers of the elderberry plant grown in central Europe, and usually comes in a liquid. It is traditionally used for treatment of colds, flu, coughs and respiratory infections.

HOMEOPATHY - there are a variety of great homeopathic remedies that work very effectively at treating cold and flu symptoms, while healing and boosting recovery at the same time. One remedy in particular, which goes by the names Oscillcoccinum or Homeocoksinum works amazingly at treating symptoms of flu, like fever, chills, body aches, and headaches. Taken at the onset of symptoms, it can actually prevent your cold and flu from developing.

This is just a brief overview of some very effective cold and flu fighters. Take care of yourself and remember that nature-provided herbal medicine has been around for hundreds of years before drugs were invented. It is just as effective and safe for young and old. Be well and happy!