Health/Natural: Colds & Flu

Q. I have been having recurring colds and viruses. My doctor gives me antibiotics and meds for my symptoms, but I am not comfortable taking antibiotics all the time. What is your opinion of using echinacea or astragalus, and at what dosage? Thank you - Renee

**********

Everyone in my family has been suffering with colds and flu over the past four weeks. In order to keep myself healthy, I have added additional zinc and echinacea to my daily supplements . I have noticed that after three weeks, my mouth feels "raw," especially around my gums. Could this be a side effect of taking these supplements for this long a period of time? My family is still in the flu cycle and I don't want to catch it from my children, but I feel like I have to stop taking the only two things standing between me and the germs. Any suggestions? Signed - Healthy but at what cost?

**********

A. What a season it has been for colds and flu! I have seen many folks in all stages of infection again this year, and more than ever of those who have been on repeated antibiotics who continue to become re-infected frequently or never get over it completely. I have become aware of more recent cases of people who are kept on an ever-changing lineage of antibiotics for months and months, the worst case of which is a young man who is withering away due to loss of vital body energy and digestive ability which could very directly be linked with the overuse of strong antibiotics for well over 6 months now.

The overuse of antibiotics is a well-known concern in medical circles, the concern being that stronger and more resistant strains of bacteria will continue to evolve, making it harder to find the proper medication, and further deepening the course of illness. Antibiotic literally means "against life," which stands to reason because in killing disease-causing bacteria, they also will kill off the good bacteria in our system. This can leave us vulnerable to further problems. As a naturopath and as an educator of natural medicine, my concern about this is great. Of course, there are cases where antibiotics can be a lifesaving tool, where very intense infections exist. But, for the vast majority of colds, flu, respiratory infections, sinus infections, etc., there are tips I can share with you to hopefully help open you up to logical natural options which will support your own immune system and allow you to recover without running for the antibiotics.

Don't be afraid to allow your immune system do what it was meant to do. The immune system needs to be worked and strengthened just like any muscle in the body. When we take antibiotics for every respiratory infection which comes around, we are then weakening our immune system and not giving it a chance to do its job. Of course, if an infection is very severe, then please don't hesitate going to the doctor for assistance.

Here are some natural tips for a healthy immune system:

1. Eat less sugar and dairy products, and consider eliminating them completely when you are sick with a respiratory infection. Both of these can contribute to mucous building up easily in the respiratory system.

2. Vitamin C (buffered or Ester-C): 250 - 1000 mg. per day for children, 2000 - 4000 mg. per day for adults, preventatively. Vitamin C is excellent for helping to clear mucous membranes and supporting the immune system.

3. Astragalus Root extract: This wonderful Chinese herb offers deep re-building and protection for immune function. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is recommended for those who get sick easily and frequently, are cold-natured, and recover slowly. Taking this preventatively can re-build the system over a period of time, making a person less vulnerable. I usually only recommend the liquid extract form, not the capsule form. Children: 5-15 drops per day, Adults: 15-40 drops per day. Always dilute herbal extracts in a little water and drink.

4. Echinacea Root: I have learned to save this herb mainly for actual infections, rather than using it preventatively everyday. There are some who report that your system gets "used" to the action of this if used daily. Others disagree and say it can be used daily. I have learned that occasionally a small amount per day is fine, especially during cold and flu season, but that when you really are sick you need to take a lot of it to make a difference. Most people don't take nearly enough, and then think it hasn't done anything. During times of infection: Children, 5-15 drops every 2-3 hours. Adults, 20-40 drops every 1-2 hours, diluted in small amount water. Again, I only use this one in the liquid extract form, never the capsules which are not nearly strong enough.

5. Zinc lozenges: Zinc, in a lozenge form, has an amazing ability to keep viruses from attaching to the tissue of the throat and sinuses. With daily use, I myself have noticed a feeling of "dryness" or "rawness" occasionally, and prefer to save this one also for times of actual exposure to infections or illness itself.

6. High quality multivitamin/mineral formula: Good nutrition is the key to a healthy immune system. Choose a "food-combined" formula which includes vegetables, fruits and greens as added ingredients, along with all the vitamins and minerals. This will help to fill in missing gaps in your daily diet.

7. Friendly Bacteria (also known as acidophilus, bifidus, etc.): These are the good bacteria which get killed off when we take antibiotics. They are also known as "probiotics," meaning "for life" (the opposite of "antibiotic"). These friendly bacteria are necessary for everything from healthy digestion and bowel regularity to healthy immune system. When we lose our friendly bacteria, we can become more vulnerable to other infections and mal-absorption of nutrients. Some ways to keep the healthy flora balanced in your system are eating fermented foods such as plain yogurt, miso soup, and taking a high quality probiotic supplement each day. These are also essential things after an illness, to rebuild the strength of the friendly bacteria in the small and large intestine, and to rebuild the strength of the person.

8. Cold and Flu Tea:

• Heat water and pour into mug
• Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon into cup
• Add 1 tsp. honey
• Crush 1 clove garlic and drop entire thing into cup
• Grate in a little fresh ginger root
• Add just a tiny amount of cayenne pepper powder, sprinkled on top.
• Stir and drink hot/warm

This tea will help to soothe the throat and sinuses, and start to loosen mucous. You can drink one cup per day preventatively, or several per day when sick.

9. Homeopathic Oscillococcinum (called Oscillo) formulated by Boiron Homeopathic Labs: I don't usually list product names in my articles, but I must be specific about this remedy because I have seen it work so beautifully. This continues to be my first remedy of choice at the first sign of cold and flu symptoms. If taken as directed on the first day of symptoms, it can significantly curb the progression and severity of infection. It continues to amaze me as to how quickly people can respond to this amazing remedy. I have experienced it many times myself, as well as observing the results in others. I usually advise people to keep it in their medicine cabinet to have on hand in case they or anyone in their family may need it in the moment. Safe for children and adults alike, it acts to boost your own immune system to fight off the invading virus. Some people have reported to me that they can almost "feel" the strengthening effects start to happen that same day.

I hope these suggestions help you stay well or recover quickly. And remember, in case of illness, take some time off, unplug the phone, turn off the TV and computer, find a quiet place to rest and sleep. Listen to what your body is telling you...

Reading List: Breathe Free by Daniel Gagnon, Medical Herbalist Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra, OMD Echinacea by Christopher Hobbs Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Murray & Pizzorno

©Copyright 2003 by AlternativeApproaches.com

Susie Cooper, ND earned her Doctor of Naturopathy degree at the Southern College of Naturopathic Medicine, and is Board Licensed and Certified. She has continued most of her study in Classical Homeopathy with the New England School of Homeopathy. Dr. Susie has taught workshops in homeopathy, herbal medicine and nutrition in North Carolina for many years. She now teaches all her workshops in her shop, Blue Mountain Herbs & Supplements, in beautiful Pilot Mountain, NC, where she also takes private appointments for herbal, nutritional and homeopathic assessments. (336) 368-5955.

Important note: The information contained in this column is not meant to diagnose or prescribe for specific ailments, but is intended for educational support only. Please seek the advise of a licensed health practitioner for specific illnesses and emergency situations.