Natural Help for Colds and Flu

Gastrointestinal and respiratory crud: Hmm. . .Seems like this month I am seeing gobs of gastrointestinal and sore throat symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, coughing. . . It is testing out as Shigella (gut crud), and some type of Streptococcus (respiratory crud) in our neck of the woods (the United States).

It's amazing how many people don't understand the difference between colds and flu and viral vs. bacterial infections, so lets review that first:

Viral infections are usually responsible for flu symptoms: Flu symptoms include achy muscles and joints, alternating fever and chills, white or clear watery discharge, flu like symptoms. Skin symptoms would be blisters. Asthma is usually associated with viruses. Pneumonia can be both viral and bacterial in origin.

Bacterial infections are often associated with colds: Bacterial signs and symptoms include diarrhea, fever, yellow discharge with congestion, and pus, skin discharges would be carbuncles, acne, boils and secondary infections causing lots of oozing and scabbing.

Of course each specific virus or bacteria has its own signs and symptoms, but that's what we see in general. I usually just ask the body which one it is. The body will usually tell me if it's a virus or bacteria, but won't often let me know which particular strain of virus or bacteria it is if I ask from a list. And I have seen a viral infection followed by bacterial infections after a few days. Your body will tell you with muscle testing which products, given a list of products, will work to stimulate the immune system to help fight off infections of both kinds. I hope that helps.

So, here's what's working for most people:

o More electrolytes: fluids, chicken soup, mineral water--we use liquid minerals and vitamins for better absorption. Some people are using the new product called Airborne for the electrolytes and it seems to be helping.

o Rosemary: For some reason people keep testing they need this herb specifically--in capsule, tea or soup form, it doesn't matter. I've been telling people that even if you use canned chicken noodle soup, Lipton's dehydrated chicken noodle soup (which does not contain MSG) or make your own chicken soup, add additional parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. All these herbs are antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and have lots of minerals and a full complement of cell salts in them. I add a dash of Irish moss powder as well, but that is difficult for most of you to find unless you have an awesome herb store.

o Viral Immune System Stimulator Drops and Bacterial System Stimulator Drops by Professional Complementary Health Formulations: Most of my clients have one or both of these homeopathic drops. What's working for us is to take a dropper (about 17 drops) of each twice a day either under your tongue or in water for exposure, and up to three days after the symptoms stop.

o Ipecac homeopathic tabs (30x strength) to control the nausea or vomiting--3-7 tabs under the tongue daily as needed until these symptoms stop. You can get the Hyland's brand at your local health food store.

o Immune Stim Herbs: Many of you have these for various immune challenges. The dose right now is two per day for the next 2-3 weeks. This is a combination of herbs that I was guided to make up many, many years ago to fortify the immune system. The formula contains: Alfalfa, Astragalus, Black Walnut Hull, Burdock Root, Chaparral, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Irish Moss, Red Clover and Wormwood in equal portions. (Ooops--so much for my "secret formula" that seems to work great!)

o Remember to eat your raw fruits and veggies. It's cold out so many of us have not been eating these foods--because they are cold! Our immune systems are suffering from that and all the holiday stress and extra sugar.

oCut back on sugar: Each time you eat sugar it suppresses your immune system for about six hours. Alcohol also suppresses your immune system because the liver has to work overtime to help remove it from your system.

oEster C: Ester C is easier on the stomach and has a full complement of molecules to make up the total vitamin C molecule--500mg/day is what is needed (or the juice of two fresh oranges). About half my clients seem to need this.

oLemons: The juice of one fresh whole lemon once daily for 2-3 days has been helping to break fevers. It helps to flush the system and fry the bacteria, plus it's alkalizing. Drink it straight or diluted, it doesn't matter as long as it's fresh and not that concentrated stuff off the shelf or out of the freezer section.

oWash your hands regularly and remember to clean the phones and door handles. Carry your own pen and use it instead of using the one the grocery store provides! Imagine all those germs on that utensil!

Well, I hope this helps you all keep from getting the crud! Good luck this cold and flu season!

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