Did you know that cold and flu season occurs not once, but twice a year? When we think of cold and flu epidemics, we usually associate them with the winter. While it’s true that new infections of the rhinovirus and various strains of influenza peak between December and March, a second season of sickness strikes in the summer as well.
It’s almost inconceivable that after grappling with these diseases for so many generations, our greatest medical minds still have found no cure. Many strains of influenza can be weakened or prevented with vaccinations and colds are easily stopped with simple hygienic routines, but neither virus has a hard and fast solution.
Influenza comes in so many different forms that it’s virtually impossible for the scientific community to keep up. By the time a new flu strain is identified, it can take months for the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control to crack it. A lot of help that does us when our little ones come home with the sniffles!
Next time you or your kids catch a cold or god forbid a bad flu, forego the toxic pharmaceuticals. You don’t need pseudoephedrine and acetaminophen to keep that virus in check. These drugs treat symptoms, but they don’t help bolster your immune response. Opt for one of these natural remedies instead.
Vitamins
Vitamins A, C, E, iron, zinc, selenium and all B-complex vitamins have excellent immune boosting properties. As the next cold season approaches, increase your family’s intake of all these essential vitamins and nutrients. These compounds support our bodies’ natural resistance to both cold and flu. Vitamins are most effective as a preventative measure, so its best to take them before you get sick or just as you feel the first symptoms coming on. If you’re already in the throws of something nasty, Vitamins A, C and Zinc may still help mitigate your pain.
Honey
The nectar of the bee is the only completely natural remedy that has been proven to treat the common cold. That’s right. It’s been 300 years since the scientific revolution, and honeybees are still the only pharmaceutical chemists who have come up with an effective way to beat the rhinovirus. Next time one of your kids comes down with a nasty cold, give him or her a cup of hot tea with a spoonful of natural honey added. The liquid will keep him or her hydrated while the honey works its magic.
Herbalism
There are several medicinal herbs that have shown great promise in treating both cold and flu. A plant called astralagus acts like steroids for your antibodies, filling your bloodstream with these virus-fighting proteins. Ginger, Elder Flower, Echinacea and golden seal all show similar immune boosting effects. If you want to get aggressive with the virus, Juniper, Melisa, eucalyptus and licorice have all shown some antiviral properties in tests. Pair any one with vaporizers to help alleviate congestion and your symptoms should subside in no time.
About Julee
Great post, http://naturalhelp.mysynergy.info/ talks about these same points you made, really believe in the natural remedies route, thanks for posting.