health}cold & flu 406 WOMAN
Your Cold and Flu Tool Kit By Kiersten Alton, RPH,
As the snow is flying around so are all the little cold and flu germs. These viruses are present just about everywhere we go. This time of year the best defense is a great offense. There are many natural remedies which can help fend off a cold or the flu. When used properly and combined with a healthy low sugar diet you can beat the bugs!
It is important in winter months that we let fresh air into our homes. When the sun finally peaks out from behind the clouds you need to open a few windows and let in some fresh air. Raise all the blinds and let the UV light destroy those bugs. You lungs will appreciate a humidifier in the bedroom at night. The low humidity makes it harder for our lungs to resist infection.
There are a few products that we always have on hand in our house. First is Sambucol. This syrup is made from black elderberries and is very effective against viruses. At the first sign of a cold or flu start taking sambucol. You can also start using it if you are exposed to a child or co-worker who has a viral infection. Sambucol is safe for adults and children. It even tastes great. Recently the company who makes Sambucol came out with another product called Sambucol Cold and Flu Relief tablets. When taken at the first signs of cold and flu symptoms it can give you fast relief from nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing and fever and chills. This formula combines the sambucus with several other homoepathics to help fight the above listed symptoms.
The Sambucol can be combined with a product called Umcka Coldcare. Umcka has been proven in studies to shorten the duration of throat, sinus and bronchial irritations. Once again you need to start using it as soon as possible when symptoms first arise. This product is also safe for children.
406
If you are congested and having a hard time sleeping because you can’t breathe then try using a Breathe Right Strip. This ingenious little piece of tape help open the nostrils so you can breathe and they really do work. Granted you don’t look very sexy in them but sleep is more important! They even make a smaller size for kids and my children love them. The children’s variety glows in the dark!
WOMAN 64
Regular use of a sinus rinse kit or nettie pot will also keep the nasal passage healthy. Salt water will help flush out bacteria and hydrate the sinus cavity. This will make it less prone to infection and congestion.
If a sore throat is your main problem then try a honey elixer or cup of warm green tea with honey and lemon. This helps soothe the mucus membranes and loosen of mucus. The company Little Colds, makes a product called Honey Elixer which is great for kids and toddlers over the age of 12 months.
All of the products mentioned are safe if you have high blood pressure and won’t cause any drowsiness.
Washing your hands and drinking lots of water are two of the most inexpensive ways to help ward off winter bugs. If a bug does get you then try and rest, make some chicken soup with garlic and cilantro, take a hot bath and go to bed. Detoxifying your body is also a great way to strengthen your immune system and create health! I am leading two 30 day detox’s in January and February. If you are interested in cleaning up your system you can call the pharmacy for more information. Be well, be happy and laugh often. Kiersten