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The A to Z of
Surviving the Flu Season

Does the thought of the Swine Flu turn you totally off your favourite roast??

Do crowded places in winter get up your nose??

Simple Hints and Tips

Here are some simple hints and tips to help you survive the Winter Flu season – regardless of the type of Flu virus racing around.

Washing your hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand rub after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials.  This includes phone handsets!!

Cover your nose when coughing and sneezing.

Use tissues to contain any secretions and then dispose of them into the nearest waste paper bin or a no-touch receptacle for disposal.

Therapies and Treatments to Consider

Below are some therapies/treatments that you could consider if you want to survive the Cold and Flu season.

Acupuncture helps in many ways. This form of Traditional Chinese is extremely useful in helping to boost  your immune system as well as aiding in the treatment of infections.

Vitamin A – in the form of Cod Liver Oil will help to boost your immune system.

Astragalus  is a herb used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to boost immune function, especially if you contract infections easily or have a past history of Chronic Infections.

Andrographis comes from India and is known as the “King of Bitters”.  This is the herb to use in the acute phase of an infection – viral or bacterial. 

Aromatheraphy  is one of the therapies I highly recommend during the flu season. Essential oils used in your oil burner can act as an anti-septic helping to kill bugs that are circulating in the air in your house or office.  Oils can also be rubbed onto the skin – don’t forget just how good Vicks VapoRub can be in helping to keep your nasal passages open.   Breathe Easy oil blends contain special oils that are a mainstay in my treatments at this time of year.

Vitamin C – a nutrient as good today as ever.  Vitamin C helps to stimulate the anti-bodies which your body produces to help you fight off a viral attack.  Take this vitamin in powder  form (with Zinc) or tablet form – either is great!

Echinacea  is a prime remedy to aid the body to rid itself of microbial infections – both bacterial and viral.  It is used in conjunction with other herbs to specifically target certain conditions – e.g. with Thyme for lung infections, with Eyebright for sinus infections and so on.  If using Echinacea tincture – look for a good Zing on the tongue – that’s a sign of a very good quality Echinacea.

Elderberry  has been used for centuries in Europe and Africa to treat colds and influenza.  Recent studies in Norway showed that treatment with Elderberry  extracts resulted in significant improvement in symptoms after 3 to 4 days.  Elderberry inhibits a wide range of influenza viruses and it may be very effective against mutated viruses.

Garlic  is a universally used herb.  Like Echinacea it is useful for both bacterial and viral infection.  If you’re sick – don’t try to take the raw garlic – it may make your tummy feel a bit yuck!.  It’s best taken as a tablet or capsule if you need to use high doses.

Zinc plays an important role in how our immune system operates.  A study in France showed that the addition of Zinc (and Selenium) to the nutritional regime of a group of elderly patients decreased the frequency of respiratory infections.  Other studies have shown that supplementation with Zinc (in children) over a period of months may significantly reduce the incidence of the common cold in children.