Article:
Natural Cures For The Flu:
What Your Doctor Doesn't Know -
by Dr. Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP
From the website: Natural Health Web.com @ www.naturalhealthweb.com
"Flu typically affects 20 to 50 percent of the U.S. population each winter. The flu virus can linger in the air for as long as three hours. In close quarters, conditions are ripe for the spread of the virus. That explains why the highest incidence of the flu is in 5- to 18-year-olds, who spend much of their time in school, in close contact with their classmates.
The most serious complications occur in older adults, however. Do not give aspirin or other "salicylates" to children or teenagers with symptoms of a cold or flu. Don't bother taking antibiotics to treat your flu or cold; antibiotics do not kill viruses, and they should be used only for bacterial infections. Overuse of antibiotics has become a very serious problem, leading to a resistance in disease-causing bacteria that may render antibiotics ineffective for certain conditions. According to a National Survey OTC cough and cold medication sales totaled 3.2 billion dollars in 1995, That's no surprise, considering Americans endure about 1 billion colds each year. The "experts" will use fear to motivate people to get a flu vaccine, but this is yet another healthcare illusion.
Let's be clear, flu can definitely be a killer disease and is not something that should be easily dismissed. But, remember that flu shots don't prevent illness--never have, never will. The flu vaccine can actually weaken the immune system and make you more predisposed to the illness. And the side effects of FluMist, cough, runny nose/nasal congestion, irritability, headaches, chills, muscle aches and fever, sound just like the symptoms of the flu. If you decide to get the nasal flu vaccine, you will get not only a live flu virus in each dose but also table sugar and MSG, which are fraught with their own problems. If you take the shot you may get mercury as an added bonus.
Building A Healthy Immune System: Your #1 Defense
1) Detoxify your digestive tract and liver/gallbladder now. Disease often begins in the digestive tract and the liver is the main filter of the body. When either or both of these are sluggish then your body can be ripe for illness. This will prepare your body to readily be able to absorb, utilize and transport the good food and supplements that you will be using. It is good to do this in the Fall and in the Spring.
2) Eliminate all sugar. A teaspoon of sugar can bring the immune system down for up to 6 hours. Natural, healthy substitutes for sugar are stevia, agave nectar and Xylitol. It is best for you to satisfy your taste buds with fresh, organic fruits. Be sure to eat the whole fruit. Juicing your fruit will cause your insulin levels to spike.
3) Change your diet. Your immune system will flourish on a diet of organic fruits and vegetables. Two raw salads a day will help to provide you body with much-needed vitamins and nutrients. Incorporate soups and stews into your diet. If you eat meat make sure that it is organic and free-range. Cook with organic, unrefined coconut oil (try to consume 2 tablespoons daily) and for salads use organic, unrefined, cold-pressed olive oil. Try to stay away from pre-packaged foods and those foods that are canned or bagged. Purchase organic, free-range eggs and organic butter. Substitute pasteurized/homogenized milk with almond milk. You can also bake/cook with almond milk.
4) Eat a clove of garlic every day. Garlic acts in the body as a natural antibiotic. You must smash the clove in order to realize the immune enhancing properties.
5) Drink half your body weight in ounces in water every day. Our body is 95% water. We must put back what we eliminate through breathing, sweating and urination. Water helps the kidneys to continually flush toxins from the body. Make sure that you are drinking pure, clean water. I recommend distilled with organic apple cider vinegar added to replace the minerals lost through distillation.
****(Kathy of Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy says: I weigh 150 lbs. According to this formula, half my body weight is 75 lbs., so I am supposed to drink 75 ounces of water per day, or a little more than a gallon. (A gallon is 64 ounces, a glass is 8 ounces, a quart is 16 ounces.)6) Exercise every single day. Exercise not only helps with blood circulation and to keep unwanted pounds away but also can help with depression. Exercise helps to move the lymph system, which will in-turn move toxins from the body. Walking outdoor will help your body with Vitamin D production. For those who don’t experience a lot of sunshine it is recommended that you supplement with Vitamin D under the care of a health professional.
7) Adequate Sleep. Almost 80% of the population is sleep deprived. Sleep is necessary for our body to repair and heal. The body does the most healing between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. There is no such think as catching-up on sleep as once it is lost—it cannot be regained through marathon sleeping. Getting adequate rest allows the immune system to repair and be in top condition.
8) Take a good organic multi-vitamin/mineral formula + Vitamin C. Unfortunately eating organically doesn’t always protect us in a perfect manner. The soil conditions and the fact that herbicides and pesticides are carried through the air makes it necessary to supplement with vitamins that our body may not be receiving from our food intake. I have found one that I consider the “Cadillac” when it comes to providing the body with everything it needs to continue in health. Take 1 gram of Vitamin C daily in divided doses.
9) Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands in the mornings, after every meal, after all outings, after shaking hands with people, after each trip to the bathroom and before bed. Teach your children to do the same. Do not use antibacterial soaps. The antibacterial compounds found in most of these soaps sold in the United States are likely contributing to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Use a good all-natural soap from the health food store. Wash with warm water and use a nailbrush along the nail line and in-between fingers. Make sure that you keep your hands away from your eyes and mouth.
10) Deal with stress. Repeated stress is one of the main causes of a suppressed immune system. Learn to manage your stress with meditation, deep breathing, walks in nature, good music, Yoga, Pilates and removing yourself from negative situations. Refuse to allow anyone or any situation to make you stressful. There are natural supplements that you can incorporate to help with stress such as Lithium Orotate or SamE.
In Case Of Flu—Items To Have On Hand—Your #1 Offense
1) Hydrogen Peroxide. In 1928 Richard Simmons, M.D. hypothesized that colds and flu virus enter through the ear canal. The medical community dismissed his findings. According to Dr. Simmons, contrary to what you may think or have been taught about how you catch the flu or the cold there is only one way that you can catch the two, and that's via the ear canal not through the eyes or nose or mouth as most have believed. We have found good results in curing the flu & cold within 12 to 14 hours when administering a few drops of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) into each infected ear, (sometimes only one ear is infected) The H2O2 starts working within 2 to 3 minutes in killing the flu or cold; there will be some bubbling and in some cases mild stinging occurs. Wait until the bubbling & stinging subside (usually 5 to 10 min) then drain onto tissue and repeat other ear. A bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide in 3% solution is available at any drug store for a couple of dollars. Although this method is perfectly safe for infant/children to use, the loud bubbling and stinging frightens them, they'll need someone they trust to put the hp in their ears. (Don’t get h2o2 in the eyes- if you do, flush with water).
2) Colloidal Silver. Colloidal Silver is anti-bacterial and anti-viral. It has an antibiotic effect on the body. More ppm does not necessarily make a good colloidal silver. In fact the lower the ppm the better able for it to penetrate the cell wall. Call your healthcare professional for therapeutic dosages.
3) Oregano Oil. Oregano Oil can be as an effective pain reliever as morphine. Place 1 drop of oregano oil in 1 ounce of warm water. Make sure that the oil is dispersed. Place 1-2 drops of the mixture in each nostril and sniff. The mixture will burn for about 30 seconds. This will help to break up sinus congestion. Do this 3-4 times daily and before bed. To take orally drop 3-5 drops in a veggie cap and take with food three times daily. Oregano Oil is also anti-bacterial and anti-viral.
4) Vitamin C. Make sure that it is ascorbic acid. Capsules and liquid are best. Take up to bowel tolerance. Taking the recommended dosage on the bottle will not be enough—for preventative purposes, double or triple it. If sick, divide the dosage and take some every hour---up to 5 grams daily.
5) Drink lots of fresh vegetable juice and pure, clean water. Flooding the body with liquids will help to flush out toxins and will also give the body added enzymes (helps with inflammation and pain) and nutrients.
6) Premier 8 – Glyconutrients have been given the title of “the new class of missing nutrients” or “miracle sugars”. Scores of studies have linked a deficiency of the extraordinary sugars to everything from lupus and diabetes to heart disease to cancer; from ADHD to infertility. Dozens of illnesses have been linked to an imbalance of these sugars. This is NOT the same as table sugar. Order the book Miracle Sugars by Rita Elkins for more explanation. Glyconutrients may represent the best of preventative medicine and may help with the following: viral infection, fungal infection, parasitic disease, bacterial disease, micro-bacterial disease, auto-immune disease. Providing the immune system with the right glyconutrients helps it recognize infectious organisms more readily. Remember, it is the “glycol” or sugar portion of both our immune cells and invading organisms that transfer messages. There is only one company (multi-level) that currently offers a similar product for a much higher price. You can get Premier 8 only through Oasis Advanced Wellness.
7) Zinc Lozenges – According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, when using zinc lozenges it is important to recognize that they need to be sucked on, NOT swallowed, and smaller doses taken more frequently seem to work better. Suck on a quarter lozenge every 30 minutes. If started early, this approach seems to work well for the majority of people. One caution: if the lozenges make you nauseous they should be stopped immediately as this is a sign of zinc toxicity. If you take preventative steps now you will be doing yourself a huge favor. Make sure that you are prepared in the flu happens to hit you or a family member. If your immune system is at a peak level then your “down time” and side-effects should be minimal. Talk with your family about the suggestions in this article and then implement as many as possible. You will be glad that you started early!"
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From the website www.oodora.com:
"Don’t let a cold or flu get you down this winter. Besides managing your stress during the holiday season, drinking lots of antioxidant rich green and black teas, and keeping your kitchen and office areas clean, there are many natural remedies available to keep your cold and flu at bay. You can easily find these items in your natural foods market or you might possibly have a few in your kitchen.
1. Echinacea
Used as a traditional American Indian remedy, echinacea is antiviral and antibacterial. It helps to raise the infection-fighting white blood cells.
When you’re sick take 3 grams of Echinacea purpurea. Only those who suffer allergies from the aster family of plants should take a smaller dose.
2. Astragalus
A root and member of the pea family, astragalus has antiviral properties that strengthen the immune system.
When you feel a cold coming on take 2-6 grams in capsule form daily.
3. Yin Chiao
Used in traditional Chinese medicine, Yin Chiao or Qiao, is a formula consisting of nine cold and flu fighting herbs, such as licorice for coughs and sore throats, peppermint for stuffiness, schizonepta and red rhizome.
For colds with sore throats and coughing, take 60 drops in water every 2-3 hours, or if taking tablets check the box for dosage.
4. Garlic
You can take a garlic supplement, but eating three garlic cloves a day when you are sick is best.
Try mashing one up in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice for a salad dressing, finely chop some up on pasta, or chop with tomatoes, basil and olive oil and spread on a baguette for a bruschetta.
5. Elderberry
Loaded with antioxidant quercetin, elderberry has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties.
You can find elderberry is jams, teas and black elderberry syrup. It’s sweet and great for sick children. Take 1 to 2 teaspoons four times a day for three to four days when feeling sick. Sipping elderberry tea can also soothe flu symptoms.
6. Olive Leaf Extract
With anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, olive leaf extract attacks the cold and flu virus.
It’s available in capsule form, but the easy-to-use liquid extract is versatile and can be put in food of drink. Three to five drops in warm water makes a great gargle for sore throats.
7. Andrographis
Used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, andrographis boosts your immune system for powerful cold and flu fighting. When combined with Siberian ginseng, this herb caused faster recovery than regular flu medication.
Take 400 mg three times a day as soon as you feel symptoms coming on.
8. Ginger
Chinese herbalist have used ginger for centuries as a cold reducer and decongestant.
You can add fresh ginger root to your soups or stir-frys, or make hot tea. Here’s how: Take a fresh 2-inch piece of ginger and peel the skin. Slice it up and simmer in 2 cups hot water for about 20 minutes, uncovered. Pour into a mug and add a tablespoon of honey and juice from a half of a lemon.
9. Oscillococcinum
The active ingredients in this flu-fighter is Muscovy duck liver and heart. Oscillococcinum was discovered by French physician Joseph Roy in 1917 when the Spanish flu hit the world.
Use one to two tubes of Oscillococcinum once or twice weekly for the flu.
10. Medicinal Mushrooms
Mushrooms like shiitake, maitake and reishi have been used by Chinese and Japanese healers for centuries to treat and prevent a number of ailments.
You can find mushroom blends in liquid form in your natural foods market to help boost immunity. Check product for dosage amounts."
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From the website Safe Natural Cures @ www.lacetoleather.com
"Natural Cures For the Flu - More Than Home Remedies
A half teaspoon of Colloidal Silver
for kids and a teaspoon for adults can be swallowed to ease or eliminate flu symptoms. If you take colloidal silver regularly, you may never get the flu.
AND/OR
At the first sign of a flu, put a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide
into each ear, one ear at a time. Keep the solution in for 10 minutes or until the bubbling stops. Your temperature should start dropping within minutes, and your flu should be gone within 12 to 14 hours.
NOTE: Do not put liquids into your ears if you have a ruptured ear drum.
AND/OR
Diffusing Oil of Oregano
will either keep the flu away entirely or at least dramatically decrease its severity and duration. To diffuse oregano essential oil, put some water into the aromatherapy diffuser, add five drops of the oil, and light a candle underneath. Once you see a mist rising from the diffuser, keep the mixture burning for at least 20 minutes, even if you have to replace the candle.
AND/OR
Sambucol
is elderberry extract, and it is reported to give remarkable results when taken for the flu. Studies reportedly show that those who took Sambucol were symptom free after 2 or 3 days, but those that took a placebo were not well until Day 6. You can also get Sambucol for Kids
(when they can keep it in stock) or Sambucol Lozenges.
A variation on Sambucol is Honey Elderberry Apitherapy
, which also contains elderberry. Apitherapy also conains raw honey, echinacea root extract, organic apple cider vinegar, and propolis extract. This combination may be even more powerful.
BACK to Safe Natural Cures"
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From the Website: The Dollar Stretcher @ www.stretcher.com:
"It certainly is "that" time of year again! Many of us aren't strangers to the typical symptoms, such as coughs, colds, fevers, stuffy noses, aching head and body. That's the bad news. The good news is that there are some simple natural home remedies you can make using ingredients that are probably already in your refrigerators or pantries. Remember to see a doctor to make sure you aren't seriously ill and to make sure you are using these plants safely. You may also want to consult with a herbalist.
Lemons:Mixed with a little honey and hot water, lemons help soothe sore throats. For fevers, my grandmother used to squeeze a little lemon juice in a dish of cold water and apply it to my forehead with a washcloth. It is also gives you some added vitamin C to help your immune system.
Honey: Excellent for sore throats and coughs. You can take it plain, one teaspoonful at a time or mix it with some hot water and lemon.
Garlic:One of my favorite cough and cold remedies involves garlic. Chop and peel five garlic cloves. Cover with a half a cup of honey. Mix in a little cayenne pepper or ginger. Let sit for at least an hour. Take one teaspoonful as needed.
Cayenne pepper: Used in small amounts, cayenne pepper helps your immune system. Add it to food or make the garlic/honey recipe. It also helps keep you warm if you have a chill.
Chamomile tea: Chamomile is commonly used to help you relax and sleep. It is also good for stomach problems and fevers. Don't use if you are allergic to ragweed. Also don't use in large amounts if you are pregnant (more than two cups a day).
Peppermint tea: This is one of my favorite herbs to use, especially when my sinuses are all blocked up. You can either drink it, or put a few tea bags in your bath water. Don't use in large amounts if pregnant.
Ginger: One of my favorite teas to drink when I feel chilled and tired from a cold or the flu is ginger tea. Cut off a one-inch piece of the fresh root and peel it. Grate it into a mug and pour one cup of boiling water. Let it stand for five minutes. You can season it with honey if you want. This is also a good tea for stomach problems.
Thyme: This is one of my favorite herbs to use when I have a cough. To use, prepare a tea with one cup of the dried herb and one cup hot water. Let it steep for fifteen minutes. Strain out the herb and sweeten with honey if needed. Store it in the refrigerator and take one teaspoon every hour as needed. Only use this remedy for a day or two.
Oregano:This is also used for coughs and colds. Prepare it the same way as thyme.
Sage: Sage is a classic sore throat remedy. Prepare the same as thyme and oregano. You can either drink it or gargle with it depending on your preference. Sage is also good for fevers.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a remedy that may help your immune system. Add small amounts of the powder to food. You can also add the powder or a cinnamon stick to an herbal tea.
Discuss "Natural Remedies" with other Dollar Stretchers in The Dollar Stretcher Community"
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From the Website: www.mothering.com
Your Child Has the Flu: What's a Mother to Do?
By Joan Logghe
Issue 128 - January/February 2005
Let the gentle healing of homeopathy ease your family's suffering.
By Lauren Feder, MD
Every fall and winter, many children and adults suffer from the familiar symptoms of cold and flu. Because of concerns about mercury in flu vaccines and the side effects of antibiotics, many parents are now turning to homeopathy and other forms of natural medicine to prevent and treat those nagging symptoms. “When my boys are sick, I’ll usually give them a homeopathic remedy,” says one of my patients, Susanna Campbell Watson. “Within a few days they usually get better, and I rarely need to go to the doctor.”
Article continues below
Homeopathy is a form of holistic medicine based on using minute doses of a substance to stimulate the body to heal itself. A remedy is chosen based on the person’s physical complaints as well as his or her mental and emotional symptoms. Homeopathy can be used to treat acute and chronic conditions in both children and adults. In my office, five children with the flu may each be prescribed a different remedy because each child’s combination of complaints is unique. Homeopathy is easy to administer, safe to use, and available over the counter.
Is it a Cold or the Flu?Sometimes it is difficult to ascertain if your child has a cold or the flu. Both are caused by viruses, and both are contagious. Colds are most commonly caused by a nasal virus that leads to symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and sore throat. Often, a runny nose begins with clear drainage and changes color as the cold matures. Contrary to popular thought, yellow-green mucus does not always indicate that an antibiotic should be prescribed. According to the Minnesota Antibiotic Resistance Collaborative, “Color changes in nasal mucus are a good sign that your body is fighting the virus.”
High fever, muscle aches and pains, and weakness and exhaustion are more characteristic of the flu. The flu, caused by the influenza virus, can be a more severe illness, as it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. The flu season typically lasts from November to March. Colds can occur any time of the year but are more abundant during flu epidemics. Both viruses can go into the chest and cause coughs. In general, younger children can get as many as seven colds a year. As their immune systems develop, they get colds less frequently. Healthy adults usually have two colds a year.
Cold and Flu PreventionAlthough colds and the flu can’t always be avoided, the following measures can aid in preventing or minimizing symptoms:
- Get plenty of rest. This can be more difficult during the holiday season, but lack of sleep makes us vulnerable to getting sick.
- Dress warmly in layers and cover the feet. “Warmth supports all healing. Loss of warmth often leads to illness,” write the Wellness Nurses of the Los Angeles Alliance for Childhood. “The addition of warmth maintains health in a well person, and supports healing in a sick one.” Both children and adults should wear thin layers of natural fabrics, especially in the cooler months. In colder climates, hats should be worn outside.
- Encourage the drinking of healthy fluids, preferably at room temperature to warm. Avoid cold drinks. Give herbal tea, broths, and unsweetened, diluted juice. Ginger tea (heat several slices of fresh ginger in three cups of water for ten minutes), or a natural cold and flu tonic, can be soothing and therapeutic. You can make a tonic with 2–5 tablespoons apple-cider vinegar and 1–2 tablespoons honey or unrefined sweetener in 1 cup hot water, with a dash of cayenne pepper to taste.
- Eat well. Avoid sweets and dairy. Refined sugar compromises the immune system.
- Wash hands frequently to minimize the spread of germs.
- Avoid swimming in fall and winter, especially for susceptible children and adults.
- Dolivaxil (Influenzinum 2004–2005) is a homeopathic remedy that has been used in Europe for years during the flu season to prevent flu symptoms. Each year, the World Health Organization predicts which flu viruses are most likely to infect humans and cause flu symptoms. Based on this information, the homeopathic solution is reformulated each year to help prepare the body during the flu season. This remedy contains the same virus used by companies that manufacture the flu vaccine; however, the homeopathic preparation is natural, easy to use, and contains no mercury. Many families in my practice use it during the flu season as a prevention, with good results.
- Briar Rose is a gentle herb (see “Gemmotherapy,” below) that is useful for many conditions in children, especially infections of the ear, nose, and throat. I use it several times a week during the cold and flu season as a prevention, and twice a day while sick. It can be used in conjunction with homeopathy and all other medicines.
Homeopathic Remedies
The following is a list of remedies commonly used during the cold and flu season. Be sure to note your child’s symptoms before reaching for a remedy. Noting subtle differences in behavior can lead you to the correct remedy.
Remedies for Colds
- Aconitum napellus (Aconite) is used during the early stages of an illness, often within hours of exposure to cold and wind, at the first sign of a shiver. Aconite is helpful for the sudden onset of intense symptoms that range from a profuse runny nose, chills, fever, and coughs to earaches and sore throat. The child is thirsty, restless, and often nervous.
- Belladonna can also be helpful during the early stages of a cold accompanied by sudden high fever and, sometimes, hallucinations. A child who responds to Belladonna radiates heat and may have a flushed face and a throbbing feeling. He or she is hypersensitive to noise and touch. Often, complaints of ear pain and/or sore throat are worse on the right side, and there is no thirst.
- Allium cepa is for a watery runny nose that feels like a continuous “faucet of hot water.” The nose is red and irritated, and there can be sneezing with a tickle in the throat. People who respond well to Allium cepa often feel better outdoors; the remedy is also very useful in treating hay fever.
- Ferrum phosphoricum is similar to Belladonna in that it is indicated when the child’s face is flushed and the fever is accompanied by throbbing. Typically, however, the onset of fever is more gradual and symptoms are mild.
- Pulsatilla nigricans (Pulsatilla) is indicated when the mucus is a creamy consistency and ranges in color from pale yellow to green. This usually happens when the cold is “ripe”; that is, when it has completed its initial stages. The person is warm, wants to be undressed, feels better in the open air, and prefers cold drinks but is not thirsty. The child who responds to Pulsatilla is characteristically clingy, emotional, and wanting company.
- Another remedy for a ripe cold is Hepar sulphuris calcareum (Hepar sulph). Similar to Pulsatilla, Hepar sulph is good for yellow-green mucus that is thick and creamy. Often the sore throat feels sharp or splinterlike, and the glands are swollen. However, the child is chilly, wants to be covered, and is thirsty for warm drinks. The child is also irritable, hypersensitive, and difficult to get along with. Hepar sulph and Aconite are also excellent remedies for croup.
- Mercurius vivus (Mercurius solubilis can also be used) is useful for a child who smells sick, has foul breath, and is hurried, restless, and sweaty, feeling hot one minute, cold the next. The sore throat feels raw and burning, with thick, runny, yellow-green mucus that irritates the nose. Tonsils and glands can be swollen and tender.
Remedies for the Flu
- Oscillococcinum is useful for all types of flu, especially in the earlier stages. Many of my patients claim that Oscillo has greatly shortened the duration of their flus. It can be used for both children and adults.
- Gelsemium sempervirens is for the classic flu symptoms of dizziness, weakness, and fatigue. The Gelsemium patient is not thirsty and wants to lie down and be left alone. The body feels heavy, and any motion is an effort; even the eyelids droop.
- Bryonia alba flu symptoms are characterized by muscle aches that hurt with movement, dryness of the throat and mouth, and an intense thirst for cold drinks. The child is cranky and likely to say, “Don’t touch me!”
- Rhus toxicodenron (Rhus tox) is also good for muscles that are achy and stiff, but in this case the child is restless and fidgety.
- Eupatorium perfoliatum is excellent for flu symptoms that include a deep ache in the bones, as if the bones are “broken.” It hurts to move, including moving the eyeballs.
Gemmotherapy
Gemmotherapy consists of herbal remedies made from the buds or shoots of young plants. Known as the cells’ “chimney sweeps,” gemmotherapy remedies have drainage properties that cleanse cells of toxins. Although the body has natural ways of cleansing itself of contaminants, our modern lifestyle leads to an excess of toxins that the body needs to eliminate to be healthy. Pollutants found in our food, water, air, and drugs accumulate in different organs of the body.
In addition, stress can affect the way in which cells and organs function. In my office, I often use gemmotherapy
in conjunction with homeopathy to treat colds and flu. The following is a list of popular gemmos to use during the cold and flu season.
- Briar Rose is for runny nose and congestion in children. It strengthens a child’s immune system and is useful for conditions involving ear, nose, throat, and sinuses. It is particularly helpful for winter colds. I use it as a preventive two to three times a week, as needed, during the cold and flu season. For illness, use twice a day.
- Lithy Tree targets the lungs and restores pulmonary function. It is helpful for coughs, bronchial spasms, and bronchitis.
- Black Currant is an excellent remedy for strengthening the constitution during the winter months, especially for adults. It stimulates the adrenals and is good for stress and fatigue. For adults, Common Birch targets the cleansing of the liver and other organ systems. Known as “the universal drainer,” Common Birch is an excellent general remedy for strengthening the immune system. As Black Currant is for the adrenals, Common Birch is for the immune system.
In addition to homeopathy and gemmotherapy, other measures and treatments can be used at the onset of symptoms:
- Echinacea (for children); can also be taken by nursing mothers to help boost the immune system. Echinacea can be taken as prevention during the winter season, two weeks on and two weeks off, or at the first sign of an illness.
- Vitamin C for children.
- Anise and mullein, in tea form, are both natural expectorants.
- Elderberry flower tea is known for its natural antiviral properties against the cold and flu.
- Essential oils such as lavender and clary sage (California Baby Calming Bubble Bath contains both) are known for their natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties. In a bath, these oils can help soothe coughs and sore muscles, and calm the nerves.
- Breastmilk can be used to treat stuffy nose and red eyes. Breastmilk has antibacterial properties and can be squirted directly in the eye or nose. A few drops of expressed breastmilk can be placed in the affected area with a dropper.
- Use a hot-water bottle for aches, chills, and general comfort. The Wellness Nurses suggest filling a hot-water bottle with near-boiling water. Carefully press any remaining air out, keep the bottle flat and light, and cover it in thick flannel to protect the skin from burns. A hot-water bottle is meant to be soothing and warming; covered, it should not be too hot to touch.
- If hands and feet are cooler than the belly, warm them first. If your child’s face is flushed, use the bottle at the feet. For chest congestion, place it by the chest. Use as needed during illness.
- Keep your child home if she or he is ill.
Diet
- Encourage the use of healthy fluids (see above). Herbal teas, freshly made broths, and thin soups help thin the mucus and clear the body. During illness, it is not uncommon for your child to lose appetite. Avoid dairy, as it can thicken mucus.
- Garlic is an antibacterial—eat plenty of it.
- Mullein oil and garlic eardrops for earaches.
- Satisfy your child’s cravings—within reason. Each child is unique. Most often, during an acute illness such as a cold or flu, your child will be very precise about what gives him or her relief. You may hear statements like, “I want a Popsicle,” “Don’t leave me alone,” or “I’m not hungry.” According to Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, father of homeopathy, “Acutely ill patients rarely crave things that obstruct their cure.”
How to Administer Remedies
Homeopathic Pellets or Tablets
- Dosages Adults and children: Take three tablets four times a day. In acute cases, take tablets every hour until relieved, or as directed by your doctor. If you see no improvement after three doses, discontinue the remedy.
- Taking the remedy When possible, avoid touching the tablets with your fingers. Use a spoon. Adults and older children are encouraged to let the tablets dissolve under the tongue. Younger children can let them dissolve in their mouths. If your child is too small to take the remedy, dissolve three pellets in 1 tablespoon of water, and give the child 1 teaspoonful of this mixture.
- Eating and Drinking Avoid eating or drinking for five minutes before and after taking your homeopathic remedy.
- Substances to avoid When you are taking a remedy, it is best to avoid coffee, chocolate, camphor, eucalyptus, mint, and other strong-smelling substances (mint toothpaste is okay).
Gemmotherapy
Gemmotherapy remedies are diluted in a way similar to homeopathic remedies and are stored in a base of alcohol with glycerin and water. If you’re sensitive to alcohol, place the open bottle in 1 inch of slow-boiling water for five minutes. Cool the bottle before screwing on the stopper. A gemmo’s shelf life without alcohol is approximately three weeks, as opposed to the standard two years.
Dosages
Gemmotherapy remedies are easy to administer. They can be taken in a beverage, preferably water, or directly under the tongue. If you are taking more than one, they should, ideally, be taken separately. Children usually favor the remedies in a beverage. The dosages are 5–8 drops for infants, 15–20 drops for children three to eight years old, and 25–50 drops for adults and older children. The remedies can be used as often as two to three times per day during acute illness.
For more information about natural remedies, see the following articles in past issues of Mothering: “When Your Child Needs Antibiotics,” no. 65; “Homeopathic Medicine for Winter Ailments,” no. 69; “Home Remedies,” no. 74; “Sore Throats,” no. 75; and “Natural Remedies for Childhood Diseases,” no. 77. For more related material, go to www.mothering.com
Lauren Feder, MD, is in private practice in Beverly Hills, California, where she specializes in homeopathy for children, adults, and pregnancy. She has written for health magazines, including Homeopathy Today, teaches classical homeopathy, and is a frequent lecturer on vaccine safety. She is the mother of two boys. See her website (www.drfeder.com) for more information.
At the age of 97 years and 4 months, Shigeaki Hinohara is one of the world's longest-serving physicians and educators. He has been healing patients at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo and teaching at St. Luke's College of Nursing since 1941.
