This excellent article was written by Carol Haslam. Carol is a Personal Counselor and writer for the Roxborough/Manayunk Patch. She has years of experience in the health and wellness fields.. Carol rents a room from us at Roxborough Community Acupuncture, and see clients by appointment.
Here is the original article: http://roxborough.patch.com/articles/an-ounce-of-prevention
An Ounce of Prevention
Preventing and treating flu and other viruses during sickness prone months.
- By Carol Haslam
- October 10, 2011
The cold air is back, and so begins the season of sniffles and sneezes; coughing and body aches. Doctors at the Roxborough Kids First practice say, “croup is going around,” and “Flu Shots Now” signs are showing up on the lawns of every CVS.
We all have a medicine cabinet, for some of us it is full of prescriptions. For others, it just holds a few meds or Bandaids for “just in case.” For me, it holds a host of herbal remedies to prevent the ailments, or cut them off at first show. As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” So with that in mind, I’d like to offer a few suggestions for prevention, especially as we enter the infamous “flu season.”
We live in a time and place where there are many options for the treatment of ailments. We can take a flu vaccine as a preventative step, and we can take antibiotics for many ailments. But when it comes to viruses, a trip to the doctor’s office will usually result in, “good, old fashioned advice” on how to sweat it out, because they don’t have anti-viral pharmaceuticals.
But much of that, “good, old fashioned advice” has actually been studied by modern science, to show just why it works! Over the next few weeks, I’ll be diving into some of the herbs and remedies that have been shown to be effective in the prevention and/or ‘cure’ of common ailments, especially the viral sort.
This week, I’ll start with some basics: an herbal medicine closet for colds and flu.
Vitamin D
Studies abound, showing Vitamin D to be one of the most important supplements we can take for the strengthening of our immune systems, and the defense against viruses. It may be even more important than Vitamin C.
A theory now exists that “flu season” hits in fall/winter not because of the drop in temperatures, but because of the lack of sunshine. When we spend time in the sun our bodies produce Vitamin D. So in the summer time, when we’re getting the sunlight we need, we get the Vitamin D we need to keep flu cases (and other viruses and ailments) to a minimum.
But, in September the quality and quantity of our sunlight lessens. So, our immune systems are compromised as our Vitamin D production decreases significantly. Furthermore, our kids return to school, shifting their experience indoors, which may sharply decrease their Vitamin D production, making them especially vulnerable to viruses. Then they bring them home … and you know how it goes from there.
So Vitamin D is, in my opinion, an essential daily supplement for everyone, even bottle-fed babies (liquid drops are also available at Whole Foods). The USRDA on Vitamin D is 400 iu., but clinical studies show that for adults, taking 2,000 to 5,000 iu per day is equally or more effective in the prevention of the flu as receiving a vaccine. 10,000 iu. is perfectly safe, and some studies recommend it (for kids 1,000-5,000iu). It is very inexpensive, and can be purchased at GNC, Shoprite, CVS, RiteAid, or WholeFoods.
Elderberry Extract
Elderberry has been used as medicinal for hundreds of years. In modern scientific studies, it has been shown an effective anti-viral substance, even against H1N1 flu strain. Multiple studies have shown people to overcome flu viruses in two days while taking elderberry, as compared to 6 or 7 days for the placebo group.
Besides having anti-viral properties, Sambucol (the syrup form of elderberry), has shown to stimulate the body’s production of cytokines, which basically means it has a hugely positive impact on the human immune system.
Suggested use of Elderberry is to take Elderberry extract on a daily basis for immune support and prevention, or Elderberry syrup (or Sambucol) at the first sign of ailment, especially of the viral or respiratory kind. This can be purchased at GNC or WholeFoods
Olive Leaf Extract
Though Olive plant remedies are, arguably, some of the oldest on record (thousands of years), but very little modern research has yet to be conducted. That being said, it is purported to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties; which makes it a great standard for a wide spectrum of use. Studies are starting to suggest that the claims may be true.
Personally, I use the Olive Leaf Extract in my battery at the first sign of sickness of any kind. When you read about Olive Leaf, many sources make it sound like the miracle of all miracles. Though I’m not convinced that it’s all that, I do think it’s a powerful addition to empower human bodies to heal, and I’ve had (and have heard) many testimonies to it’s efficacy. This can be purchased at GNC or WholeFoods.
Next week, we’ll look at some of grandma’s favorites, and the science for/against them, including: chicken soup, Oragano oil, castor oil, and onions in your socks.
*Please note: I am not a Medical Doctor. I am a personal counselor with years of previous experience in the personal training and massage fields. I know how to research, and have done so extensively in the areas of health and fitness. Advice in this column is not intended to circumvent or replace that of your physician.