Beat the Cold and Flu Blues With Herbal Remedies

The approach to colds and the flu is comprehensive and holistic. Just as in our most comprehensive and integral health and wellness programs, it works best to look at the whole person, taking into account many different aspects of wellness health care and then nourish and support the body's own natural means of keeping itself well.

If you are interested in a more natural approach to colds and flu and in taking better care of your whole self you should know:

Over the counter drugs that are designed to eliminate the symptoms of the cold - ease congestion, stop the cough, soothe the sore throat - actually interfere with the body's protective immune responses. The condition may seem to get better because of the masking of the symptoms, but actually all that has happened is that the body's natural immune response has been curtailed. Over the counter cold remedies do nothing to fight cold viruses or boost the immune responses so they can have little effect on the duration of colds.

Of the five antihistamines commonly used to treat colds, research shows that only one of them may actually help dry a runny nose.

Researchers have found that over the counter drugs may have no benefit for preschoolers.

Decongestants can produce side effects like jitters and insomnia.

Mucus, tears, and saliva are all saturated with IgA antibodies. Mucus is a genetically engineered antibiotic substance that contains specific antibodies to your current infection. Thus when you take an over the counter decongestant that dries mucus secretions during a cold or flu you may be reducing your immune responses and contributing to lengthening the duration of your infection. It's better to take substances that thin and liquefy the mucus and keep it flowing freely with plenty of liquids.

Herbs like licorice may deal with excess mucus through a moistening action, loosening mucus and making it flow more readily out of the body. Marshmallow and slippery elm are two other herbs that may help to do this.

Echinacea and Goldenseal are probably the most frequently recommended herbs for colds and flu in the United States:

Clinically Echinacea is not generally considered to be a major herb for working with the flu although it is often used as an auxiliary herb. Research suggest that Echinacea may be particularly helpful at the onset of a cold or flu. If taken early enough in the appropriate dosages it may contribute to heading off a cold or flu.

Once the cold is well established, though, Echinacea by itself is not the most effective herbal approach. After the cold or flu has taken hold Echinacea continues to be useful in combination with other herbs and it helps shorten the duration and severity of the infection. By itself Echinacea does not usually knock out a cold or flu.

Taking Goldenseal in the early stages of a cold or flu may actually make the condition worse by drying up the mucus membranes. This inhibits the mucus, saturated with antibodies to fight the bacteria, virus or other microbes, from working.

Clinically Goldenseal is used for subacute and chronic infections of the mucus membranes but it is not usually thought to be appropriate for use in the acute stage.

Goldenseal works as a cleanser and anti-inflammatory. It can be helpful at very specific times in very specific doses in a cold. But there is not a single study that shows that Goldenseal works as a cold fighter.

Even better cold & flu herbs:

Black elder is another traditional herbal remedy that has been shown that it may have good effects on the flu. A recent clinical trail showed that a preparation of black elder ended cases of the flu within three days and also boosted the immune system responses. Oregon grape can be used as a contemporary substitute for Goldenseal and may be much better than even Echinacea for use with the common cold.

Peppermint contains compounds that can relax the airways and open congested sinuses and nasal passages.

Ginger appears to fight inflammation and pain. It also appears to acts as an expectorant and have warming effects that can be helpful if you are chilled.

Yarrow fights inflammation and muscle spasm and promotes sweating. It has long been used against colds and flu.

Thyme is an expectorant and appears to fight microbes. Its flavonoids may help decrease smooth muscle spasm which may assists in opening tight airways.

Mullen is a demulcent which contains mucilagous substances that coat and soothe irritated respiratory linings. It may help to loosen a cough and fight viruses.

More natural herbal remedies:

St. John's Wort has been shown in test tubes studies to inhibit influenza A viruses and parainfluenza virus but not rhinovirus (a cold virus). Osha has traditionally been used in the Rocky Mountains as the most important plant for treating respiratory infections. Osha is used extensively to treat colds, flu, and bronchial infections. The tincture or tea is antibacterial.

Boneset is used as a traditional remedy for the flu. Traditionally, Boneset was used as a major remedy for the flu, fevers, and as a general tonic. It has been used to treat both acute and chronic conditions. In one study the immune stimulating polysaccharides in Boneset were found to be ten times more potent than Echinacea polysaccharides.

An herbal bath may be an effective remedy for easing cold symptoms and increasing immune responses. It may help to nip them in the bud. During the bath the essential oils of the herbs are released by the hot water. These oils are believed to be absorbed through the pores of the skin and through the nose and mouth mucus membranes. Absorption through the mucus membranes may bring the oils into contact with the upper respiratory tract where they are able to exert their antibacterial effects.

Copyright (c) 2008 Mary Ann Copson

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/beat-the-cold-and-flu-blues-with-herbal-remedies-318435.html

Chia Seed: The Omega 3 Power Seed

A lot of people probably remember seeing commercials for Chia Pets – American styled terracotta figurines used to sprout Chia, where the Chia sprouts grow to resemble the figurine’s “fur” or “hair”. Chia Pets were particularly popular in the 1990s and have included such famous faces as Homer Simpson and Scooby Doo; but, who knew Chia seed was actually good for you?

The Chia seed that is used as a food source may not be the same product that was made famous by the Chia pets over a decade ago, but its popularity has never been more significant than it is right now. Chia seed has become the hottest superfood on the market thanks to the huge nutritional punch it packs in just two tablespoons.

Chia is a whole, raw food that is a great source of Omega-3s as well as soluble and insoluble fiber leading to better digestion and regularity, and Chia is also a complete vegetarian protein. It has a mild flavor so you can add it to any meal or drink without the worry that your taste buds will know the difference, which makes it even easier to consume.

One really interesting fact about this nifty little seed is that Chia can absorb ten times its weight in any liquid that surrounds it. When the seeds interact with liquids like water or juice, they quickly form a gel-like substance. This “chia gel” can then help hydrate the body for hours on end. Add Chia to your favorite bottled water or sports drink before a workout or take it with you when hiking on a hot, summer’s day to stay refreshed. Another great side effect of the “chia gel” is that it can help bulk up foods and give the feeling of fullness, which can potentially aid in weight loss.

The “chia gel” can add a great nutritional punch to gruels, porridges, puddings and liquids of any kind while the chia seeds are great for baked goods including breads, cakes and biscuits. They can also serve as an egg substitute thanks to its water-absorbent qualities, which can be helpful when baking.

Herbalism As a Method of Medicine

The use of plants for healing is by far the world’s oldest and most widely known therapy. Since the beginning of time, the knowledge of herbal remedies has been handed down from generation to generation. With the growth of synthetic drug manufacturing, however, the direct use of medicinal plants for a time, became a thing of the past.




It is only recently that there has been an increase in interest in herbalism as a method of medicine that is safe, natural, and cheap.The purpose of herbal remedies is to stimulate the body’s own natural healing abilities by cleansing and rebalancing. Like the synthetic drugs, many herbs contain antibacterial and antiviral properties. The advantage of herbal remedies is their ability to rapidly return the body to a state of health without the damaging side effects; unlike synthetic drugs.




Herbs, correctly prescribed, can be combined to target, regulate, heal or tone any organ in the body, unless the tissue has been completely destroyed.The earliest known records of medicinal herbs date back to 3,000 BC, from northern China. The herbs identified in those records; such as, myrrh and frankincense, are still being used today. At that time, however, herbalism was often explained in terms of astrology and folklore.




From the 16th century on, the division between herbalism and allopathic medicine grew further and further apart. By the 19th century, published knowledge of herbalism had increased through advances in scientific botany, and a number of North American Indian herbal remedies had been added to the pharmacopoeia, the list of medicinal drugs. However, herbal cures were out of fashion.Pre-packaged medicines used in orthodox medical practice are in fact extracted from traditional medicinal herbs; such as digitalis and aspirin. Research establishments have confirmed the value of the traditional uses of whole herbs.




A qualified medical herbalist combines a sophisticated understanding of the human body with the knowledge of herbal pharmacopoeia. They are trained to search out the root cause of ailments and symptoms.



Although many herbs will correct the symptoms, it takes an experienced practitioner to identify the cause. For this reason it is wise to consult a professional, even if you have read about the effects of a remedy and matched it to an ailment.


Herbal nutrition is all about managing, protecting, perfecting, and preventing health concerns with natural healing herbs.

@,~>

Herbology Intro

The idea of this site is to expand ourselves the knowledge of Herbology and the entire works of Herbalism. Herbalism is one of the oldest parts of teaching within the Alternative Healing community of its Science. But it is also one where we have lost a huge amount of information and where science still yet has much to catch up on.

　

Every culture has utilized the herbalism of its particular region and I have found no one particular source or teacher who could possibly know about every aspect of herbs that all grow on the Earth. Yet today, we have the opportunity to better achieve this within our lifespan using one of the most important types of life's foundation, communication.

　

Science is now slowly beginning to learn the importance of the natural herbs in healing. But they will take centuries to figure it all out because of the way they go about things, unless they are nudged.

So we have the upper hand in learning and raising our awareness. This is the start, a beginning of many beginnings to come. Take your time studying and reading the posts that will be added and shared. Take notes if you will, compare your sources and your own personal results and most importantly, go at your own pace and do not forget to rest. Rest is important. Herbology and the works of Herbalism provides giving back to you, what you put into it. This is wisdom.

Light the lamp of Wisdom.

Enjoy :o)