Echinacea may shorten the duration of a cold if taken within the first day or two of symptoms. Chinese medicinal herbs can also help. The people who use echinacea to treat symptoms have the right idea. Research to date shows that echinacea can help treat a cold, but it won’t prevent one.
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Feb 06
Feb 02
Prevent Colds & Flu – Go for Good Bugs
Food and supplements that contain helpful bacteria, known as probiotics, promote digestive health and have been linked to stronger immunity. For everyday health, eat yogurt with active cultures several times weekly; if you can’t tolerate dairy, try miso soup or sauerkraut. During the cold and flu season, consider adding a supplement (which has at least [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Jan 29
Prevent Colds & Flu – Take Immune-Boosting Supplements
A number of vitamins and minerals influence the immune system, including vitamin B6, folic acid, copper, zinc, and vitamin C. Supplement a wholesome diet with a high-quality daily multivitamin/mineral that contains these nutrients.
Read the rest of this entry »Jan 25
Cold & Flu Prevention Remedies
If you tend to catch every winter bug that goes around, consider two supplements: the herb astragalus and a medicinal mushroom supplement that contains maitake, shiitake, turkey tail, or reishi mushrooms. Both remedies, long used in Chinese medicine, have antiviral properties that may ward off colds and flu. Like all “tonic” remedies, they have a [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Apr 08
Sore Throat: Honey, Lemon & Cayenne
When you’re having trouble swallowing, honey, lemon, and cayenne pepper can bring soothing relief. The lemon contracts inflamed tissues and provides vitamin C, the honey soothes and disinfects, and the cayenne stimulates circulation and encourages healing. Try It: Fill a tablespoon halfway with honey, and then squeeze a lemon to fill the spoon with juice. [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Jan 27
What Foods Should I Eat to Up My Immunity?
Citrus is bursting with vitamin C, and your body absorbs extra cold-fighting antioxidants from the combo of pink grapefruit, which also contains the phytochemical lycopene.
Read the rest of this entry »Jan 24
I Have a Sore Throat and Feel a Cold Coming On. Help!
Indoor air breeds colds and coughs, but common-sense therapies — like eating fruits and veggies and scrubbing hands clean — are still the most effective way to keep germs at bay this winter. Studies have shown that green tea (steeped 3 to 5 minutes) is the best food source of catechins, plant compounds that halt [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Jan 21
Natural Winter Remedies: Licorice
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has immune-boosting and throat-soothing properties that make it an excellent addition to cough and cold formulas. How to use: For coughs, make a tea that combines mullein leaf with a pinch of licorice. Safety note: People who have high blood pressure should avoid this herb or use the deglycyrrhizinated form (look for [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Jan 18
Natural Winter Remedies: Sage
Common culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) can help to ease sore throats and dry up sinuses. How to use: For a sore throat, make a strong tea by pouring 4 ounces of water over 2 teaspoons of dried or fresh sage. Cool to room temperature. Gargle until the mixture is gone. Repeat three times daily. For [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Jan 06
Natural Winter Remedies: Eleuthero
Also known as Siberian ginseng, this well-studied herb (Eleutherococcus senticosus) can help your body resist the effects of stress and boost your immune system. How to use: Take in tincture or capsule form, or make an immunity chai by blending eleuthero with cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. Simmer for 20 minutes and strain; drink two to [...]
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