December 21, 2001, Newsletter Issue #69: Rebounding From Colds & Flu

Tip of the Week

Dr. Andrew Weil`s plan of attack calls for eating a clove (not a whole bulb) of raw garlic at the first sign of sore throat or sniffles. The garlic can be minced and mixed with food or just cut in chunks and swallowed like a pill. Garlic is also available in capsule form if you can`t imagine ingesting it as just described. But, the key here is that garlic`s extraordinary antibacterial and antiviral properties begin working immediately.

You should also begin taking zinc lozenges immediately. There are a number of different brands, some with added vitamin C and herbs, but you have to be the judge of what tickles your tastebuds. Some can be downright yucky - but others quite palatable. There are special brands made for kids and many brands for adults. Start with a 15 mg lozenge (which you dissolve in your mouth) every 3 waking hours for 3 days. Then reduce to 1 lozenge every 4 hours for a week. To be safe DO NOT exceed a total of 100 mg a day from all your supplements as too much of any mineral is not a good thing. The power of zinc, however, is very important in boosting the immune system.

Next, check out your herbal supplies. The herbs I have had the most success with in fighting colds include echinacea, elderberry and olive leaf (this one is especially helpful for sinus problems). There are many formulas designed with kids in mind such as EchinKids (with added zinc), HerbPharm`s line of extracts for children and Sambucol, a tasty elderberry syrup.

Next, we target congestion. I generally turn to an herbal supplement named HAS (by Nature`s Way). This is a mixture of herbs that does NOT include ephedra (ma huang) but it does amazing things for the nose. (If you can`t find it in your area click on the link below and then click on the Vitamin Shoppe banner. Type HAS in search box and you can read more about this great natural decongestant!)

http://www.alternativehealth-tips.com/RscBio.asp

You can also benefit greatly by putting a towel over your head and breathing in the steam from a bowl of boiled water with a few drops of eucalyptus oil. This gets the oil`s antiviral properties into your sinuses and throat so they can destroy the germs lurking within these areas.

Next, utilize the healing power of vitamin C. I keep my intake at a max of 8 to 10,000 mg daily (in divided doses) plus I use buffered vitamin C because it`s easier on the tummy. Remember, too much C can cause gas and diarrhea.

You may not be able to beat every virus out there, but you can definitely make their stay a short one.

WANT TO KNOW WHICH HERB IS BEST FOR YEAR-ROUND IMMUNITY PROTECTION? CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO LEARN MORE!

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