"Colds and flu are highly contagious respiratory infections that are caused by many kinds of viruses, while flu is specifically caused by one or three influenza viruses. More than 200 cold viruses (rginoviruses) have been identified; unfortunately, developing immunity to one does not protect you from the others. There are fewer flu viruses, but they undergo frequent mutations---that is, they change their protein structure just a little---each year as they sweep around the globe. This is why new flu vaccines are produced yearly that protect against the prevailing strains of the virus. Doctors recommend annual flu shots for everyone over the age of 65, people of any age who have a circulatory, respiratory, kidney, metabolic, or immune disorder."-------from a book called Foods that harm and food that heals by reader's digest.
Flu infection is usually the result of an infected person coughing, sneezing into the air or by an uninfected person touching infected object or person, and unknowingly transferring the virus to their own body by touching their eyes, nose or mouth. At first contact, Flu infections requires aggressive treatment because they are worse than colds. Respiratory infections can last a few days while allergy symptoms last weeks. When you feel cold chills, sneezing, sore eye, runny nose, headache and pain swallowing because of sore throat, it can be difficult to tell the difference between an allergy, a cold and flu but how can you determine for sure, if it is a mild cold symptom or a serious flu? well, there is no thickness between the two; colds will cause difficulty breathing, more runny nose or stuffy congestion that may be itchy; whereas if you have symptoms like painful dry cough, fatigue, fever, muscle aches, feeling pain when you cough, it is mostly likely a flu. British researchers have shown that flu virus is activated at temperatures slightly below 98.6f(37 degree Celsius), which is the normal body temperature for humans.
Our body is built with an immune defense mechanism but when it is weak, we are left vulnerable to a ton of infectious bacteria and virus. We have to teach ourselves how to protect our body to avoid drowsiness, nasal passage dry out, thickened mucus membrane and possibly other side effects from long-term usage of over counter medication or too much flu shots. "prevention is better than cure".
what if you knew a better way to keep colds, allergies and flu virus away for much longer without medication's side effects. Herbs and anti-inflammatory food can help you do just that and more.
Herbal remedies can significantly reduce cold or allergy symptoms without side effects by tackling the problem at the root of the immune. The way it works is, the immune system encounters allergen or cold virus; it triggers the release of histamine, a chemical that cause inflammation. This will then lead to coughing, sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and congestion.
You're more vulnerable to colds and flu when your immune system is depressed. Preventive steps include avoiding caffeine and alcohol because caffeine can be dehydrating and alcohol dilates small blood vessels and makes sinuses feel stuffed up; alcohol may reduce the body's ability to fight infection and may possibly reacts with prescription.
Food and herbs like seafood soup made with celery and garlic, Ginger, onions, shitake mushrooms. Aloe vera, flax-seed and flax-seed oil, avocado. Herb astragalus, enchinacea, licorice, Mints, green tea, Tinospora, stinging nettle, Ginkgo, cinnamon, cocoa & honey with warm water, Turmeric used in cooking stuff like beans or soups, turmeric is also known as curry. cayenne pepper, red Clover, can help get rid of some infections like cold. Hot peppers, garlic, turmeric or chilies, contain capsaicin, a substance that can help break up nasal and sinus congestion.
A good herb to help keep off cold and allergies is enchinacea, rosemary herb, pepper mint or mint oil. Peppermint leaf or tea when used in small amounts, is well known for treating mild cold, nausea, headaches, pain, stomach upset caused as a result of indigestion.
Enchinacea, traditionally has been used to boost the immune system to help prevents colds, flu and various infections that may plague us especially during
Enchinacea is a herb that is safe for humans, cats, and dogs.........at home i and my dog use it like tea at least twice a week to boost our immune, especially during the rainy winter season. But some people's body differ, and may experience a different side of enchinacea; so if you notice without a doubt that you're having a reaction to the herb please discontinue herb and consult your naturopathic doctor
Licorice is another herb used by the natives to treat sore throats, bronchitis, and it can be used as a dietary supplement. It is used to treat infections caused by viruses. You can find licorice in the powered form, capsule, tablets, extracts or as a whole root. I usually prefer using licorice root in the dried powdered form. I put it in small pouch herbal bags and lick it.----it's a little sweet.
If you use licorice, avoid taking large amount because taking too much licorice can cause high blood pressure, low potassium level, water retention. If you've heart problems and high blood pressure, you should really exercise caution with licorice roots using licorice root when pregnant or while on a diuretic medication. Even herbs must be used safely in order to maintain effective results. But Licorice is really good as a natural remedy for cold and for maintaining immune health.
Some people have tried isolation as a way to incubate the infection and to protect others from catching it.
But keeping yourself isolated from people because of an allergy isn't practical expecially during the holiday seasons. The best practical way to prevent or reduce allergies is to avoid what's causing your symptoms (allergy culprits like toxic food ingredient, toxic home cleaning products, toxic personal hygiene ingredients, dust mites, pollen, mold, perfumes, pesticides--chemical, car fumes from car exhaust, cigarette smoke or smog, the smell of new furniture, clothing materials and foods you are allergic to). Stress, unsanitary environment, Poor dietary habits, like
eating too much refined carbs or sugar, greasy food like french fries that can cause
inflammation and liver congestion, also Lack of sleep can make the
immune weak and cause illness. Although most colds and flu will go away naturally if you get plenty fluids, healthy food--protein, fruits, vegetables and herbs but if you think its severe you should see your Naturopathic doctors. Especially, if your cough is producing green, yellow, or bloody phlegm. A severe fever or headache or pain in the face, jaw or ear for more than 48 hours.
Also, Practice Proper and regular hand washing; keeping your hands away from our face (eye, nose and mouth) can dramatically reduce the spread of infections.
More info:
Lemon and pineapple
Fight colds, allergies and flu
Posted by: Onyinye A, a freelance writer who specializes in nontoxic self improvement, green-friendly living, whole health remedies, holistic pet care, nontoxic lifestyle (preventing cancer, illness and toxicity) and everything related to detox, Natural health and organic living.
"Nontoxic Lifestyle"
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