Beat the Flu, Prevents Colds & Strengthen Immunity
Current reports state that one of the strains in the flu vaccine used this year has mutated. So if this is what you normally do to keep the flu away, then perhaps it’s time to look for some natural assistance!
So just what can you do to really help beat the flu, prevent colds and strengthen immunity?
We encourage you to do your best to prevent catching a cold or getting the flu. You can keep up your exercise, you can eat well, and you can take all the good supplements.
Despite all this, if stress or other life events interfere with these healthy habits, you might just find yourself ‘under the weather. So keep reading to see how to get on top of it all.
Oh and this does not include taking antibiotics. What many people may not realise is that antibiotics only target bacteria and are not able to kill the viruses responsible for colds and flu.
Here, I share with you some of the herbs and nutrients we use at our naturopathic clinic in Ringwood to help manage these viral infections and keep your immune defences strong.
Herbal Helpers
A number of traditional herbs have been clinically shown to improve immune function and reduce symptoms of the common cold and flu.
The Ayurvedic herb Andrographis can reduce both the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
Picorrhiza has been used traditionally in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to help maintain a healthy immune system. It is now understood that this herb has both anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating actions.
Elderberry is a mainstay of traditional Western herbalism for its anti-catarrhal and fever-reducing activity. It helps to relieve acute cold symptoms as well as recurrent coughs.
If you are unwell with a respiratory virus, our Naturopaths can recommend a herbal formula that contains these immune-supporting herbs.
Medicinal Mushrooms.
Medicinal mushrooms have a long history of use in Asian cultures and are now known to have strong antiviral activity.
The immune-boosting potential of reishi, shiitake, cordyceps, and Coriolus mushrooms has been extensively studied.
Not only can they help reduce the length and severity of an acute cold, but they can help prevent future recurrences.
Getting Rid of the ‘Gunk’
Mucus and phlegm are signs that your immune system is hard at work, but the resulting congestion can lead to blocked sinuses and breathing difficulty.
The decongestant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial essential oils of eucalyptus, thyme, lavender, and peppermint may help to reduce the nasal and sinus congestion that accompanies upper respiratory tract infections.
Mucus congestion can also cause irritating or chesty coughs.
Liquorice is recognised in Western herbal medicine for its soothing, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
An extract of liquorice root can reduce irritation of the respiratory mucous membranes, helping to soothe dry coughs and relieve mild bronchitis.
The Ayurvedic herb Adhota is a helpful bronchodilator also with expectorant properties. By encouraging the clearing of congestion-causing phlegm, your airway becomes more open and that irritating wheeze reduces.
If you are coughing or your sinuses are blocked, speak with your Naturopath about an appropriate formula containing these mucus-busting herbs and essential oils.
From the above, a naturopath at our Ringwood naturopathic clinic can formulate a specific combination of ingredients just for you!
Super Charge Your Immunity
Give your immune system a head start by incorporating these healthy habits into your diet and lifestyle: Eat fresh fruits and veggies.
Aim for at least two serves of fruit and three cups of vegetables daily.
Fill your plate with a rainbow of colour to provide nutrients and antioxidants to help build strong immunity.
Lightly cooked vegetables are a nourishing option in winter.
Eliminate inflammatory foods:
Sugar, refined carbohydrates, dairy, and wheat can all be inflammatory and may suppress immune function.
Avoid mucus-promoting, inflammatory foods such as dairy and processed foods.
Drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost as you blow your nose repeatedly;
Reduce stress:
Stress steals energy and nutrients from your immune system, leaving you susceptible to getting sick.
Enjoy the benefits of scheduling time out, meditation and time spent in nature.
Exercise regularly:
Remaining active not only makes you feel good; it also reduces the frequency of contracting a cold by up to 46%.
Sleep soundly:
The lifestyle prescription when you are unwell is to get lots and lots of sleep!
Aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night to restore energy and allow your immune system to regain its strength and resilience.
The Lost Art of Convalescence
In this modern world, you may feel obliged to ‘soldier on’ despite coughing, sneezing and so operate at less than your best.
Taking the time to rest and recuperate reduces the risk of spreading the infection to your colleagues and helps you to recover sooner.
Fight Back and Stay Well
This means that you can Embrace Winter instead of fearing it.
So, If winter for you means multiple colds, days off work or catching yet another flu from a sick family member or colleague, embrace immune-boosting Natural Medicines and let this be your season of change.
And even if a cold or the flu finds its way to you this winter and is stopping you from performing at your best, don’t despair – naturopaths in Ringwood can recommend a herbal or nutritional formula with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and immune-boosting power to support you and help get you back to health again.
Take the step toward a healthier you!
For further help or advice do Contact us Or
you can also make a booking online.
Most of us are no strangers to those dreaded colds and flu that can leave you and your family with runny noses, coughs, sore throats, headaches, fevers, and fatigue through the winter months.
