Via: http://www.bellaonline.com

Treat your Flu and Cold with Healing Herbs

The summer is now waning and many people are dreading the fall and winter because of the usual flu and colds that accompany the turning leaves and drifting snow. Luckily these illnesses can be controlled and even avoided using herbs.

* Garlic: Is very effective in improving the function of the immune system and should be taken proactively to avoid catching the flu or colds.

* Yarrow: This lovely yellow flower is great to treat the fever associated with the flu and can be used in conjunction with Elder to fight this debilitating symptom.

* Elder: Most people have heard of elderberries in wine and never realized that the compound that gives these berries their deep color also can shorten the duration of the flu. The flowers are also useful to treat sinus congestion and fever. There are several sinus congestion teas on the market that have dried elder flowers as the main component.

* Marshmallow: This plant root has been used for centuries to treat sore throat and coughs due to many different viruses. It is very effective in relieving the irritated throat passages and ease lung congestion due to mucus buildup.

* Thyme: although most people use this herb with great effect in culinary creations it also is an extremely powerful antimicrobial which can treat respiratory infections successfully. Do not ingest the essential oil of this plant but instead infuse either dried or fresh leaves in boiling water and drink like a tea.

* Sage: This herb is actually an ingredient in many commercial preparations designed to sooth sore throats. Similar to thyme, sage has antimicrobial properties and can be used to gargle with help relieve sore throat symptoms.

These are the most commonly used effective herbs for the various symptoms relating to the flu and common cold but care must be taken just as one would with synthetic drugs. Dosage and preparation should be carefully adhered to and you should always follow the producers’ instructions or carefully study the best amount. People on blood thinners or heading towards surgery should avoid taking garlic and yarrow supplements. Elder berries need to always be cooked and elder flower must not be used for long periods of time. Avoid yarrow if you have allergies to Echinacea and stop taking it if sensitivity to sunlight develops. If you are on other medications marshmallow may reduce their effectiveness and do not take this supplement if you are diabetic. If you are pregnant or breast feeding any herbal supplementation should only be done with the supervision of a professional.

Source/Full Story:  Reuters

Abstract:  Activation of Nrf2 in Endothelial Cells Protects Arteries From Exhibiting a Proinflammatory State

…
Researchers at Imperial College London have found evidence a chemical in broccoli and other green leafy vegetables could boost a natural defense mechanism that protects arteries from the clogging that can cause heart attacks.

In a study funded by the British Heart Foundation charity and conducted on mice, the researchers found that sulforaphane — a compound occurring naturally in broccoli and other brassicas — could “switch on” a protective protein which is inactive in parts of the arteries vulnerable to clogging.
…
“This study provides a possible explanation for how green vegetable consumption can promote a healthy heart.”
…
The research, reported in the journal Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, was conducted using purified sulforaphane, not broccoli. Researchers said the next step was to test the effect of the chemical as it is found in vegetables.

Technorati Tags: broccoli, brassica, sulforaphane

Yes, everybody is talking about it, and yes, there are indeed herbal remedies that will help you preventing being infected by any flu virus.

1. Vitamin D:  It seems as though an insufficient level of vitamin D make you very vulnerable to flu viruses, be they ordinary flu or swine flu.  Stock up on vitamin D quickly, therefore.
2. Sambucol, a syrup made mainly from black elderberries and echinacea, is a good way to treat flu, or boost your immune system when you feel the very first symptoms of flu.  This, too, it an item you might wish to stock up on.  Black elderberries are very good antioxidants.
3. Omega-3 oils helps the body to remain healthy, and to improve your vitamin D levels.  Animal-based omega-3 oil is preferable.
4. Stock up on items such as face masks, a steam inhaler, latex gloves, hand sanitizer, and other such items that help preventing infections.

Here is a rather longish article that basically warns again a swine flu panic, and gives you good advice on what to do at the very end, which is what I will paste here.  While I agree with the authors that it is not a good idea to get vaccinated, I hope that their call to calmness will not lull you into safety and make you postpone taking still necessary precautions.  If you do not stock up on supplies now, you might not be able to anymore in a few months, either because they are out of stock, or they have gotten too expensive for you to afford them anymore.

Anyway, here is the end of the article:

Via: agoracosmopolitan.com

For now, my point is that there are always going to be threats of flu pandemics, real or created, and there will always be potentially toxic vaccines that are peddled as the solution. But you can break free of that whole drug-solution trap by following some natural health principles.

I have not caught a flu in over two decades, and you can avoid it too, without getting vaccinated, by following these simple guidelines, which will keep your immune system in optimal working order so that you’re far less likely to acquire the infection to begin with.

Optimize your vitamin D levels. As I’ve previously reported, optimizing your vitamin D levels is one of the absolute best strategies for avoiding infections of ALL kinds, and vitamin D deficiency is likely the TRUE culprit behind the seasonality of the flu — not the flu virus itself.

This is probably the single most important and least expensive action you can take. I would STRONGLY urge you to have your vitamin D level monitored to confirm your levels are therapeutic at 50-70 ng. ml and done by a reliable vitamin D lab like Lab Corp.

For readers who are in the U.S., we [original writers of the article] hope to launch a vitamin D testing service through Lab Corp that allows you to have your vitamin D levels checked at your local blood drawing facility, and relatively inexpensively. We hope to offer this service by June 2009.

If you are coming down with flu like symptoms and have not been on vitamin D you can take doses of 50,000 units a day for three days to treat the acute infection. Some researchers like Dr. Cannell, believe the dose could even be as high as 1000 units per pound of body weight for three days.

However, most of Dr. Cannell’s work was with seasonal and not pandemic flu. If your body has never been exposed to the antigens there is chance that the vitamin D might not work. However the best bet is to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D around 60 ng/ml.

BUT to keep this in perspective the regular flu, not the swine flu, has killed 13,000 in the US since January. But there is strong support that these types of figures are grossly exaggerated to increase vaccine sales. However, the fact remains that the regular flu at this point in time is FAR more dangerous than the swine flu and were you worried about the regular flu before the media started talking this up?

Avoid Sugar and Processed Foods. Sugar decreases the function of your immune system almost immediately, and as you likely know, a strong immune system is key to fighting off viruses and other illness. Be aware that sugar is present in foods you may not suspect, like ketchup and fruit juice.

Get Enough Rest. Just like it becomes harder for you to get your daily tasks done if you’re tired, if your body is overly fatigued it will be harder for it to fight the flu. Be sure to check out my article Guide to a Good Night’s Sleep for some great tips to help you get quality rest.

Have Effective Tools to Address Stress . We all face some stress every day, but if stress becomes overwhelming then your body will be less able to fight off the flu and other illness.

(…)

Exercise. When you exercise, you increase your circulation and your blood flow throughout your body. The components of your immune system are also better circulated, which means your immune system has a better chance of finding an illness before it spreads. You can review my exercise guidelines for some great tips on how to get started.

Take a good source of animal based omega-3 fats like Krill Oil. Increase your intake of healthy and essential fats like the omega-3 found in krill oil, which is crucial for maintaining health. It is also vitally important to avoid damaged omega-6 oils that are trans fats and in processed foods as it will seriously damage your immune response.

– Wash Your Hands. Washing your hands will decrease your likelihood of spreading a virus to your nose, mouth or other people. Be sure you don’t use antibacterial soap for this — antibacterial soaps are completely unnecessary, and they cause far more harm than good. Instead, identify a simple chemical-free soap that you can switch your family to.

– Eat Garlic Regularly. Garlic works like a broad-spectrum antibiotic against bacteria, virus, and protozoa in the body. And unlike with antibiotics, no resistance can be built up so it is an absolutely safe product to use. However, if you are allergic or don’t enjoy garlic it would be best to avoid as it will likely cause more harm than good.

– Avoid Hospitals and Vaccines. In this particular case, I’d also recommend you stay away from hospitals unless you’re having an emergency, as hospitals are prime breeding grounds for infections of all kinds, and could be one of the likeliest places you could be exposed to this new bug. Vaccines will not be available for six months at the minimum but when available they will be ineffective and can lead to crippling paralysis like Guillain-Barré Syndrome just as it did in the 70s.

Via: Detroit Holistic Health Examiner

Try some preventative and natural remedies to cure spring allergies this year. Spring is often the kick off to beginning allergy season for many people. While there are many over the counter and prescription medications to control allergy symptoms, there are many natural cures that can effectively and safely cure spring allergies.

* It’s important to check the pollen count every day so you can take preventative action. If the pollen count is high, it’s probably not the best day to do yard work. Plan your activities around the pollen count whenever possible.
* Pollen counts are highest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., so try to remain indoors as much as possible during that time of morning.
* Keep windows closed during spring allergy season to keep pollen from blowing into your house. Don’t hang dry your clothing outside, and change your sheets as often as possible.
* Shower and change your clothes when you return home after being outside. Pollen can rub off your clothing and cling to furniture and carpeting, so throw your clothing into the washing machine as soon as possible.
* Run your air conditioner and air filters to absorb the pollen from the air in your home. Don’t use window or attic fans, which can bring more pollen into the home.
* Take natural supplements to strengthen your immunity. MSM has antiallergic properties which can be more effective than antihistamines. Look for natural anti-allergy supplements which are a combination of herbs, enzymes, and nutrients which are designed to fight acute allergy attacks.
* Avoid mucus producing foods such as dairy products. Also avoid sugar, wheat and white rice.

If you are an allergy sufferer, consider trying a few preventative measures and natural remedies to control, or possibly cure, your spring allergies. Besides feeling better, you can also avoid the worries of taking over the counter or prescription medications and the side effects those medications can bring.

Via: Eat. Drink. Better.

Ayurvedicaly speaking, the common cold results largely from an imbalance of the Kapha (water and earth) and Vata (air and space) elements in the mind-ody. Vata imbalances lower immunity and lead to a build up of the Kapha dosha elements to help ‘ground’ the system. However, Kapha mechanisms typically overcompensate to make up for the ‘dryness’ associated with imbalanced Vata and lowered immunity. The result is excessive ‘coldness’ that creates mucus. This in turn reduces your gastric fire often cuasing you to experience the ‘chills.’

Ayurvedic remedies use warming herbs and spices to help you break down and expel mucus while re-building your gastric fire. So, while the idea of a runny nose might not appeal to you, chances are that if you can transition from being ‘stuffed up’ to ‘blowing it all out,’ then you are well on your way to recovery.

My favorite herbal remedy for the common cold is a Ginger and Tulsi (‘Holy Basil’) tea. Tulsi is the universal immune booster and ginger helps to ‘loosen and liquefy’ stuck mucus. This simple Ayurvedic tea will help you breathe easy.

Full Story

The article below is full of interesting and unconventional pieces of advice, herbal and otherwise.

Via: Star-Telegram.com

Your body can throw you for a loop at any time. You wake up with a sore throat on the day of your office Christmas party, a seafood-salad sandwich leaves you with grumbling indigestion, or you overdo it at the gym and arrive home with a stiff neck. Wouldn’t it be great to have a live-in doctor/therapist/trainer to tend to your everyday aches and pains?

Here’s the next best thing: all-natural, expert-recommended ways to treat ailments quickly, safely and effectively at home. So clear some space in your bathroom cabinet, refrigerator and kitchen cupboard for these surprisingly effective (and inexpensive) remedies. They’re like having a doctor on call 24 hours a day.

See Their List of Household Remedies

The whole article Winter naturally is interesting, so have a look.  I am just blogging the end of it here where the author mentions uses for honey and cinnamon.

Via: cadillacnews.com

HONEY & CINNAMON

• A mixture of honey and cinnamon can be a great remedy. Honey can be used to treat diseases, and it doesn’t have side effects.

• Heart disease: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder and spread it on bread; eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries. Eating this daily can relieve loss of breath and strengthen the heart beat. Honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

• Arthritis: Twice a day, drink one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. In a study conducted at the Cophenhagen University, scientists found that when doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast, within a week about 35 percent of the people treated felt vast pain relief; within one month, most patients who could not walk or move prior to the honey and cinnamon treatment could now walk with no or minimal pain.

• Bladder infections: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. The mixture destroys the germs in the bladder.

• Toothache: Make a paste of one teaspoon cinnamon powder and five teaspoons honey and apply on the aching tooth three times a day until the tooth stops aching.

• Cholesterol: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water and given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours.

• Colds: Those suffering from common or severe colds can try one tablespoon of lukewarm honey with 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process can cure most chronic coughs and colds and helps clean the sinuses.

• Upset stomach: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach aches and also clears stomach ulcers from the root causes.

• Gas: According to studies in India and Japan, a person may be relieved of gas if honey is taken with cinnamon powder.

• Immune system: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder can strengthen the immune system and protect the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.

• Influenza: A scientist in Spain has proven that honey contains a natural ingredient which can kill influenza germs and save a person from getting the flu.

• Longevity: Honey and cinnamon, when made like a tea and taken regularly, can arrest the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder and three cups of water; boil to make a concoction that is similar to tea. Drink 1/2 cup three to four times per day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft.

• Pimples: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and rinse off the paste the next morning using warm water. Try this process daily for two weeks.

• Skin infections: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected areas can treat eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

• Fatigue: Recent studies show that the sugar content of honey is helpful in terms of strengthening the body.

Full Story

Here is some advice that could very well have come from my grandma…  “If you have the flu, go to bed”, is one of them – common sense, people, use common sense !

Via: canada.com

For years, common wisdom for a cold was to take a pill. But scan pharmacy shelves these days – not to mention bookstores – and the message is changing.

While over-the-counter cold and flu medications have lost favour in light of studies that show the only worthwhile ingredient is the painkiller, natural remedies are gaining ground.

In fact, around 20 per cent of Canadians – about 5.4 million – use alternative remedies and treatments, according to a recent Statistics Canada report.

“Consumers are becoming more wary and are thinking more cautiously about everything we put into our mouths,” says Toronto-area pharmacist Sherry Torkos, author of The Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (Wiley).

“With over-the-counter medications, for example, they might mitigate symptoms, but there are side-effects for people with asthma, diabetes and heart disease, all of which are on the rise,” says Torkos. “Overall, along with an increase in people turning to natural alternatives, there are more questions being asked: Are there side-effects? Are there benefits? What are the risks?”

It’s a state of affairs that doesn’t surprise Michele Boisvert, a Montreal pharmacist and Canada’s first female homeopath who recently launched her book Healthy…Naturally: A Guide to Homeopathy. Boisvert says interest in natural therapies is increasing, particularly during the cold and flu season. “There are other ways to deal with those ailments that are safe and gentle,” she says.

For a cold

Wash your hands frequently.
A recent survey by the Health and Hygiene Council Canada found that 90 per cent of Canadians know hand-washing helps avoid contracting the flu or colds, but only 37 per cent of children and 44 per cent of adults soap up before eating. “Wash your hands, especially during winter when we spend more time inside with each other,” advises Boisvert. “Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth unless you have just washed. And think about the tissue you used to blow your nose. Put it in your pocket and you’ve stored 1,500 germs right there.”

Increase your allicin.
You might call it garlic- or onion-breath, but the active compound in those vegetables is both antibacterial and antifungal. Animal studies published since 1995 show that allicin does more than ward off the sniffles. It can reduce atherosclerosis, balance lipoprotein, lower blood pressure and act as an anti-inflammatory. Torkos recommends taking products like Kyolic regularly to support immune function.

Get lots of sleep.
“It seems simple, but when we’re tired, exhaustion impairs immune system function and makes us more vulnerable,” says Torkos, who suggests relaxing activities and avoiding caffeine or rigorous exercise before bedtime. If sleep still evades you, try melatonin, a hormone naturally secreted by the brain that affects diurnal rhythms. Otherwise, she recommends Bach Flower Rescue Sleep, a mild distillation of relaxant flower essences like Star of Bethlehem, rock rose, cherry plum and impatiens.

Echinacea or not?
Is echinacea good for treating a cold or not? Torkos says studies have shown mixed results in its impact on cold severity, but not all research examined the same strain.

“I would say the majority of evidence has shown that one type, echinacea purpura, is good, not for prevention, but to shorten the duration of the cold.” As with all natural remedies, however, she advises talking to your doctor first. Echinacea should not be taken by anyone with an autoimmune disorder.

Drink green tea.
Best known for its weight-busting ingredient, epigallocatechin galeate, green tea also offers an immune function boost and L-theanine, a relaxing amino acid that has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. According to a 2007 peer-reviewed study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, researchers from the University of Florida and Harvard Medical School administered a form of L-theanine called Immune Guard to 120 participants. After three months, cold and flu incidence dropped by 32 per cent and the need for medical attention decreased by 58 per cent.

For the flu:

Go to bed.
The bad news is that if you have the flu, it can lead to more serious illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia. The good news is that it won’t last more than 48 hours. “The flu comes and goes in a short period of time,” says Torkos. “Really, the best thing is to get rest. If you have a high fever, aches and pains, take Tylenol or ibuprofen.”

Drink fluids.
“You may not feel like eating, but you must stay hydrated,” says Torkos. However, avoid alcohol, coffee and colas since they can make dehydration worse.

Take Homeocoksinum (9doses) Brand: Homeocan
or Oscillococcinum Bonus Pack (12 doses total) – 12 – Dose
As with many homeopathic remedies, the medical fraternity sees little value in taking a dilution of a Barbary duck’s liver and heart (otherwise known as Anas Barbariae Hepatis et Cordis Extractum) to fight a flu. Nevertheless, Oscillococcinum sells briskly in 50 countries during flu season and has been produced in France for 65 years. “If you catch it in the first eight hours, there’s an 80 to 90 per cent chance you won’t get the flu,” Boisvert says. “If you’ve passed that stage, you’ll still get it, but it’ll reduce the duration of the flu by half.”

Calcium and vitamin D are essential in our diet and not so easy to get unless you eat and drink a lot of dairy products.  So have a look at the information provided by the source below, and re-think your shopping list.  If you have difficulties getting enough vitamin D and calcium via foods, especially in the winter time, you might want to consider Nature Made Calcium Tablets with Vitamin D, 500 mg, 300-Count Bottles (Pack of 2) as a supplement to your diet.

Via: BC HealthFile

What is calcium and vitamin D?

Calcium is one of the many minerals that you need to be healthy. Calcium is very important to ensure strong, healthy bones and teeth. It also helps muscles and nerves to work properly. In addition, calcium may help you to manage your weight and blood pressure, and play a role in preventing colon cancer. Vitamin D helps you to absorb and use calcium and has other health benefits.

How much calcium and vitamin D do I need?

Recommended Calcium Intake
Age (Male and Female)
0-6 months 210 mg/day
7-12 months 270 mg/day
1-3 years 500 mg/day
4-8 years 800 mg/day
9-18 years 1300 mg/day
19-50 years 1000 mg/day
Over 50 years 1200 mg/day

Recommended Vitamin D Intake

Age (Male and Female)
0-1 year 400 IU/day
1-50 years 200 IU/day
51-70 years 400 IU/day
Over 70 years 600 IU/day

People with osteoporosis may need more calcium and vitamin D. Check with your doctor.

What foods contain calcium?

Breastfeeding is the best way to meet your baby’s calcium needs. Infant formula provides calcium for babies who cannot be breastfed.

Dairy foods are very high in calcium, especially milk, yogurt and cheese. Other good sources include calcium-enriched orange juice, rice beverages, and soy beverages. For more information, see Food Sources of Calcium below.

What foods contain vitamin D?

There are only a few food sources of vitamin D. Good sources of vitamin D are fortified foods and beverages like milk, soy drinks, and margarine. Check the labels on these foods. Fish, liver, and egg yolk are the only foods that naturally contain vitamin D.

If you do not eat vitamin D rich foods often, you may want to consider taking a vitamin D supplement. Most multiple vitamin supplements contain vitamin D. Breastfed babies under 1 year of age need 400 IU of vitamin D from a supplement each day. People over 50 need extra vitamin D and should take 400 IU from a supplement each day.

More Information and Lists of Calcium and Vitamin D Sources

Planetary Formulas Oil of Oregano, 1 fl oz (29.57 ml), made from wildcrafted oregano oil, is available online.  In short, oregano oil is used to support digestive, respiratory and joint health, but read this interesting article for more detailed information.

Via: NaturalNews

Oregano is nature’s antibiotic. It may be one reason why people who eat a Mediterranean diet tend to live longer and healthier lives. Besides making pizza, pasta and salad taste great, the oil of the wild oregano plant has been shown to kill unwanted bacteria, fungus, yeast, parasites and viruses. It’s a powerful antihistamine. New research is finding that oil of oregano is as effective against colitis as prescription drugs without the harmful side effects. It is also able to regenerate liver cells.

Oil of oregano is made from the leaves and flowers of the wild oregano plant found growing naturally in the remote mountainous regions of the Mediterranean where there is little pollution. It is a member of the mint family. The flowers and leaves are harvested when the oil content of the plant is at its highest. It has a history that stretches back to the ancient Greeks, whose name for it translates into “joy of the mountain”. They used it to treating infection related illnesses and diseases. As the dangers of antibiotic use become more apparent, health conscious people as well as holistic healers are looking for natural alternatives to treat infections. They are finding oil of oregano to be the perfect natural choice.

Full Story

There are many ways of improving your health the natural way, and a lot of very helpful books have been written on the subject, such as The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual.  Spices have always been a part of Grandma’s Old-Time Remedies, so this article might repeat remedies you have already heard of, but I am sure it will also offer some new insight even if you are a well versed home remedy user already

Via: NaturalNews

Spices do more than make food taste great. Recent research is showing that spices can promote health and well being through a series of actions that are anti-aging and inhibiting of degenerative disease. The vegetarian diet so often associated with good health and lack of disease relies heavily on the use of spice. But you don’t have to be a vegetarian to gain the amazing health benefits these inexpensive flavor enhancers have to offer.

The addition of spices can turn up the taste of almost any food. Add some chili pepper, cumin or turmeric to mashed potatoes or rice. Sprinkle marjoram or rosemary on your salads, and dress up cottage cheese with whatever spicy flavor appeals to you. Add spice to vegetable dishes and sprinkle it on meats, poultry or fish before cooking. Spice up your veggie juices and smoothies. Any way you do it, adding spice means adding a wealth of health benefits.

Recent research continues to show the power of these natural medicines

Spices have more antioxidant power, measure for measure, than fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and premature aging. In a study reported in the British Journal of Nutrition, fifteen aromatic herbs and spices consumed in Central Italy as part of the Mediterranean diet were studied to reveal total phenolic, flavonoid and flavanol content as well as their antioxidant potential as measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Comparison was made between salads to which aromatic herbs had been added. The addition of lemon balm and marjoram increased by 150% and 200% respectively the antioxidant capacity of a salad portion, corresponding to an intake of 200 mg. of phenolics and 4000 ORAC units. Among other spices tested, cumin and fresh ginger made the most significant contribution to antioxidant capacity.

Full Story and a list of Spices that stand out for their health benefits

Elderberry, Oregano, mushrooms – here are three more ideas on how to fight the flu this winter, without vaccination !

Via: Collingwood Enterprise Bulletin – Ontario, CA

Natural cold and flu protection

It’s getting to be that time of year again, when the warm weather gradually gives way to colder temperatures and the inevitable rise of more colds and flus. As such, we need to have our immune defenses ready for the change in season.

Many people will be putting their faith into flu shots, but is this really an ideal form of protection? Much has been written about the highly questionable efficacy (and safety) of vaccinations in recent years. As Alan Phillips, researcher and co-director of Citizens for Healthcare Freedom (CHF) explained in his eye-opening article,Dispelling Vaccination Myths,”natural immunity is a complex phenomenon involving many organs and systems; it cannot be fully replicated by the artificial stimulation of antibody production.”

Reaching for a bottle of cough syrup or some other over-the-counter medication to deal with cold symptoms isn’t an ideal solution either. These methods may cover up the symptoms of a cold, but they do nothing to improve the immune system or battle the underlying infection. In fact, certain drugs promoted as cold-relievers like aspirin actually deplete and inhibit the body’s absorption of key immune-supporting nutrients like vitamin C. By contrast, herbs like Elderberry and Oregano support and strengthen the body’s immune resistance to cold and flu viruses.

Full Story

And this is for all of you with little ones:

Via: ajc.com

Cold medicines and children: a dangerous mix?
OTC medicines are risky, so use caution and try alternatives first

By HELENA OLIVIERO

As the seasons change and parents reach for over-the-counter cold medicine for their icky-feeling children, they may be baffled by new instructions: Do not give them to kids under 4.

Drug companies recently announced they are voluntarily changing the labels for OTC cold and cough medicines in a nod to pediatricians long arguing they do little good and aren’t worth the risks.
So now what?

“I just want my children to be comforted, to sleep well at night and get over it,” said Ray Alyssa Rothman, Atlanta mom to three kids 4 and under.

Dr. Brad Weselman of Kids Health First Pediatric Alliance said parents need not fret — or open the medicine cabinet.

He believes OTC options not only pose a danger of an accidental overdose, but also a threat of side effects. Some medications can make children excessively groggy, making it difficult for them to concentrate at school, he said. Others, he said, can make a child “wired” and increase their heart rate.

Instead, Weselman suggests saline drops, warm apple juice and gargling with salt water.

“We know parents want to give their kids something when they are miserable,” he says. “And I feel the same way. But the benefits don’t balance the side effects.”

The new labels — slated to hit the shelves this upcoming cold season — are being employed after a study found more than 7,000 children get rushed to emergency rooms every year because of adverse reactions with OTC cough and cold medicines. Most of the cases involve kids overdosing when parents aren’t around, according to the study published in the April issue of Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Full Story

Via: Los Angeles Times

It works. It doesn’t. It works. It doesn’t. That’s health research news for you. One item that gives me whiplash, is the effectiveness — or not — of the herb St. John’s wort for relief of depression.

Here, for example, is what the National Institutes of Health says: “There is some scientific evidence that St. John’s wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, two large studies, one sponsored by NCCAM [the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine], showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity.”

The University of Maryland Medical Center says that, “In numerous studies, St. John’s wort has been effective in reducing depressive symptoms in those with mild to moderate but not severe (called major) depression.”

So one site says the herb’s effective in treating moderately severe major depression and the other says it’s not effective for major depression but is effective for moderate and mild depression that would not be defined as major.

Full Story

Via: Julie’s Health Club

Children under 4 shouldn’t be given cough and cold medicines, according to the drug companies that produce these products, the Associated Press reported.

Most parents will probably ignore this advice as long as the products are available; it’s cold and flu season and we don’t know what else to try.

But there are several effective natural remedies have been around for centuries: Chicken soup to fight the cold, honey for a sore throat, salt to rinse stuffy nasal pasages and regular soap (skip antibacterial products containing triclosan) and water to wash your hands.

Though they’re all considered “folk remedies,” these traditional cures have stood up to scientific scrutiny, which is more than you can say for the heavily marketed drugs that may also carry some risks for children.

Here’s a list of home remedies that work from Consumer Reports on Health:

1. A saltwater bath for a stuffy nose
2. Chewing gum to relieve heartburn and speed healing from abdominal surgery
3. Chicken soup for colds
4. Yogurt for belly aches (look for those that contain live, active cultures or are labeled “probiotic”)
5. Honey for a cough (do not administer to children under 1 year of age)
6. Cranberries for a healthy bladder (look for drinks that list cranberry juice as the first or second ingredient)
7. Staying warm to prevent a cold

I also checked with the folks at Farmer’s Almanac. They sent this advice compiled by Deborah S. Tukua and the Farmers Almanac TV staff:

Got a cold?
Try this old Irish remedy: pour a pint of boiling water over a handful of rosemary leaves placed in a pot. Cover and infuse as you do with ordinary tea. Take ½ pint daily while cold lasts.

Coughing keeping you up?
Rub some Vapo Rub or Vicks on the bottom of your feet before you go to bed. It’s been known to help.

Can’t sleep?
Try some honey and warm milk or chamomile tea before bedtime

Got the sniffles?

Consider eating foods rich in zinc (oysters, crab, seafood and lean, red meats, beans, chicken, nuts and some fortified cereals), which can enhance your immune system, causing less susceptibility to colds and flu. Studies have shown eating foods rich in zinc and taking zinc lozenges at the first sign of a cold may reduce its duration and lessen the symptoms by 42 percent.

Cautions: Although zinc relieves the effects of the common cold, taking it daily won’t necessarily prevent the onset of a cold. Also, check with your doctor; too much zinc intake can be harmful. And don’t take iron and zinc supplements at the same time during the day because too much iron can interfere with the absorption of zinc in the body.

Sore Throat? Try these drinks.

* Chamomile tea: Make a tea adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile blossoms to a pint of boiling water; steep and drink a cup every few hours.
* Cayenne pepper: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of boiling water; stir well and gargle while mixture is very warm. This brings more circulation to the area and helps draw away the infection. To this formula you can add 4 parts Echinacea, 1 part garlic bulb, and 2 parts peppermint leaves to 1 part cayenne.
* Mustard: Grind one tablespoon of mustard seed and combine with the juice of half a lemon, one tablespoon of salt, one tablespoon of clear honey, and 1 1/4 cups of boiling water. Leave this mixture, covered, for 15 minutes and use as a gargle.
* Slippery Elm bark (Ulmus rubra): Helps to soothe sore throats or cough. For sore throats, slippery elm bark can be taken as a tea. To make the tea, add 1 tablespoon of dried bark to a cup. Pour 1 cup of boiling water into the cup. Steep it covered for at least 10 minutes and then strain. Have up to 3 cups of slippery elm bark tea a day. Dried slippery elm bark can be found in bulk in some health food stores.
* Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis): This herb found in Europe and North America, has been used for centuries as a sore throat home remedy. Like slippery elm, it also contains mucilage which helps to soothe sore throats. To make marshmallow root tea, add 1 tablespoon of the dried root to a cup. Add a cup (8 ounces) of boiling water, steep it covered for at least 10 minutes then strain. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
* Honeysuckle Flower: A sweet-tasting and smelling herb, honeysuckle flower is one of the most commonly used sore throat remedies in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for sore throats. Honeysuckle flowers aren’t as easy to find in stores as slippery elm and marshmallow. Besides health food stores, Chinese herbal shops often carry it.

No, this article is strictly speaking not about herbal household remedies, but it spells out reasons why we all better wise up quickly on how to survive, medically and otherwise, when the system has crashed.  Be prepared.

Via: NaturalNews

Here at NaturalNews, we’ve been publicly predicting the fall of Western Medicine for nearly five years. During that time, we’ve also covered the increasingly precarious financial situation, warning readers in 2005 and 2006 about the impending housing bubble crash and the implications for the entire financial system.

In covering these two topics (western medicine and western finance), I’ve come to recognize many strong parallels between the two. This article explores the common threads of deception that characterize these two powerful institutions.

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