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What Naturopathy prescribe:

Naturopathic doctors advise patients to drink plenty of water and eat plenty of steamed vegetables and freshly made vege soup.  Soup cooked with garlic and ginger (not necessarily eaten) have antimicrobial and warming properties.

For non-diabetic people, fruit juice and herbal teas work in 2 ways – keep the respiratory tract from drying out and cleanse the human body of toxins.

Naturopathic doctors advise avoiding milk and cheese products, red meat and simple carbohydrates (eg. white bread).

Herbs for Cold/Flu

Herbalists prescribe the following for herbs/roots to be boiled and drunk as anti-flu and antiviral tea:

• andographis (not for pregnant) to be taken with ginger and astragalus – improves digestion and detoxifies the liver.
• licorice (not for longterm use as this may cause high blood pressure) – soothes inflammation and throat irritation.
• lemon balm – effective for restlessness, anxiety insomnia, stress-related headaches and even anti-flatulent!
• osha – excellent for respiratory infections and severe blocked nose.
• astralagus – the flavonoids, *saponins and ^polysaccharides in this herb enhance the body’s immunity naturally.

*Saponins normalize hypothalamic neuropeptides and serum biochemicals related to the control of weight gain.  in short, it guards against excess weight-gain.
Unique ^polysaccharides is immune enhancing and are found in fibre of sea vegetable (eg. dulse, kelp, agar agar, etc).  You can find more information on Polysaccharides and Sea Vegetable in a free PDF ebook SECRET SOURCES in Healing Foods and Medicines (choose the one that is FREE!!!)

Otherwise herbalists would educate patients how to treat colds and flu at home till full recovery (can be drunk for 1 to 3 weeks after onset of flu):

Pick chamomile tea and boil for several minutes with peppermint leaves and the eucalyptus leaves (abundant in Australia because it’s staple diet of the koala bears, very little of these leaves are needed; excess may be toxic).

Many who practise naturopathic medicine will add cayenne pepper (red “bell” peppers) to stimulate blood circulation.  Some would even add cinammon for a gentle warming effect.

Grated ginger root boiled in the chamomile tea or even plain water induce perspiration.  After perspiring, most patients find that their fever is gone.  Unlike side-effects of prescription drugs, your drink will not kill the good germs you need to fight off flu bugs.

Some Good Herbs Directories: Emedicinal :: HerbsReference :: eNotes ::   HerbAllegacy ::   Naturalmedicine ::  Rain-tree.com ::  Florahealth (Know more?  Please comment below!)

Supplements for Cold/Flu

• 25mg of zinc (lozenge) every 2 hours you’re awake.
• 500 to 1000 mg of Vitamin C every four hours.
• 250mg of bioflavonoids 4 times a day.

Bioflavonoids work synergistically  with Vitamin C for immune-enhancing properties.  [ Related Info:  Why Bioflavonoids are Helpful ]

Aromatherapy for Cold/Flu

Aromatherapy as a flu treatment may come as a suprise for many of us new to Naturopathy.  If you are fond of at-home face-steaming beauty pick-me-ups, this recipe is for you.

Choose ONLY certified-organic 100% pure essential oils of (a combination of any of the above oils will work to help loosen any thick mucus):

• Eucalyptus
• Lavendar
• Peppermint
• Pine
• Thyme (or Tea Tree oil)

Use between 5 to 10 drops of each oil.  Add to a bowl boiled water (still vaporing).

Cover your head with a towel  and position your head over the bowl and in such a way so that your face “catches” the steam/vapor.  Inhale gently and slowly.

Mike Adams of the NaturalNews.com suggest two things to prevent cold/flu:

1. Warm hands in a pail of warm water to boost natural immunity against cold.  This can be once in a few days or weekly.
2. Running salted water through nostrils (throwing water out via the mouth) to “disinfect” nose naturally.  You can do this in the shower.

RELATED INFO
What Conventional Medicine usually Prescribe for Cold or Flu
Shocking Facts about Relenza
Shocking Facts about Tamiflu
Shocking Facts about FluMist
Chinese Traditional Medicine for Common Cold or Flu

Disclaimer: This blog entry is NOT a source of medical advice and is not liable for any accidental omissions. Any and all suggestions stem from personal opinion and experience. Any and all information you deem important should be presented to your TRUSTED medical practitioner/vet for evaluation and incorporation into YOUR personal situation.