Cold & Flu

Article by Trina M. Seligman

It’s cold and flu season again and there are lots of naturopathic treatments that can keep you healthy through the winter. You should keep on hand Vitamin C, Zinc gluconate lozenges and an herbal supplement. I like to use a mixture of herbs, to include Echinacea, Hydrastis, Berberis and Astragulus. These herbs work well together as immune stimulants, antibacterials and antivirals. At the very first sign of a cold, you should start using these supplements. In an adult, Vitamin C can be taken at 1000 mg per hour (this may lead to some loose stools) and the Zinc gluconate lozenges should be taken 23 mg every 2 hours. The herbs, should be taken 4-times daily. If this doesn’t do the trick, we would like to see you in the office, so that we can take a look at your ears, nose and throat and to listen to your lungs in order to assess a viral versus bacterial infection. If it appears that you have a viral infection, than we will focus on different nutrients and herbs than if it appears you are fighting a bacterial infection. Sometimes it will be necessary to use an antibiotic and we will prescribe them appropriately. We always recommend that you use probiotics when antibiotics are prescribed to prevent diarrhea, and vaginal yeast and to help return the healthy bacteria back to your system. Healthy bacteria are an important part of your immune system and preventing a second infection. In addition, acupuncture can give some acute relief to the cold and flu symptoms. Don’t forget, for those muscle aches, Epsom salts baths can be tremendously helpful!

 Cold & Flu Article by Trina M. Seligman