Colds and Flu

Natural Methods for

Prevention and Treatment of

Colds and Flu

The following information is about natural methods for promoting health.

Most of these methods are not the same as those used by doctors.

Seek advice from health professionals when appropriate.

Facts

Most people experience colds and flu from time to time.

Colds and flu are caused by viruses. Antibiotics have no effect against viruses. Antibiotics may kill desirable flora, and allow undesirable flora such as candida to flourish.

Natural remedies provide the body with what it needs to produce an effective immune response. The body's immune system is effective against viruses.

What Causes Colds and Flu?

Colds and flu are viral infections. They are often passed from one person to another in the air after a person with a cold or flu coughs or sneezes, or even just exhales.

Having poor immunity increases the likelihood of having a cold or flu.

Remaining cold for some time reduces immunity, and increases the likelihood of having a cold or flu.

If a person has been infected with a particular virus recently, they normally have immunity against that virus, and are unlikely to become infected if exposed to the same virus again. Colds and flu normally occur when a person is exposed to a virus they have not been exposed to.

Aims of Treatment

Promote Immunity

Provide the body with what it needs so it can produce an effective immune response.

Avoid anything which reduces immunity.

Get it Quick Before it Gets You

An infection can be minimized if you get it quick before it gets you. When the first sign of a cold or flu occurs, for example, a sore throat, use natural remedies to promote a quick immune response, and eliminate the virus before it has time to multiply. If appropriate remedies are used at the first sign of a cold or flu, the immune system normally eliminates the virus quickly, preventing the cold or flu from becoming severe.

If treatment is begun later, when the cold or flu is more severe, it will take longer to overcome. But even then, natural remedies are effective, and reduce the time taken for recovery.

Examples of Remedies

Key Points

Keep warm

Avoid sugar

Have adequate rest and sleep

Drink adequate liquids

Consume fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin C

Use hydrotherapy

Use herbs

Inhale Eucalyptus oil

Keep Warm

People with infections should keep warm, as the immune system is much more effective when the body is warm. Becoming cold inhibits the body's immune response and may significantly prolong the time taken to overcome an infection.

Wear appropriate clothing during cold weather.

Keep warm while sleeping.

Have appropriate heating in the house during cold weather.

Avoid Sugar

Avoid food and drinks containing added sugar, as consuming sugar greatly reduces immunity.

Rest and Sleep

When a person is not well, they should have adequate rest and sleep. This enables the immune system to mount a more effective immune response.

Liquids

Adequate water or other appropriate liquids should be consumed when a person is not well. Water helps to flush toxins out of the body. It is also important to replace water lost during sweating, which occurs during fever.

It is ideal to drink fruit or vegetable juices which are rich in vitamin C.

Baths or Showers

Have regular baths or showers to wash of toxins released through the skin, as well as those from external sources.

Beneficial Foods

All fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C are beneficial during infections, as well as being a regular part of a balanced diet. Most fruit and vegetables are much more beneficial if consumed uncooked.

Citrus fruits are examples of foods beneficial during colds and flu. Lemon juice may be diluted with water so it is not excessively sour.

There are many other fruit and vegetables which may be used. Use the fruit and vegetables available in your area.

It is a good idea to use a juice extractor to obtain juices, and drink the juices.

Vitamin C Supplements

It is ideal to obtain vitamin C from natural sources, such as fruit and vegetables. Vitamin C supplements may also be used.

Be aware, chewing or sucking vitamin C tablets erodes the surface of the teeth.

Many vitamin supplements contain artificial sweeteners, which may have harmful effects.

Hydrotherapy

Increasing body temperature using hydrotherapy is very effective for promoting an increased immune response. Increased body temperature also promotes sweating, which increases the elimination of toxins through the skin.

Many health centers have hydrotherapy equipment. People may use what they have available. For example, having a hot bath may be used as a hydrotherapy treatment. To be effective, the body temperature needs to be increased.

Keeping quite warm with clothing, blankets and heaters, is beneficial for a person with an infection.

Warning: An excessively high body temperature may be harmful.

Herbs

Hot Herbs

Hot herbs are those which taste hot when consumed. They promote increased body temperature by increasing the metabolic rate. This results in a faster and more effective immune response. Examples of hot herbs include garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and chilli or cayenne (Capsicum spp.).

Echinacea

Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) promotes immunity, and is included in herbal formulas for infections. Echinacea may work slower than hot herbs or hydrotherapy.

Infections in the Lungs

Garlic

Garlic is beneficial for colds and flu. In addition to being a hot herb, garlic releases an antiseptic vapor within the lungs, which kills infective organisms.

Eucalyptus Oil

Inhaling the vapor from Eucalyptus oil is very effective during respiratory infections. This has an antiseptic action, and kills infective organisms in the airways and lungs.

Eucalyptus oil may be put anywhere where it will be inhaled. For example, put a little on each end of the pillow before going to bed.

Prevention

Maintaining good immunity reduces the likelihood of infections, and the severity of infections when they occur. Examples of ways to maintain good immunity include, having a healthy diet and lifestyle, consuming fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin C, avoiding food and drinks containing added sugar, and keeping warm during cold weather.

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