Medicinal Mushrooms
Why it works: Medicinal mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake and reishi are used to help boost immunity and fend off illness. These versatile fungi have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and also contain immune-boosting polysaccharides, which can help strengthen the body’s defenses.What the research says: Research is promising when it comes to medicinal mushrooms’ ability to improve immune function. Maitake mushrooms, for example, have been shown to stimulate phagocytes, which are cells that kill bacteria. Extracts of maitake and the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha are often combined to ease stress and boost immunity.
How to use it: Medicinal mushrooms are available in capsules or as a liquid extract from health-food stores; follow package directions. You can also find fresh or dried shiitake mushrooms at grocery stores. Add them to soups, scrambles, stir-fries or pasta dishes twice weekly. Although medicinal mushrooms are generally considered safe, consult your health-care practitioner before using them, especially if you have an autoimmune condition.
Elderberry Syrup
Why it works: Elderberry syrup (Sambucol is a common brand sold in health-food stores) contains antioxidants and compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect. It’s been shown in some studies to decrease inflammation, aches and pains, sinus congestion, chills, headache and respiratory infections; and may help stop the spread of the cold and flu virus.What the research says: When a group of 60 patients exhibiting flu symptoms were given elderberry syrup, 90 percent felt better after just three days, according to a 2004 study published in the Journal of International Medical Research. The control group recovered after six days, while also using nasal spray and taking additional painkillers.
How to use it: Follow product directions, generally a dose every couple of hours when fighting off illness, and decrease dosage as you improve.
Echinacea
Why it works: If used at the first sign of a cold, echinacea (look for Echinacea purpurea) may help you get better faster, make symptoms milder or even stop them before they start. “Echinacea works by increasing the levels of a naturally occurring chemical in the body known as properdin, which helps cells resist infection,” Mars says.What the research says: Taking echinacea at the first sign of a cold can ease symptoms and shorten duration, according to a 2004 study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. In the same study, University of Alberta researchers found that volunteers who took echinacea experienced 23 percent lower symptom scores than those who did not.
How to use it: Take 200 mg of an echinacea supplement twice daily for a maximum of two weeks, decreasing as you improve. Avoid if you have an autoimmune disease, as it stimulates the immune system.
Natural Remedies from the Kitchen
Some of my favorite cold and flu remedies can be made from common household items. Herbalist Brigitte Mars suggests keeping these items in your kitchen pantry during cold and flu season.
Cayenne pepper
contains vitamin C and is used to warm chills and alleviate sinus pain
and congestion. Add one to two dashes of cayenne pepper to a cup of
boiling water with lots of lemon juice, honey, and ginger or horseradish
to take advantage of this healing spice.
Garlic is used to improve congestion and chest colds, and it’s considered an herbal antibiotic. Add minced garlic to soups, or eat it raw in salad dressings or mixed into mayonnaise. If you’re taking blood thinners or have recently had surgery, you shouldn’t take garlic.
Ginger may help the body beat the cold virus. It can also ease nausea and boost immune response. Sip on ginger tea or add ginger to stir-fries.
Thyme leaf is used to expel phlegm and relieve congestion. It is antiseptic and an immune stimulant. Try gargling with thyme tea to ease a sore throat.
Zinc, especially used in the form of lozenges, may help prevent viral replication in the throat, possibly by stimulating T-cell response.
Propolis, a substance produced by bees from tree resins, may help fight infection and can be taken in lozenges.
Add 2 teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar and honey to a cup of hot water for an effective and delicious, health-boosting drink. Drink three times daily to help break up mucus congestion.
Chrystle Fiedler is the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Natural Remedies and many other natural health titles. Find her at chrystlefiedler.com.
Garlic is used to improve congestion and chest colds, and it’s considered an herbal antibiotic. Add minced garlic to soups, or eat it raw in salad dressings or mixed into mayonnaise. If you’re taking blood thinners or have recently had surgery, you shouldn’t take garlic.
Ginger may help the body beat the cold virus. It can also ease nausea and boost immune response. Sip on ginger tea or add ginger to stir-fries.
Thyme leaf is used to expel phlegm and relieve congestion. It is antiseptic and an immune stimulant. Try gargling with thyme tea to ease a sore throat.
Zinc, especially used in the form of lozenges, may help prevent viral replication in the throat, possibly by stimulating T-cell response.
Propolis, a substance produced by bees from tree resins, may help fight infection and can be taken in lozenges.
Add 2 teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar and honey to a cup of hot water for an effective and delicious, health-boosting drink. Drink three times daily to help break up mucus congestion.
Chrystle Fiedler is the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Natural Remedies and many other natural health titles. Find her at chrystlefiedler.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment