The Common Cold is a minor viral infection usually caused by a type of Rhinovirus. Typical Symptoms are sore throat, headache, cough, congested head & sinus/nasal, watery discharge, sneezing, low grade fever & muscle aches & soreness and general weakness & low energy.

The “Flu” is a viral respiratory infection, caused by a type of influenza virus; may be a type A or B strain if from an animal. The Symptoms are the same as for colds, except more sudden & more severe.Know when to see a Doctor!*

Bacterial          Infection                vs.             Viral               Infection

Local to area                                     Widespread/systemic

Stays where initiated                          Spreads  all  over

Short high fever                                Persistent low grade fever

Mucous  is thick,sticky&colored                         Thin,    clear   mucous

TreatingColds/Flu

Those more susceptible to colds/flu: smoke,high stress levels, chronic lung illness &people with decreased immunity.

1.Treat Symptoms-Drink teas & use steam aromatherapy. Take baths with essential oils and Himalayan pink salt (see blog) or Epsom salts.

2.Increase Immunity. Increase your Vitamin C intake (don’t take EFA’s during colds/flu); take immune enhancing herbs as teas, tinctures or capsules. Dress warmly.  See my blog on How to Enhancing your Immune System.

3.Flush Out Mucous. Chicken soup really works, feed a cold starve a fever. Drink fluids & herbal teas (avoid sugar). Don’t suppress coughs,use expectorants. Flush used tissues into toilet, avoid spreading to others-stay home if you are contagious.

PRE-CAUTIONS: Don’t give aspirin to children showing viral infections, as this could develop into Reye Syndrome which is potentially fatal.

 See a Doctor if you are experiencing*:

• Heavy Chest congestion or Wheezing (could develop into severe illness).
• Persistent Fevers above 102?F for more than 3days.
  

Try to avoid mucous increasing foods, sugar, dairy products & EFA supplements (oil holds virus in mucous) during the flu.

Be active during a cold to move the mucous out of the body and feed that cold.For the Flu,”rest is best and starve a fever”.

Herbs that are Immunity Boosters Astragulus (longterm), Cayenne, Cinnamon, Echinacea (shortterm), Eleuthero,Garlic & Onions,Licorice, Olive Leaf (long term), Pau D’Arco, Reishi, Shitake & Maitake Mushrooms, Thyme, Usnea

Herbs for Sinus & Fevers Boneset, Chamomile, Chinese Chrysanthemum, Elderflower, Ephedra (use with caution), Honeysuckle Flower, Nettle, Peppermint,  Sage, Spearmint, RoseHip, Yarrow

Herbs for Lungs & Sore Throat Angelica, Anise, Catnip, Coltsfoot, Elecampane, Fenugreek, Ginger, Goldenrod, Horehound, Lemon Balm, Lungwort, Mullein, Pleurisy Root,  Schisandra, Violets, Wild Cherry Bark

Essential Oils Cypress, Eucalyptus

Try my tea and capsule formulas to help build your immune system and help find colds.  Find them in my ApothoKerri section on http://blog.thepondpad.com  I also make customized formulas

References:

PDR for Herbal Medicine

The Complete German Commission E Monographs

The Herbs of Life by Lesley Tierra

Holistic Herbal by David Hoffman

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Michael Murray

Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch

Herbal Defense by Robyn Landis & Karta Khalsa

Questions? Just ask at:

blog.thepondpad.comemail:herbalelements@comcast.net

Disclaimer: The following information is intended for educational purposes. Always consult with your health care professional when needed.