“Prevention is better than cure”
Scientists are increasingly finding that we
succumb to bugs only when we are run down, so your best line of defense is to
keep your immune system strong so that it is ready to attack when a bug comes
along. Bugs come in many shapes and sizes; there are bacteria, viruses and
fungi, as well as parasites. It is important to know which you are dealing
with, as each requires slightly different treatment. A cold, flu, herpes and
measles are all viruses. Most ear infections, stomach aches, chest and sinus
infections (usually a follow on to a cold) are bacteria. Thrush and athlete’s
foot are fungal infections.
Immune-boosting
nutrients are good all year round, especially if you are run down or exposed to
people with infections. During an infection both the invader and our immune
system produce free radicals to destroy each other. We can clear-up these
dangerous chemicals with antioxidant nutrients, which are good for everybody at
any time. Anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents are best increased
with dealing with a specific invader. Judging by the results of research on
Vitamin C, it would be wrong to believe that immune-healthy people get no
infections. They just have “pre-colds” that are over in twenty-four hours,
where less healthy people end up horizontal for a week. So the aim is to boost
your immune system by giving it the right food and the right environment, so
that it can adapt quickly to attacks.
The quicker you
attack an infection the better the outcome. The best form of defense is attack.
All invaders produce toxins as part of their attack on the body.
The best herb
for the first stages of an infection bacterial, viral or fungal is Echinacea
root tincture. Take 5-10 ml of a strong root tincture every couple of hours to
stop an attack in its tracts.
The immune
system works best in a warm environment, which is why the body creates a fever
to turn up the temperature. So keep yourself warm and get plenty of rest. One
day taking it easy can make all the difference, especially if you boost your
immune system with natural remedies. Lack of sleep depletes your energy
reserves, also stress so avoid any arguments.
During an
infection the body works hard to eliminate the waste products, so drink plenty
of hot drinks like lemon and honey or herbal teas - Peppermint is an excellent
herbal tea to use during an infection. Avoid fatty foods such as meat, eggs or
dairy as these produce excess mucus.
Taking Vitamin C
each day up to two grams a day can help reduce the incidence of colds. Two
grams of Vitamin C per day for over forty’s is an excellent way to protect the
body against infections.
More and more
immune-boosting herbs are being discovered to help fight infections. One of the
best types of immune boosting herbs I have found, are the mushrooms like
Shiitake, maiitake, reishi and cordyceps. These mushrooms have been shown to
contain immune-boosting polysaccharides and can be used long term due to their
lack of side-effects. These mushrooms can be used to adjust the immune response
in certain allergies, for example, they can relieve hay-fever, asthma and
chronic sinusitis in many cases.
David Foley
MRCHM, MNIMH
Medical Herbalist
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