{"id":33,"date":"2008-12-12T22:57:17","date_gmt":"2008-12-12T22:57:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thesoulpitt.com\/health\/?p=33"},"modified":"2008-12-12T22:58:03","modified_gmt":"2008-12-12T22:58:03","slug":"natural-treatments-for-colds-and-flu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/thesoulpitt.com\/health\/natural-treatments-for-colds-and-flu\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural Treatments for Colds and Flu"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thesoulpitt.com\/images\/cold.jpg\" align=\"left\" \/><strong><font face=\"Georgia\">\u00a9Deborah Barr<\/font><\/strong><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><br \/>\n<\/font><\/p>\n<p><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\">The best treatment for winter  colds and influenza is prevention. But don&#8217;t despair if you&#8217;re already  inflicted.  <strong>There are many herbs, supplements, foods, and lifestyle factors that  are safe and effective for prevention and treatment. <\/strong> This article will focus on  some of them.<\/font><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 3.75pt\" align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\">Cold symptoms can include nasal  discharge, runny nose, sneezing, coughing and fever.  Colds primarily involve  the upper respiratory organs, the throat, sinuses and nasal passages.  However,  irregular bowel movements and  diarrhea can sometimes accompany colds because of  poor elimination of wastes from the body. <\/font><!--more--><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 3.75pt\" align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\">Influenza includes many of the same  symptoms along with body aches, fatigue, flushing of the neck, face and chest,  headache, chills, vomiting and diarrhea.  Flu symptoms tend to be much worse  than colds.<\/font><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 3.75pt\" align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\">The flu also affects the same areas  as colds, but usually produces more generalized symptoms throughout the body.   In some cases, influenza involves the digestive organs. <\/font><\/p>\n<p><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><\/font><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 3.75pt\" align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font face=\"Georgia\"><font style=\"font-size: 16pt\" color=\"#003300\">Immune System<\/font><\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-left: 3.75pt\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font face=\"Georgia\">The  immune system determines the state of  health or disease.  It protects you from  infection and foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.   When the immune system recognizes these invaders, it triggers an innate immune  response. When the immune system is weak, we&#8217;re susceptible to colds,  infections, and more serious illnesses.  A weak immune system leaves the body  vulnerable to attack from numerous microbes surrounding us and inside of us.   <\/font><\/font><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font color=\"#003300\" face=\"Georgia\" size=\"4\"><strong>What Weakens Immunity?<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"> <\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>There are many factors that influence immune health.  Unfortunately, there are many more that suppress it rather than enhance it.  Our  immune system can be weakened by:<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<ul> <font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><\/p>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>Chemotherapy drugs, radiation, and surgery<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>alcohol<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>poor diet,  junk food and sugar<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>excessive exercise or lack of exercise<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>smoking<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>allergies<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>drugs (recreational or medicinal)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>lifestyle choices<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>inadequate sleep<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>stress and emotional turmoil and extremes<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>negative mental patterns<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>chemicals and pesticides<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>high fat diets<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>hormone\/steroid residues in meat and dairy<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>frequent air travel<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>overwork<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<p><\/font><\/ul>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>A healthy diet, positive attitude, healthy emotional  expression, good sleep habits, appropriate herbs, moderate exercise, a community  of supportive friends and family, and recreation and laughter can all boost the  immune system.<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-family: Georgia\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font face=\"Arial\"><strong><font color=\"#400040\" size=\"4\">Is Your Diet Helping or Hindering Your  Immunity?<\/font><\/strong><\/font><\/font><\/span><\/p>\n<p><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"> <\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>Some people experience continual colds and infections  during the Fall and Winter, while others are rarely affected.  Yet both groups  are often exposed to the same viruses in the environment.  The difference in  resistance is, to a large extent, related to one&#8217;s food and lifestyle choices.   Diet either strengthens or weakens natural resistance, and raises or lowers the  threshold of infection.<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>Colds, flu, and other infections are much less frequent  among those who eat a naturally balanced diet.  Colds represent your body  discharging excesses from the diet. It is one way your body cleanses.  The  accumulation of excess from a poor quality diet provides fertile ground for the  many cold and flu viruses.<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>The key to preventing colds, flu, and other infections is  found in avoiding extremes in diet that lead to recurring discharges and  weakened immunity.  Attempting to isolate oneself from the many viruses and  bacteria that are present in the environment is futile.  You don&#8217;t have to move  to a deserted island and avoid people for six months.<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>The most direct way to prevent infections and strengthen  resistance is through an environmentally balanced diet.<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font style=\"font-size: 16pt\" color=\"#003300\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>Dietary Causes<\/strong><\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"> <\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>When cold symptoms involve the upper respiratory system,  throat, sinuses and nasal passages, the primary causes are excessive amounts  of:<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<ul> <font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><\/p>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>simple sugars<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>concentrated sweeteners, fruit and fruit juice<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>tomatoes, potatoes and other highly acidic  vegetables<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>soft drinks<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>ice cream, milk, yogurt<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>alcohol<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>icy cold foods and beverages<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<p><\/font><\/ul>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>When the symptoms affect the lungs and middle of the body,  including stomach, the primary causes are excesses of all of the above  plus:<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<ul> <font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><\/p>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>fats and oils<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>all dairy products<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>poultry and other animal foods<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<p><\/font><\/ul>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>Symptoms that affect the small and large intestines are  caused by over consumption of :<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<ul> <font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><\/p>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>heavy animal fats<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>all of the above<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<p><\/font><\/ul>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>Many people eat too much of all the above.  You may eat  all of them.  The key is knowing which foods are appropriate for you and how to  counter the effects of those excesses on an ongoing basis.  Many people believe  that everything in moderation is okay.  That word, moderation, is too vague.  If  you have health problems, your idea of moderation may be contributing to your  problems.  Believe it or not, the above are not the only foods that exist.  <\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font style=\"font-size: 16pt\" color=\"#330033\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong><a title=\"whatisbalanceddiet\" name=\"whatisbalanceddiet\"><\/a>What is a Balanced  Diet?<\/strong><\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"> <\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>Everyone needs their own individualized version of diet  based on age, all health conditions, constitutional strengths and weaknesses,  lifestyle factors, activity level, and other factors.  There are foundational  foods, however, that will improve everyone&#8217;s overall health.  They  include:<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<ol> <font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><\/p>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>whole grains daily such as brown rice, barley, quinoa,  millet, buckwheat, Hato Mugi, and others;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>a variety of vegetables daily &#8211; at least 3 cups.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>more cooked than raw vegetables in cold weather.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>hormone, antibiotic and steroid free meats in small  quantities eaten with plenty of vegetables.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>animal foods are more balanced and easier on our system  when eaten in soups, stews, stir-fries with plenty of vegetables.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>healthier protein from beans, legumes, tofu, tempeh, nuts  and seeds.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>fruits and fruit juices are optional depending on one&#8217;s  condition.  Cold, weak, deficient, frail people should minimize or  eliminate.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>use of small amounts of unrefined sea salt in cooking   provides important minerals and contributes to good digestion,  physical  vitality and mental focus.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong>cow&#8217;s milk products are best avoided except small amounts  for those who are deficient, weak, and frail, and only if digestion is strong.   <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<p><\/font><\/ol>\n<p align=\"left\"><font color=\"#003300\" face=\"Georgia\" size=\"4\"><strong>Create a Personalized Plan<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>To determine the best foods and supplements for your  unique health, why not invest in a consultation to create a plan personalized.   You can eliminate a lot of guesswork, doctor&#8217;s visits, money spent on  medications, and time lost being sick.  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wholehealthresources.com\/services\/wellness_services.html#counseling\">Click  here<\/a> for more information.<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font color=\"#003300\" face=\"Georgia\" size=\"4\"><strong>Herbal and Other Treatments<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" color=\"#003300\" face=\"Georgia\"> <\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" color=\"#003300\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>NOTE: <\/strong><\/font><strong><font color=\"#003300\" face=\"Georgia\" size=\"2\">All herbs and supplements should be taken 2 hours apart  from prescription medications.  They are not intended for use if you are  pregnant or lactating.  It&#8217;s always best to consult with a professional  herbalist.  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wholehealthresources.com\/services\/wellness_services.html#herbal%20consultation\">Click  here <\/a>for information.<\/font><\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font style=\"font-size: 16pt\" color=\"#330033\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>For Prevention<\/strong><\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font face=\"Georgia\"> <\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong><font color=\"#000080\" face=\"Georgia\">Astragalus<\/font><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\">, a  tonic herb, strengthens resistance to colds, flus, weakness and disease; builds  energy and improves digestion.  It treats chronically weak lungs and shortness  of breath.  Astragalus can be taken for 2-3 months at the onset of the cold and  flu season.  It&#8217;s usefulness is as a preventive.  If you take Astragalus once  you have a cold or flu, your symptoms will worsen.<\/font><\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><strong>Astragalus is more effective when combined with other  herbs in a formula.  <font color=\"#000080\" face=\"Georgia\">Astra C<\/font>, by Health  Concerns, is a great choice for preventing infections and allergies.  It  combines Astragalus with Vitamin C, Zinc Citrate, Rose Hips, Acerola, Siler and  White Atractylodes.  <a href=\"http:\/\/wholehealthresources.com\/products\/Immune%20Enhancing%20Products.html\">Click  here<\/a> to order.<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font style=\"font-weight: 700; font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">Quercetin is a potent antioxidant  and flavonoid.  Food sources include apples, berries, grapefruit, onions and  cabbage family vegetables. Quercetin is also available as a supplement. One of  my favorite formulas is <\/font><font style=\"font-weight: 700\" color=\"#000080\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">Quercenol<\/font><font style=\"font-weight: 700; font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"> by White Tiger.  <\/font><font style=\"font-weight: 700\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"><a href=\"http:\/\/wholehealthresources.com\/products\/Immune%20Enhancing%20Products.html\">Click  here<\/a><\/font><font style=\"font-weight: 700; font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"> to order.   Coenzyme Q10 is  another  antioxidant with immune-boosting properties, but not as effective as  Quercenol.<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"><span style=\"font-weight: 700; font-size: 11pt\">To improve immunity, use  chlorophyll-rich foods including all dark leafy green vegetables such as kale,  bok choy, collard greens, watercress, mustard greens and dandelion greens.  Supplement with algae (not for cold or weak people), chlorella, spirulina,  Vitamineral Greens, or cereal grasses. These contain immune-enhancing,  anti-inflammatory properties, and are abundant in omega-3 and GLA fatty acids.   My favorite chlorophyll product is <\/span><font color=\"#000080\"><span style=\"font-weight: 700\">Vitamineral Greens<\/span><\/font><span style=\"font-weight: 700; font-size: 11pt\">.  <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 700\"><a href=\"http:\/\/wholehealthresources.com\/products\/Immune%20Enhancing%20Products.html\">Click  here<\/a> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 700; font-size: 11pt\">to  order.<\/span><\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 700\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font color=\"#000080\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">Ganoderma<\/font><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"> Mushrooms (Reishi is Japanese  name) are a supreme immune tonic and fine for anyone to take.  Inhibits bacteria  and viruses, protects body against stress, alleviates allergies, bronchitis,  chronic pneumonia; regenerates the liver.  It is anti-oxidant against free  radicals.  Revitalizes the body, increasing inner stamina and strength.  <\/font><font color=\"#000080\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"> Cordyseng<\/font><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"> by Health concerns contains  Ganoderma, Astragalus, American Ginseng, Ginger<\/font><\/font><\/span><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">, <span style=\"font-weight: 700; font-size: 11pt\">and licorice, and is a superior immune  tonic.  <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 700\"><a href=\"http:\/\/wholehealthresources.com\/products\/Immune%20Enhancing%20Products.html\">Click  here<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 700; font-size: 11pt\"> to  order.<\/span><\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font style=\"font-weight: 700; font-size: 16pt\" color=\"#330033\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">Treatment of Colds  and Flu<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 700\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font color=\"#000080\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">Echinacea<\/font><font color=\"#330033\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"> <\/font><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt\">is  antibiotic, antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic. It is effective for  treating colds, fevers, flu, all infections and inflammations and is immune  enhancing.  It is intended for use to treat infections and NOT as a preventive.   After 10 days it will lose its effectiveness and should be discontinued.   <\/span><\/font><\/font><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 700\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font color=\"#000080\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">Goldenseal<\/font><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"> is antibiotic, antibacterial, and  anti-inflammatory. It treats infections, flus, liver congestion, inflammations.   It is not intended for long-term use.  <\/font><\/font><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 700\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">The most effective formula I&#8217;ve  used to treat cold and flu is <\/font><font color=\"#000080\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">Isatis  Gold<\/font><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"> by Health Concerns.  It contains  Isatis, Echinacea, Platycodon, Goldenseal and Ligusticum.  I always keep this  formula in my medicine cabinet.  To order, <a href=\"http:\/\/wholehealthresources.com\/products\/Immune%20Enhancing%20Products.html\">Click  here<\/a>.<\/font><\/font><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><span style=\"font-weight: 700\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">N-acetylcysteine, commonly called  <font color=\"#000080\">NAC,<\/font> is a form of the amino acid cysteine.  It can  stave off disease and boost the immune system.  It can lessen the severity and  duration of flu symptoms.  NAC reduces congestion related to sinusitis,  bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory diseases.  Do not use for more than a  month.<\/font><\/font><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font color=\"#000080\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">Cold Away<\/font><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"> by Health Concerns treats colds  and flu, fever, sinus and chest congestion, coughing, headache, sore throat,  cold sores, and pharyngitis.  It is meant to be taken in the early stages of  cold and flu.  This is one of the most effective formulas I&#8217;ve ever taken and I  wouldn&#8217;t be without it.  <a href=\"http:\/\/wholehealthresources.com\/products\/Immune%20Enhancing%20Products.html\">Click  here<\/a> to order.  <\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font color=\"#000080\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">Elderberry Extract<\/font><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">  is anti-viral and  anti-inflammatory.  It can improve symptoms of colds and influenza, keep it from  spreading, and speed up recovery.   <\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font color=\"#000080\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">Oscillococcinum<\/font><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">,<\/font><\/font><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">  manufactured by Boiron, is a homeopathic remedy that decreases the duration and  intensity of flu symptoms.  It helps prevent flu if taken at the first sign of  illness.<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font color=\"#000080\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">Garlic <\/font><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">is anti-viral; however, it is not  for everybody.  If you have a lot of <font color=\"#000080\">heat signs,<\/font>  fever, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, migraines, prone to anger, thick  yellow or green mucus, eat a lot of animal food (including cheese and eggs),  have a normally warm body temperature, and tendency toward constipation, garlic  will make your condition worse.  Garlic is effective for <font color=\"#000080\">cold, weak, deficient types with watery mucus, chills, and  tendency toward loose stools.  <\/font><\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">If you do have <font color=\"#000080\">heat signs,<\/font> drink 3-4 cups peppermint tea a day.  Eat a  liquid-based diet with vegetable soups, lightly steamed and raw vegetables, some  fruit (especially grapefruit and lemons) and fruit juice or vegetable  juice.<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">If you have more <font color=\"#000080\">cold signs<\/font>, eat a simple diet with grain and vegetable  soups, homemade chicken soup (canned versions are not as effective) with  vegetables; fish soup with vegetables; steamed or roasted parsnips; horseradish,  scallions, and other warming foods and beverages.<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"><font color=\"#000080\">Ginger  Tea<\/font> eases headaches, muscle aches, indigestion, gas, and will help stave  off the chills of a cold or flu.  When experiencing cold and flu symptoms, drink  3 cups of ginger tea daily.  Chop or grate one teaspoon ginger and simmer in a  covered pot with 1 1\/2 cup of water for 7-8 minutes.  The ginger teabags sold in  stores will not  be nearly as effective as using fresh  ginger.<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font face=\"Georgia\"> <\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"><font face=\"Georgia\"><strong> <\/strong><\/font><\/font><font face=\"Georgia\"><strong><font color=\"#330033\" face=\"Georgia\" size=\"4\">Mind and  Emotions<\/font><\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n<p><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\" size=\"2\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Georgia\"><\/span><\/font><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt\" align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\" size=\"2\">Unexpressed and  unresolved emotions contribute to head congestion and can weaken your  resistance.  Your body is not separate from your mind and emotions.  Each aspect  affects the others.  Get in touch with your feelings; find positive pathways  through them; learn to effectively communicate your feelings with others.  Learn  to forgive and let go.<\/font><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt\" align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\" size=\"2\"> <\/font><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt\" align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\" size=\"2\">Often negative  emotions precede sickness.  They persist and we ignore them.  Emotions are a  guidance system, letting us know how close to balance we are.  If we do not  listen to the messages behind the feelings and make appropriate changes,  eventually something has to break down.<\/font><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt\" align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\" size=\"2\"> <\/font><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoBodyText\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt\" align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\" size=\"2\">Creative energies  that are stifled or blocked can cause the same health issues.<\/font><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoTitle\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left\" align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\" size=\"2\"> <\/font><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoTitle\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left\" align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\" size=\"2\">Learn to relax mentally and to express your emotions in healthy  ways.  Take care of things you&#8217;ve been avoiding or putting off.  These are vital  to good health.<\/font><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoTitle\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left\" align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\" size=\"2\"> <\/font><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoTitle\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left\" align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\" size=\"2\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\">Overwork and<font color=\"#000080\">  <\/font>lack of relaxation, fun and joy affects everyone&#8217;s health health.  We  need a balance between work and rest, giving and receiving, being active and  being passive.  Sickness has a way of putting us flat on our back as a means to  give us the rest and balance that we&#8217;re often not willing to give ourselves.   There are many positive insights for us in every problem.<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoTitle\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left\" align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\" size=\"2\"> <\/font><\/p>\n<p class=\"MsoTitle\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left\" align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\" size=\"2\"><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\">Start today to make small consistent  changes in your choices.  In no time you&#8217;ll experience positive  results.<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wholehealthresources.com\/products\/medicinalmushrooms.html\"><font size=\"4\">Click here<\/font><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 11pt\"> to read about  <em>Medicinal Mushrooms for an Immune Boost<\/em><\/span><\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia\" size=\"4\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wholehealthresources.com\/products\/Immune%20Enhancing%20Products.html\">Click  here<\/a><\/font><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\"> to order safe,  effective products for prevention and treatment of colds and flu.<\/font><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><font face=\"Georgia\" size=\"4\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wholehealthresources.com\/products\/medicinalmushrooms.html\">Click  here <\/a><\/font><font style=\"font-size: 11pt\" face=\"Georgia\">to order medicinal  mushrooms to boost your immunity.<\/font><\/p>\n<p><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\">Call <font size=\"4\"><strong>412.361.8600 <\/strong><\/font>to schedule a<font size=\"4\"> free 30-minute  consultation\/evaluation.   <\/font>Wouldn&#8217;t you like to create a plan for  reversing these and other health conditions in safe, effective ways?  Sessions  can be done by phone or in my Pittsburgh office.<\/font><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.wholehealthresources.com\/images\/debpic.jpg\" align=\"left\" height=\"176\" width=\"145\" \/><font face=\"Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif\"><font size=\"2\">Deborah Barr  founded Whole Health Resources in 1985 and works with national clientele to help  them realize radiant health of body, mind\/emotions and spirit, as well as  joyful, abundant living. WHR provides a wide range of services including  Holistic Health Counseling, Natural Weight Loss Services, Whole Health Coaching,  Shiatsu Therapy and Yogatherapy, and a wide range of workshops and seminars.  Deborah is a sought after speaker and writer sharing her Holistic message to  audiences of regional and national scope. She can be reached by calling  412.361.8600, e-mailing<\/font> <a href=\"mailto:health@angstrom.net\">deborah@wholehealthresources.com<\/a>, or  visiting <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wholehealthresources.com\/\">www.wholehealthresources.com<\/a><\/font><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a9Deborah Barr The best treatment for winter colds and influenza is prevention. But don&#8217;t despair if you&#8217;re already inflicted. There are many herbs, supplements, foods, and lifestyle factors that are safe and effective for prevention and treatment. This article will focus on some of them. Cold symptoms can include nasal discharge, runny nose, sneezing, coughing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/thesoulpitt.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/thesoulpitt.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/thesoulpitt.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thesoulpitt.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thesoulpitt.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/thesoulpitt.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/thesoulpitt.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thesoulpitt.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/thesoulpitt.com\/health\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}