Cold & Flu Prevention with Holistic Medicine
Cold & Flu Prevention with Holistic Medicine
Cold and flu season can be continuous in Florida, if you have kids or issues with chronic sinusitis, the common cold can be a menace throughout the year. I am often asked how I am able to ward off so many colds with so much exposure to patients. You would think that I get sick more often, but I only get minor symptoms because I manage those symptoms early and with a heavier dosage schedule of my favorite remedies. I also run an air purifier with a UV light sterilizer 24/7 in my office. Surfaces are also wiped down with natural disinfectant regularly.
Holistic Flu and Cold Prevention
We all know that washing of the hands frequently, but avoidance of touching your eyes and nose are very important because this is where transmission can be immediate. Be careful about hand sanitizers that have bactericidal chemicals because those chemical also kills off the natural bacteria your skin needs to prevent outside invaders. Good old soap and water are the best.
If you live with a loved one that is sick, it’s always best to sleep in a separate room, especially if they are coughing all night (get them to come in and see me to help resolve that cough). Of course, many times it’s hard to avoid people that are sick around us. An atomizer/nebulizer with essential oil of eucalyptus and oregano oil can help sterilize the air of viruses traveling in droplets.
Natural Remedies That Help Curtail or Shorten Colds, Flu, and Bronchitis
The most important preventive strategies are the natural remedies I have come to depend on to stay as healthy as possible when waves of the flu are coming through the area, especially if you have kids running around.
My favorite TCM formulas are Yin Qiao (sore throat feverishness) and Gan Mao Ling (chills, body aches) for managing the early onset symptoms. Daily Vitamin D3, C, and A provide another boost to your immune system. If you ramp up your dosage intermittently only when you need extra protection or feel your immunity is a bit low, you need not worry about taking too much D3.
If you are in throws of a cold or flu:
Extra Vitamin C, Zinc (15mg or less), Magnesium and other more potent TCM herbal remedies that best suit your symptoms may be in order. Again, this is personalized medicine. Your tendencies when you get ill (i.e., more intense sinusitis, lingering bronchitis, etc.) will determine the protocol that I recommend to you. Come in and find out what suits your health picture the best. We will get your natural medicine chest items in place.
Bronchitis can be difficult to overcome. There are specific TCM formulas to help with you recover from this, but you must monitor changes and come in for acupuncture treatment as well. The lungs are considered the most delicate organ in Chinese medicine. Prolonged coughing can damage your lung tissues and the force of the cough can disrupt your heart rhythm. Any type of cough should be treated until it is completely resolved. Sometimes one formula is started, but we finish with others. As the pattern changes, so must the herbs (and the acupuncture treatment).
And What About Sore Throats?
Oregano has anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties, it’s true. Please be careful ingesting too much. TCM herbal formulas have been around for centuries and have proven effective year-in year-out. Hot water with lemon, fresh ginger, Manuka honey, and a whisper of cayenne pepper can do a world of good too.
Bonus Delicious Fresh Juice Recipe
Dr. Tracy’s Immune Boost Juice
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4 organic navel oranges
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6 organic tangerines (clean exterior or peel)
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2 organic limes (clean exterior or peel)
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2-3 inch large chunk of fresh ginger
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Fresh, whole, organic turmeric root (about 6 inches)
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4 Carambola (Star fruit) (optional)
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