Natural Treatments for Colds and the Flu

The common cold and influenza (flu) are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics are ineffective to treat these viruses, since antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
Here are some natural treatment options:

1. Elderberry Extract - Sambucol comes from the Latin name for elderberry, which is Sambucus nigra. It is an elderberry extract from Israel and is used as a common cold and flu remedy. Sambucol has been shown effective at inactivating viruses.

2. Eucalyptus Oil - The eucalyptus tree is an evergreen tree native to Australia. The oil from the leaves has been used in cough drops, cold medicines, mouthwashes, toothpaste, detergents and liniments for arthritic pain. Eucalyptus oil can be toxic if taken internally. But because of the potent bactericides it contains, breathing the fumes can knock out infections in the nasal passages, sinuses, bronchial tubes and lung. It has also been found to be effective to fight against H1N1.

3. AHCC - Active hexose correlated compound, or AHCC, is a mushroom extract and immune system stimulator. AHCC supports the immune system by aiding your body’s own natural killer (NK) cells, which provide the first line of defense for dealing with any form of invasion to the body.

4. Castor Oil - Castor oil is a triglyceride of fatty acids. Almost 90% of its fatty acid content consists of ricinoleic acid, which has been shown to be effective in preventing the growth of numerous species of viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Usually applied to the abdomen, castor oil packs improve the function of the thymus gland and other parts of the immune system. It does this by increasing the production of lymphocytes, the disease-fighting cells in your immune system. With more lymphocytes in your blood, your body is better able to remove toxins from your cells. In turn, your body then becomes less acidic, your organ function improves, and you have increased energy.

5. Zinc Lozenges - Zinc gluconate lozenges have been shown to shorten the duration of common cold and flu symptoms by an average of three days compared to a placebo.

6. Oscillococcinum - Though researchers have yet to identify precisely how this homeopathic remedy works, its results are amazing when taken at the first sign of flu. Oscillococcinum is especially good for children.

7. Echinacea - Echinacea angustifolia is an herb that has been shown to significantly increase certain immune responses and inhibit viral activity such as the flu. Research indicates that echinacea binds to receptors on the surface of white blood cells, literally turning these immune cells “on.”

8. Vitamin D - At the first sign of flu, up your daily vitamin D dose to 10,000 IU per day Continue this protocol until symptoms improve, and then scale back to your maintenance dose.

9. Vitamin C - Loading up on vitamin C beyond your daily maintenance dose provides extra immune support during a bout of the flu. At least 2,000 mg/day, but don’t exceed 5,000 mg/day.

Certain supplements may be contraindicated when taking certain medications. If you are taking any medications, you should consult with your pharmacist, prior to starting any supplement regimen.

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