Don’t let Colds and Flu beat You!
Can you believe it? Winter is nearly here once again! Where
does the time go? Let’s start with a positive though – we’ve seen some
beautiful sunny autumn days this year and quite mild too. I’ve certainly
enjoyed spending a little quality time with family and friends recently, going
out for walks on crisp autumn days, taking in the fiery autumn displays as the
trees start to turn, slowly shedding their golden leaves. Then, returning home
after a long day out to healthy homemade soup, heart warming casseroles and having
the time to relax for a few hours beside the fire. Cozy, toasty, well fed and
relaxed! These things I love. Just like I love cold, sunny, frosty days and
dare I say it ‘snowy’ walks in winter. I have grown up having a deep respect
for and love of nature. However, I’m not opposed to staying in when the cold
weather sets in, putting on my seasonal onesie, relaxing, resting, hibernating
with loved ones, watching favourite films and then, of course there’s Christmas
to celebrate too! It’s not all doom and gloom as the shorter days and long dark
nights set in! OK – this is my perfect picture of autumn and winter, and sadly,
I’m very aware that this ideal is often interrupted by our busy, daily lives
and the associated stresses they bring.
Although there is much to enjoy about
autumn and winter, it does also bring with it a variety of seasonal ailments –
not so enjoyable! Colds, the ‘dreaded’ flu and respiratory tract infections can
all leave us feeling well below par with the added inconvenience of having to
take time off from work to rest and recuperate. For many, a few days rest is
all that’s needed and recovery is quick, but sometimes, more serious
complications can arise. Germs, bugs & viruses, silently lurking in the
background waiting for that chink to appear in our immune armour!
As the seasons change do you consider adding a little extra
immune support for your health and wellbeing? A healthy functioning immune
system is crucial to optimum health. Without its proper functioning and a
strong defence mechanism we could not survive. Every day we are subject to the
attacks of millions of germs, which can multiply and cause damage in the human
body – but this is only if our body provides them with the breeding ground
necessary due to a weakened immune defence. So what can weaken our first line
of defence? Our modern lifestyles can be a major cause. Stress is a major
factor, as is poor diet, smoking, alcohol and lack of regular exercise have
been shown to negatively affect immunity and leave us vulnerable to attack.
Prevention is the key. Taking action to boost your immunity
so it is strong enough to protect you when under threat from the invading
winter viruses may just might stop that ‘sniffle’ from developing into anything
of a more serious nature. A well balanced, nutritious diet containing lots of
immune supporting foods, managing your stress levels, taking regular exercise
whilst taking some valuable rest time when needed, including a good nights’
sleep. These are just a few ways of helping to maintain a healthy immune
system. Have you considered ‘herbal remedies’ provided by nature itself? No?
Then the latest research on a specific traditional herbal remedy may have you
thinking again.
Sometimes, with even with the best preventative efforts, we
still can contract a virus or infection. Many with colds and flu will often
turn to self medication and conventional over the counter remedies containing
paracetamol and ibuprofen for symptomatic relief. However, recent research has
found that these may have the potential to increase the risk of complications
and re consultation because of partial immune suppressive effects. Further
research has shown that 20% of colds and flu infections can lead to
complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis or sinusitis which are often
treated with antibiotics due to a lack of therapeutic alternatives and with
consequences for increasing bacterial resistance.
So what alternatives are there available to fill this gap? A
recent conference at the Royal Society of Medicine has investigated the role of
Echinacea and whether it could fill this important gap in the ‘therapeutic
arsenal’ and provide a solution for the prevention of recurrent infections and
complications arising from the common cold or flu. The conference also compared
the efficacy of Echinacea with a standard synthetic agent recommended for the
treatment of acute influenza infections.
Echinacea Purpurea or the ‘Purple Coneflower’ is a herb that
flowers during the late Summer months. It is native to North America and
Southern Canada. Traditionally, it has been used in the treatment of cold and
flu infections, reinforcing the immune system, and less commonly for wounds and
skin conditions. Alfred Vogel, author of ‘The Nature Doctor’ founder of
Bioforce Herbal Remedies was first shown this highly prized plant by a Native
American called Black Elk, a medicine man from the Sioux Lakota tribe. Whilst
on his travels, Vogel and Black Elk discovered they both shared a passion for
nature and healing, especially a love of plants and their curative powers and
practical uses. Vogel received a gift of Echinacea seeds from Black Elk which
he planted back at his home in Switzerland, nurturing his first crop of
Echinacea. Today all the plants used to make Echinaforce® , a traditionally
Echinacea remedy, descend from those original seeds.
Over the years this herbal extract has gained in stature and
is now the subject of many research studies. The findings from the recent conference
at the Royal society of Medicine have highlighted important key points about
Echinacea and concluded:
· Such extracts have important implications for the management of Respiratory Tract Infections
· Echinacea may prevent initial and recurrent infections and the associated complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis
· In those with weak immune systems – those under stress and smokers benefit most
· It may help reduce the severity and duration of respiratory tract infections
· Is a safe and effective influenza treatment
· Can be taken alongside paracetamol and ibuprofen
· Susceptible individuals can use Echinacea for long term treatment
· Use products manufactured from ‘freshly harvested’ Echinacea Purpurea
An important point worth noting - 'The effects of
Echinacea are dependent on the type of extract used'. For example the broad
antiviral activity of the medicinal plant is only found in the parts of the
herb growing above ground and if freshly harvested herbs are used as the
starting material. Echinaforce® is a licensed herbal remedy that uses organicly
cultivated, freshly harvested Echinacea. Research has shown that extracts taken
from ‘fresh Echinacea’ contain almost three times more active constituents than
their dried counterparts. Alfred Vogel strongly believed that it was the whole
plant that contributed to its remedial effect, not an isolated chemical
component. He states
“I myself am convinced that no such active substances will
ever be discovered because it is not some specific chemical that can be
credited with the medicinal effect, but the complex of vital substances
contained in the plant as a whole” Alfred Vogel (The Nature Doctor)
So next time you get a chink in your immune armour and are
in need of some additional immune support during the winter months, why not
consider taking the fresh, extract of Echinacea? It might just help to ease
your sneeze, get you back on your feet a little sooner and prevent further
infection!
For more information on supporting your Immune health
naturally, pop into Bare Health, Congleton, your local, independent, health
store! Or alternatively visit us online at www.barehealth.co.uk
References
are available on request.
The content
contained within this article is for information purposes only. It does not
replace the advice of your GP or healthcare professional. Always seek advice,
if taking prescribed medication or undergoing any form of treatment.
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