A strong immune system is your best defense for keeping colds and flu at bay, the topic of which will be discussed in Part III. In the meantime, if you think you may be coming down with something (or you already have it), there are many natural herbs, supplements and remedies for preventing and/or reversing colds, flu and other unwanted invaders. When considering your options, it is important to know that because we are all biochemically individual, the effectiveness of natural remedies may vary from person to person. Experiment to find what works for you.

Following are the top three remedies I recommend. They have no harmful side affects - in fact, they are beneficial to the body - and they are quick and easy to use:

~ #1 ~
*Thieves* (by Young Living Essential Oils) is THE BEST in my opinion. It is the one thing that seems to work for everyone. Thieves is a blend of therapeutic grade essential oils that act as a natural antibiotic and is more powerful than anything I've experienced. It is truly awesome for warding off colds, flu, bronchitis and other infections and viruses. It works great if used when you first feel something coming on, as well as when you have already come down with something. Even better, it can be used as a preventative measure. I have more than one client who rubs a little on the soles of their children's feet (and their own) before sending them off to school during cold and flu season. They used to have recurrent bouts of colds and bronchitis. However, since they started this little ritual they have not been sick since! Drops can also be put in capsules and taken internally.

For more information on Thieves and other therapeutic grade essential oils or to place an order, go to: Young Living Essential Oils

~ #2 ~
*Cold Snap* (by Oriental Herb Company) is a blend of herbs that is also very effective in warding off colds and flu. Everyone I know who has taken Cold Snap seems to agree that it is best taken right when you first start feeling like you are getting sick. It's not quite as effective if you already have something underway, but will definately shorten the length of time it stays around and also acts as a natural decongestant.

Cold Snap is available at many health food stores and may also be ordered online. Go to: www.ohco.com for more information.

~ #3 ~
*Oscillococcinum* (by Boiron) is a homeopathic remedy indicated for temporary relief of symptoms of flu such as fever, chills, body aches and pains. Oscillococcinum (also called Oscillo) is very popular and works very well for the people that respond to it. I personally have not found it to be very effective for my body, but there are many, many people who swear by it, so I thought it was worth mentioning here. It may or may not be right for you - here is where that biochemical individuality factor comes into play. Give it a try and see.

Oscillococcinum is available at health food stores.

~ Honorable Mentions ~
*Triple Source Echinacea* (by Herbs, Etc.)
*Echinacea/Goldenseal* (by Zand)

Try not to compare prices of these remedies to over-the-counter drugs that may contain harmful ingredients. These natural remedies work to *heal* the body - not just suppress symptoms, generally last much longer, have no harmful side affects and when you get the right one for your body - it works.

More to come on "Natural Remedies for Colds and Flu" in Parts II and III, which will discuss what you can do to get back on your feet fast if you have caught a bug, and how to build your immune system so you don't fall victim to them in the first place!

Until next time, remember - health care is self care and be well...

Kel

Following is a list of the top 3 things to help you get back on your feet fast if you have caught a cold or the flu:

~ #1 ~
*Clear your calender and lay down!* - seriously! Completely clear your calender, turn off the ringer on the telephone, turn off your computer and the T.V, and cuddle up with a book (preferably one that's not too exciting and will put you to sleep!). Laying down is the best position for your body to heal itself and regain energy. If you are sick your energy is low, so expend it as little as possible.

In addition, the psycho-neuroimmunological factor associated with colds and flu is the feeling of being *overwhelmed*. So, the more you relieve yourself of obligations (prioritize without mercy - it will all be there when you get back!), the less overwhelmed you will feel, and the faster you will get better. People often make the mistake of working until they can't work anymore, rather than taking time off at the first sign of symptoms. The latter is really wiser. Better to take a couple days off initially, than to keep whipping your immune system like a dead horse and than have undesirable symptoms linger on for 2-3 weeks.

~ #2 ~
*Eliminate mucous-producing and immune-weakening foods from the diet* This list would include, but not be limited to the following: caffiene, alcohol, sugar, wheat, dairy, and believe it or not ORANGE JUICE! Yes, orange juice. Many people drink lots of orange juice when they are sick in order to increase their Vitamin C intake, however what many people don't know, is that orange juice is a notorious mucous producer and quite often exacerbates the symptoms of colds and flu. A better source of Vitamin C would be a supplement, preferably a powdered form (*Emer'gen-C* is a great brand available in convenient packets at health food stores). Lemon juice would be a wiser choice for a medicinal beverage as it is anti-mucosal, and also flushes the liver, speeding up the healing process. Dilute it with purified water and add a dab of maple syrup or stevia.

~ #3 ~
*Make use of natural remedies - essential oils, herbs, teas, etc.* See the 2001-02-21 issue for previous recommendations. Also consider the therapeutic essential oil blends *RC* and/or *Raven*. They are both incredibly effective in relieving respiratory and sinus congestion (for more info. go to: Young Living Essential Oils ). Also try *Breathe Easy* tea (by Yogi Tea, Co.). To help you sleep, try *Deep Sleep* herbal combination from Herbs, Etc. (more on natural remedies for insomnia and sleep disturbance in an upcoming issue).

Give these top 3 natural approaches a try next time you come down with a cold or flu and see if they don't help you get back in the swing of things much quicker. Stay tuned for Part III which will discuss how to build your immune system so you don't fall victim to bugs in the first place!

Until next time, remember - health care is self care and be well...

Kel