Dr. Kevin Kilday, PhD
If you choose not to get the flu shot, fear not, there are natural ways to prevent colds and flu. The best way is to keep your immune system in peak condition. Besides getting ample rest and sleep, eating healthy all the time, doing some moderate exercise, you can take herbs. Herbs have a 5000 year history of preventing and curing disease.
For prevention or curtailing symptoms the following herbs should be used daily (as directed on the label) especially during the cold flu season months (Oct.-May).
Remember this is a deadly cold flu season. Start now!
Echinacea is effective as an herbal supplement in that it effectively stimulates the immune system, which when strengthened responds effectively to the infective virus particle plus there is some evidence that it could prevent colds and flu if taken in conjunction with garlic supplements, according to an article in the Journal of the National Medical Association.
Garlic is able to boost immune function and inhibit or kill a broad range of microbes. Studies show that garlic is active against viruses that cause colds and flu. Some of garlic’s active ingredients are eliminated through our lungs targeting infections and promoting expectoration (coughing up mucus).
Andrographis is used in Ayurvedic medicine in India. Traditionally used to treat upper respiratory infections and sinusitis, andrographis was shown in a recent study to reduce the symptoms of coughs, sore throats, headache and fever. Andrographis helps reduce the severity and duration of the flu, according to a 2003 study.
Elderberry can inhibit the enzyme that flu viruses use to penetrate cell membranes in both type A and type B influenza viruses. The researchers noted that no conventional drugs effectively treat both influenza A and B but that elderberry does at low cost and with no known side effects.
A healthy immune system is the best defense against illness. If you need any of these herbs or more information please contact:
Dr. Kevin Kilday, PhD, Director of Holistic Health Center, www.holistichealthcenter.us, Ph. 321-549-0711, Email: holistichealthctr@gmail.com