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Prevention & Immune System Boosters For Cold
Echinacea
is an immune stimulant. Echinacea is a popular herbal cold remedy.
There are three main types commonly used.
Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea
angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida. Echinacea purpurea is the most
popular one used. Take for 7 to 14 days, recommended dosages are below:
Powdered extract - 300 mg 3 times daily
Alcohol tincture (1:5) - 3 to 4 ml 3 times daily
Echinacea juice - 2 to 3 ml 3 times daily
Whole dried root - 1 to 2 g 3 times daily.
Hyssop Tea
regular use may prevent cold and infection.
Ginseng
regular use may prevent cold and infection. There are three main types
commonly used. Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), American ginseng
(Panax quinquefolius), and Siberian ginseng .
Recommended dosages are below:
Panax ginseng: 1 to 2 g of raw herb, or 200 mg daily of an
extract standardized to contain 4 to 7% ginsenosides.
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Eleutherococcus: 2 to 3 g whole herb or 300 to 400 mg of extract
daily.
A 2- to 3-week period of using ginseng is recommended, followed
by a 1- to 2-week rest period.
Goldenseal
is an antiseptic and immune system stimulator. Also helps destroy
bacteria, fungi, viruses and tumor cells. Take 10 to 15 drops of goldenseal
in an alcohol-free form, known as glycerite tincture, two to three
times a day for seven to 10 days.
Wild Indigo
stimulates the immune system.
Other Herbs for Cold Treatment
Bayberry
Boneset
Calendula
Lemon balm
Oregon grape
Thyme
Kudzu
Ashwagandha
Astragalus
Suma
Reishi
Maitake
Yarrow
Peppermint
chinese Herbal Treatments
Traditional chinese Medicine (TCM) uses a combination of acupuncture,
herbal medicine, and Qigong exercises that promote the flow of “Qi”
energy, which is the “vital” universal energy. Diagnosis
and treatment of illness is interpreted through the theory of Ying
and Yang (based on the philosophy of Daoism s or Taoism) and the five
elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Ying and Yang is rooted
in the “unity” of opposites.
The Ying and Yang represent the universal laws of the dynamic relationship
between “mutually dependant” opposites that are constantly
changing and in motion. Disease or illness is diagnosed when there
are imbalances in the equilibrium of /or within these systems. In
TCM colds are caused by the “invasion” of either hot or
cold “wind”. Popular chinese herbs for cold treatment
are listed below:
Treatment for a” Cold Wind”
Cold
Diaphoretic (sweating) Therapy
is often used because it warms the body and releases pathogens and
toxins from the pores.
Miso soup
used because of the spring onion and fresh ginger.
Cinnamon Twig, Ginger Root, Asarum, Kudzu Root, and Licorice- is used
for cases of cold wind.
Ephedra Decoction (Ma Huang Tang)
used for chills, inability to sweat, wheezing, and stiff neck, Ephedra
is never used by itself in chinese herbal therapy; but is used as
part of a formula. When used alone, it can be very dangerous because
it can raise blood pressure. Not recommended if you have heart disease
or hypertension, and you should never exceed the prescribed dosage.
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan
taken with green tea, it relieves symptoms in the head and sinuses.
Treatment of “Wind Heat” Cold:
for flu, tonsillitis, and the common cold, is available as the patent
formula “Yin Qiao lie nu Pian”.
Gan Mao Ling
is used for cases of wind heat.
Gan Mao Dan (Common Cold
and Flu Pills)
is used for cases of wind heat
Zhong Gan ling
is used to treat high fever.
Chuan Xin Lian Antiphlogistic
Tablets
is used for severe sore throat.
Additional chinese Formulas
for Cold
Sang Ju Yin Pian
Yin Qiao Jie Du Pian (Yin Chiao Chieh Tu Pien)
Sang Ju Yin Pian (Mulberry Leaf Chrysanthemum Drink Tablets)
Yin Qiao Jie Du Pian (Lonicera Forsythia Detoxification Tablets)
Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Benefits of Herbal Treatments for Colds
While there is no “cure for the common cold”, herbal treatments
are gaining popularity in the western world as a safe and effective
preventative measure and treatment for symptoms related to the common
cold. Echinacea is arguably the most popular herbal remedy for colds
currently being used, because it is relatively inexpensive, it is
readily available and echinacea side effects are minimal, but echinacea
is not the only herbal treatment remedy.
Herbal cold remedies are more popular in the US than ever, and some
statistics indicate that up to 40% of Americans admit to using herbs
or herbal supplements to treat or prevent illness and /or promote
overall wellness and health. With traditional medical care cost sky
rocketing in the US, alternative and herbal treatments are comparatively
less expensive. You can buy herbal pills and supplements for as little
as a few dollars at most drug stores and supermarket pharmacies, and
a 3 month standard course of therapy with a herbalist including office
visit and acupuncture typically costs between 150.00-1,0000.
Where to Get Herbal Treatments
Currently, herbal cold remedies are easily accessible and readily
available without prescription. They can be found in most health food
stores, in supermarket pharmacies, most national chain pharmacies,
discount stores, nutrition and dietary centers, fitness centers, wellness
centers, alternative or holistic health centers, chinese or Asian
healing centers, by mail order, direct sales, and of course online
over the internet.
If you are unfamiliar with what herbs to take, or unsure of where
to start, it is recommended that you have herbs prescribed by a health
professional, an herbalist, or professionally trained homeopathic
professional. The National Institute of Medical Herbalists, which
was created in 1864, is still the main “regulating body”
of herbal practitioners, or The National Center for Complementary
and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) can be contacted to find a local
practitioner in your area.
Today alternative health and healing centers are widespread and often
wellness centers associated with many traditional hospitals offer
“holistic” options or can offer resources and referrals
to natural health practitioners. Herbal cold remedies are a relatively
safe and effective treatment option, and there are many reasonably
priced herbs for cold treatment currently available.
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