Ideally, you should be supporting your immune system all along by eating properly, taking supplements, getting adequate sleep and getting rid of or learning to deal with the “toxic people” in our lives who stress us out. In other words, lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, some hormone and antibiotic free protein and very, very few carbohydrates (bread, pasta, crackers, cakes, chips, etc.) – oh and of course, no sugar! Your supplements should be made from real food instead of chemicals and your herbs should be from a superior source and not just harvested from the side of the road (which a lot are). Sleep as much as your body needs – that gives your body the chance to repair itself, so don’t short change yourself on sleep. Most of all to avoid illness, you should be dealing with or avoiding stress, because stress is what is breaking down your immune system and making you sick. (So avoid that horrible, invalidating person at the office who stresses you out!)
I try to follow my own advice, but when life gets the best of me, these are the things I have in my “Medicine” Chest. I don’t run to get a prescription of anti-biotics that will ruin my immune system in the long and short run. (see https://curtis.webxpats.com/articles/antibiotic-means-against-life-think-about-it-2/ ):
Tea Tree Oil
An anti-viral: it may lessen the symptoms of colds and flu. Try using a few drops in the bath. Add to a vaporizer to loosen chest congestion. Steaming once in the morning and once at night for 20 minutes with about 4 drops of tea tree oil to treat sinus infections. Add a small amount to shampoo to kill head lice. Tea Tree Oil can be used on cuts and burns. If you have sensitive skin, add it to a little coconut or olive oil before putting it on your skin. Tea Tree has lots of benefits. Check out this article on it: http://www.balancemebeautiful.com/benefits-of-tea-tree-oil-for-hair-skin/
Apple Cider Vinegar
When you contract a cold, your body’s pH factor becomes slightly more alkaline. Apple cider vinegar, which is acidic, helps to re-balance the body’s acid level. ACV is antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral capabilities, which can help boost immunity and fight off some colds and strains of influenza. It’s great for sinus infections, also. Take 2 tablespoons in 8 ounces of water 2 to 3 times per day.
For a stuffy nose, add 1/8 of a cup of apple cider vinegar to the water solution in a vaporizer.
Soothe a night cough by sprinkling the pillowcase with apple cider vinegar.
For chest congestion, soak an eight-inch square of brown paper (grocery bag paper) in apple cider vinegar. When the paper is saturated, sprinkle it with pepper and bind to the chest with cloth strips, pepper side of the paper next to the skin. After 20 minutes, remove the paper and wash the chest.
Coconut Oil
Melt coconut oil into tea or a broth. Coconut oil can gently soothe a sore throat and ease coughing in addition to boosting immunity and fighting the virus directly. Use coconut oil on chapped lips and dry skin.
http://www.naturalnews.com/031403_coconut_oil_colds.html#ixzz29LKEW3Uj
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/20-great-uses-for-tea-tree-oil.html#ixzz29L8fe6M2
For Colds, Flus and Upper Respiratory Infections
Andographis Complex – this herb has powerful immune enhancing activity and will stop illness in it’s tracks, especially if you take it the second you start feeling bad. If you don’t take it quite that soon, it will at least cut down the time you are sick. Up to 6 per day
Congaplex – this is the Primary product for colds, flu, congestion, inflammation and any systemic infection. It contains carrots, alfalfa, mushroom, echinacea, Vitamins A and C and Calcium Lactate to provide the nutrients and minerals needed during inflammatory states. It comes in a chewable form for children under 10. Take 1-2 every half hour gradually reducing to 1 to2 per hour.
Eppimune Complex – this is a vegetarian formula immune support comprising a unique combination of Epicor (proprietary nutritional yeast compound), MaitakeGold 404 (proproetary Maitae mushroom extract), Coriolus versicolor and Maite mushroom powders, Calcium Lactate, Arcerola Cherry and Zinc Rice chelate. Between 3 -12 a day.
For Long Term Immune Support:
Immuplex – this is excellent immune system support that is a combination formula to increase immune system response. It affects multiple systems by combining vitamins A, C, and E with B12, folic Acid, Zinc, Copper, Iron , Selinium Thymus, Liver and Spleen glandulars. 3- 6 per day
Calcium Lactate – there is more calcium in the human body than all of the other minerals combined. Most calcium supplements cannot be absorbed, but this NON DAIRY calcium magnesium product is ionized calcium which is needed to activate white blood cells and is very absorbable. 4 to 12 a day
Echinacea Premium – this is a strong immune system modulator designed for long term use for a healthy immune system and as an anti-aging tonic and cancer preventative. It is a quality herb many times stronger than the average Echinacea found in the store and sourced by the largest purchaser and processor of herbs in Australia, Mediherb. So don’t think any Echinacea will do, because it won’t.
Coughs and Congestion
Golden Seal – great for congestion and inflamed mucous membranes, ears, nose, mouth and throat. Always drink lots of water if you have congestion.
Congaplex – see above
Calcium Lactate – see above
Fevers, Bacterial Infections and Ear Aches
Andographis Complex – great for fever. see above
Congaplex – also great for fever. see above
Cataplex ACP – for fevers, inflammation and congestion. This is vitamin A, C and bioflavanoids. 3- 9 a day
Thymex – this can be used for accute infections, ear aches and allergic reactions. It aids in decogesting the lymphatic drainage, stimulates healing and defense mechanisms against bacteria and viral infections. 3-12 per day
These can all be mixed with apple sauce for children to take.
Soar Throat
Thymex – see above
Congaplex – see above
Andographis Complex– see above
Cataplex ACP – see above
Herbal Throat Spray – this is a wonderful spray that contains, marshmallow root, sage, calendula flower, echinacea root, myrrh resin and clover. It is great for soar throats, the immune system, as a breath freshener and for tooth aches and teething!
Saligesic – this reduces pain and inflammation and is great for soar throats and headaches. A safe alternative to other pain relievers. 2 tablets 2 to 3 times a day
Dry Skin
Calcium Lactate – see above
Black Current Seed Oil – this is an organic cold pressed concentrate of the black currant seed that is great for dry skin and eczema. 3 to 6 a day
These recommendations are for the reduction of stress only. They are not intended as treatment or prescription for any disease, or as a substitute for regular medical care.