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Today’s topic is...

7 ways to beat winter snuffles, infections and fevers!

Autumn is here!  Having enjoyed the calm of summer suddenly noses are running again. Winter is creeping up on us, but this time we may be able to get through without antibiotics or Calpol. Have a look at the following article to see why you may wish to try natural methods instead:

“Calpol generation may be vulnerable to asthma and hay fever”, study says http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4783572.ece

Here are my top seven tips for nipping a cold in the bud and for helping a full-blown infection naturally. All are appropriate and safe for children as well as adults, and all are well tried and tested by myself.

1. Zinc Lozenges

Zinc is the number one mineral needed by the immune system to fight infections. So when you first notice any symptoms of a cold or an infection such as a runny nose, a sore throat, or an ear ache, start giving zinc lozenges once every hour for one day to boost the immune system. Zinc gets used up very quickly so an extra supply is important. I recommend Nature’s Plus:  KidZinc lozenges. They are free from artificial colours and preservatives, come in a tangy tangerine flavour, and contain a small amount of fructose as well as a lot of Zinc together with immune boosting herbs Echinacea, Olive leaf, Ginger and Slippery elm. Available from Healthzone in Wimbledon, or www.nutricentre.com.

2. Vitamin C

Contrary to popular belief, Vitamin C does not help to fight a cold or an infection. The only benefit it has is in prevention. This means that a daily does of vitamin C throughout the winter may help to prevent colds and ‘flu’s, but it does nothing to make you better once you have got one. The best measure with regards to Vitamin C is eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, raw or lightly cooked. There is no need to take supplements, unless your child really does not touch anything fresh. Try to work up to 4-5 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables a day.

3. Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps to reduce the severity of an infection if taken within the first 24 hours. I recommend Vitamin A drops by Biocare: Vitasorb A. For two days only, children can take 2 drops twice a day in a little juice. Adults can take up to 5 drops twice a day for 2 days only. After this you must stop taking it to prevent an overdose. Vitamin A may only help to fight the infection if taken when the first symptoms appear. If you have had your cold for a while, it will not do much. Available from Healthzone in Wimbledon or www.nutricentre.com.

(Vitamin A must never be taken in large doses for long periods, ie longer than 2 days in a row)

4. Sambucol

This is a natural product made from elderberry. It contains a substance that may help prevent viruses from entering body cells. Doctor Madeleine Mumcuoglu, a French and Israeli scientist has developed and patented a procedure for a standardised elderberry extract which combines the natural health benefits of the plant with other components such as Vitamin C and zinc. Laboratory and clinically tested, Sambucol may be used during an infection or as a preventative. It tastes quite sweet and there is a version that has added zinc and vitamin C, and one specially formulated for children. Available from Healthzone in Wimbledon or from www.nutricentre.com. Try one teaspoon a day throughout winter to help boost your immune system.  

5. Oscillococcinum 200c

This homeopathic remedy may be used to shorten and reduce the symptoms of influenza. It may be given when the first symptoms appear and then repeated as necessary. It may also be useful at the beginning of a runny cold or a middle ear infection. Available from Helios Homeopathic Pharmacy, Covent Garden, tel: 020 73797434. 

6. Belladonna 200c

This homeopathic remedy is the number one remedy to try in case of sudden high childhood fevers and sudden ear and throat infections. The remedy may help when the child suddenly falls ill in the afternoon around 3pm. The fever will shoot up. Torso and face will feel as if they are burning up whilst hands and feet may be very cold. The eyes will look shiny and feverish and pupils will be enlarged. The child may have a very red face or red cheeks. Available from Helios Homeopathic Pharmacy, Covent Garden, tel: 020 73797434. 

7. Gelsemium 200c

This homeopathic remedy is the most commonly used influenza remedy for adults and children. It may be used for symptoms such as medium-level fever, weakness and trembling, headache, and flu pains in limbs. The symptoms set on gradually and never as suddenly as when Belladonna should be used.  When Gelsemium may be indicated, children and adults are placid and cannot keep their eyes open. The eyelids are heavy and perhaps swollen. Available from Helios Homeopathic Pharmacy, Covent Garden, tel: 020 73797434.

As with all complaints, if in doubt see your doctor. It is always advisable to first get a medical diagnosis to avoid complications. But keep in mind that antibiotics may be avoided when natural methods are used correctly. Each time you do avoid antibiotics your immune system may become more powerful through the experience. Homeopathy and Nutrition may be judiciously used to reduce pain and fever whilst building up natural immunity without side-effects.

I wish you a healthy and happy autumn!