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Herbals & Supplements
A natural alternative for a healthy lifestyle

In this section on Herbals  & Supplements, we will not get into all the talk about herbals & supplements being around for centuries and how the medical profession still doesn't fully recognize the importance that herbals &  supplementation can provide in "preventative medicine".  We will cover the proclaimed benefits of different herbals and allow you to decide about your personal choice to supplement or not to supplement.  The information contained in these articles is meant for information only and is not a recommendation or an endorsement of any of the herbals &  supplements mentioned in any of the articles.  You are advised to consult with your physician or health care professional before you start taking herbals &  supplements.  With the "legalese" out of the way, let's get on with it!

The cold and flu season is upon us and it's time to stock up on Mom's homemade chicken soup and herbal teas.  It's not surprising that medical experts are saying this year's flu bug will be worse than last year's.  But, alas, who has time to be sick.  Even if you could afford sick days at work, who is going to take care of the kids and cook dinner?  Unfortunately, we can't live in a bubble, but we can take preventative steps to reduce the chances of catching that nasty flu bug this year.  Try this combination of herbs and vitamins to help boost your immune system and reduce the duration and severity of your cold symptoms.

To strengthen your resistance against cold or viral infection, consider adding Echinacea and Astragalus to your herbal diet.  Both Echinacea and Astragalus contain a substance know as polysaccharide that increases the body's ability to fight off germs that weaken the immune system.  These herbs were found to be effective when taken at the first sign of a cold.  Astragalus with its immune system enhancement properties can be taken daily, but Echinacea should be used in moderation and taken for periods not to exceed eight weeks.

Taking vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc can shorten the illness and reduce the pain and misery of a cold or flu.  The mineral zinc speeds the healing process and is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system.  In fact, insufficient levels of zinc can reduce the production of the disease fighting cells known as T-lymphocytes.  At the beginning of any cold symptoms, take high doses of vitamin C to decrease the duration and severity of the discomfort.  Beware that large doses of vitamin C may cause some nausea and diarrhea.  Vitamin A can be taken to reduce susceptibility to general infection, but excessive levels can be toxic.  As with all vitamins and herbs, exercise caution and follow recommended doses.

So don't let this flu and cold season get you down, instead make yourself a cold-buster cocktail with some vitamin C, zinc, mixed with Echinacea and Astragalus and a dash of vitamin A and say good-bye to runny noses and scratchy throats.

Warning:
Since every individual is different, we cannot recommend or endorse the use of any herbals &  supplements  to anyone.  This article is meant for information and does not replace the advice of a physician or health care professional.  Many herbals &  supplements have not been fully researched or approved by the government and regulating agencies.  You are advised that before taking any herbals &  supplements you should consult with your physician or health care professional.

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