Fighting off a Cold

Lora, my favorite remedy is Deep Defense. It's an herbal concoction that you can get at most health food stores. Dr. Robin suggested it to me some time ago.... I tried it....and it's terrific.

Suck on Zinc tablets--they are nasty but work to rid the sympoms of a cold.

I like to exercise--at a reduce rate but to get a little sweat worked up and then drinks lots and lots

I tried Cold-Eze this time and found it more palatable than my usual zinc lozenges (recommended by TeeBeeDee's own Michael Castleman in his health expert life ...he wrote Cold Cures, one of the best selling books on the topic).

When you get a cold, sometimes herbs may be helpful:

Garlic can help treat colds. As soon as you feel one coming on you should eat the equivalent of 2 cloves a day and eat them raw. Chop or crush them up, put them on a piece of bread or toast or swallow them mixed with food. If you don't want garlic breath, don't chew them.

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is great for nausea. Ginger tea with honey can be very soothing.

Vitamin C is also helpful as a powerful anti-oxidant that can help boost the immune system. You can get it from food or a supplement.

Echinacea has been controversial regarding its value in helping with infection. However, when taken at the first sign of a cold, there are some studies that suggest it can help shorten the course.

Goldenseal has antiseptic properties and can be useful as a gargling solution done four times a day.

Medicinal mushrooms (such as shitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms) can be very helpful as they have anti-viral properties. (You can find them at www.fungi.com)These are my personal favorites! They really work.

Astragalus has antiviral properties and is an immune booster. If you get a cold or feel one coming on, you can start taking this on a daily basis.

Eucalyptus steam is wonderful for sinus and chest congestion. Doing a steam a couple of times a day can be helpful.

AND don't forget chicken soup. IT HELPS!

Of course it is really important to check with your health care provider before you start taking any cold medicine or supplement. Some of the remedies may interfere with prescription medications and may not be such a good thing to take for people with certain medical problems such as autoimmune diseases (Lupus, Crohn's disease, etc.)

Be sensible and take care of yourself!

Dr. Robin, left work early yesterday, went to my local health food store, bought a bottle of Host Defense (medicinal mushrooms in a capsule), went home, took two tablets, and went straight to bed. I was achy all over, shivering, had a sore throat and a massive headache. I thought I was doomed for sure.

Then in the middle of the night, I woke up and felt like a miracle had happened. I felt tons better. I'm not completely healthy, but I'm on my way.

LoraMa, I am so glad the mushrooms worked!

I have been taking "Yin Chiao", a Chinese herbal Dietary supplement. It really works! I buy it at Elephant Pharmacy in Oakland. The Plumb Flower brand in the green box is best.