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Natural Medications for Cold and Flu

 

The influenza virus is a ongoing risk that we must face on a yearly basis. This virus has multiple sub species that quickly mutate to overcome our body's defenses and cause infection. Therefore, we must immunize on a yearly basis to gain antibodies against the new strain of virus. Sometimes this is not enough because our immune system is not functioning at an optimal level or we have waited too long to get immunized. It is always best to prevent then to wait and treat and there are several evidence based natural medicines that can help boost immunity and provide support during infections.

 

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

 

The applicable part of elderberry is the ripe fruit. Elderberries contain several flavonoids. The primary flavonoids are the anthocyanidins cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside. Elderberries also contain rutin, isoquertin, and hyperoside. Elderberry also contains 3% tannins and essential oil. The major protein of elder is a lectin called Sambucus nigra agglutinin IVf.

The elderberry anthocyanidins are thought to have immunomodulating effects and possibly anti-inflammatory effects. Elderberry extract has both antiviral and immunomodulating effects. Elderberry extract also inhibits hemagglutinin activity and replication of several strains of influenza viruses A and B. In vitro, elderberry fruit extract also inhibits H1N1 "swine" flu. Elderberry flavonoids are thought to bind to H1N1 virions and prevent the virus from entering host cells.

Elderberry also seems to increase production of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor which act as a route of communication for the body to announce and destroy infection.

Clinical research shows that some elderberry extracts might reduce flu-like symptoms. A specific syrup formulation of elderberry fruit extract (Sambucus, Nature's Answer) 5 mL (1 teaspoon) 4 times daily seems to reduce the symptoms and duration of influenza infection when given within 48 hours of initial symptoms. Significant symptom relief seems to occur within 2 to 4 days of treatment for most patients. On average, this elderberry extract seems to reduce the duration of symptoms by about 56%.

 

 

 

 

Oregano Oil (Origanum vulgare)

 

The applicable part of oregano is the leaf and oil. Oregano contains the constituents carvacrol and thymol which have anthelmintic, fungicidal, and irritant properties. Oregano oil also has in vitro activity against a variety of common gram positive and gram negative organisms, including Acinetobacter calcoacetica, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella species, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, and the yeast Candida albicans. The carvacrol and thymol constituents also inhibit bacterial growth, with additive or possibly synergistic activity in oregano oil. Carvacrol has a bacteriocidal effect on Bacillus cereus, a common food pathogen, by altering bacterial membrane permeability. Oregano oil and carvacrol in vitro has anti-influenza virus activity. Oregano oil seems to inhibit the growth intestinal parasites in vivo.

 

For bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, emulsified oil of oregano has been used in a dose of 200 mg three times daily for 6 weeks. Traditionally tea from the oregano leaf has been used. A typical dose is one cup of tea. To make tea, steep 1 heaping teaspoon of leaf in 250 mL boiling water 10 minutes, strain.

 

 

 

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea)

 

Echinacea has potential benefits for both prevention and treatment of colds. Clinical studies and meta-analyses show that taking some echinacea preparations can modestly reduce cold symptom severity and duration, possibly by about 10% to 30%. Other studies suggest that taking echinacea prophylactically does significantly decrease the odds of developing the common cold by 45% to 58%. Doses vary with different preparations of Echinacea, however, in general liquid formulations typically provide more benefit with dosing 3-4 times daily.

 

 

Olive Leaf (Olea europaea)

 

Quality olive leaf extracts typically contain an equivalent of 10 grams of fresh olive leaves per dose and provide 10,000 ORAC of antioxidant potential. This is often higher than most doses of mangosteen, acai, noni, goji, or vitamins A or C. In addition, most extracts contain omega-3 oils which can help decrease overall inflammation in the body, provide joint support, and are healthy for the cardiovascular system. Olive leaf works best as a preventative tool by boosting immune function via antioxidant activity. Throat sprays containing olive leaf extract may help decrease sore throat symptoms.

 

 

 

Antioxidants



 

A healthy amount of antioxidants not only helps with immune function boosting but also will improve energy levels, decrease free radicals in the body, and improve overall sense of well being. Therefore, supplementation is always a good idea particularly during months where antioxidant rich foods are not available. It is always recommended to start with diet first and then supplement if more antioxidant support is needed. It is always best to include a variety of antioxidants such as absorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherols (vitamin E), carotenoids (beta carotene, lycopene, lutein), ubiquinol (CoQ10), polyphenols (flavonoids, resveratrol), and glutathione (NAC).   

 

Foods high in antioxidant content include:

- Leafy greens (kale, spinach, chard, dandelion greens etc)

- Red bell peppers

- Broccoli

- Kiwi

- Papaya

- Carrots

- Berries (raspberries, blue berries, black berries, strawberries, elderberries, acai berries, goji berries, cranberries)

- Raw cacao

- Fresh herbs (oregano, peppermint, thyme, rosemary, sage etc)

- Pomegranate

- Mangosteen

- Camu camu

- Wheat germ oil

- Avocado

- Sweet potatoes

- Raw nuts and nut oils

- Flaxseed meal

- Beans (black, kidney)

- Cherries

- Currants

- Grapes

- Cabbages