Academy Natural Health Blog

Natural Remedies for Cold & Flu Season 10/12/2011

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Hello readers. The following article contains a few interesting items to promote a healthier winter :

Natural Remedies for Cold & Flu Season

A report on three placebo-controlled studies published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine found that Vitamin C, at a dose of 600-1000 mg per day achieved a “considerable reduction in common cold incidence” in both school children and military troops under heavy stress. My clients who take Vitamin C say that it can shorten a cold by about three days and really does diminish their symptoms.

A recent placebo-controlled study published in Nutrition Research found that older people taking a daily Multiple Vitamin/Mineral Complex containing 100% of the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for each nutrient had a 52% reduction in sick-days due to upper respiratory infections and a 54% decrease in the number of days of antibiotic use.

A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, found an herb called Elderberry effective against influenza (flu).
Researchers found that 93% of those taking Elderberry were cured within three days, while 92% of the placebo (sugar pills) group took up to six days to improve.

And finally, according to the German Commission E (a government agency for herbal medicines), Echinacea root and juice extracts are indicated for the supportive treatment of flu-like illnesses and upper respiratory infections. The Commission recommends taking 6 to 9 ml per day of the pressed juice of E. purpurea or 6 to 12 ml per day of a 50% alcohol extract made from the root of
E. pallida, starting at the onset of symptoms.

Though there are positive studies on the use of Echinacea to treat a cold or flu, the use of Echinacea to prevent illness has not been proven effective.

WARNING: Echinacea is usually well tolerated by most people, but should not be used by people with HIV/AIDS or Lupus.

The information presented above is not meant for the diagnosis or treatment of any disease or injury. If you are injured or have symptoms of ill health, please consult your medical doctor. Be natural, not stupid!

The Academy's Clinical Nutrition & Master Herbalist programs cover many more natural remedies to help you and your family’s health. Click the link below to read more about the
Academy of Natural Health Sciences many programs.

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