The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body - Heal Your Body Naturally and Maintain Optimal Health Using Alternative Medicine, Herbals, Vitamins, Fruits and Vegetables by Stacey Chillemi, Dr. Michael Chillemi D. C. Page B
Authors: Stacey Chillemi, Dr. Michael Chillemi D. C.
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ginseng extract every day for four months and reported reduced symptoms, duration of infections, and infection recurrence.
Although there are several types of ginseng, this study used North American ginseng (Panax quinquifolium). Although, North American ginseng is not as stimulating as Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), it can cause insomnia and worsen anxiety in some people, especially when it's combined with coffee or tea.
Whom it is not for: Ginseng can have hormonal effects that certain people should be cautious about. Some studies suggest that ginseng can boost estrogen levels, so it is on my list of unsafe herbs for women with breast cancer . Ginseng should also be avoided by people taking blood sugar medication or antidepressants known as MAO inhibitors, by children, people with high blood pressure, or by pregnant or nursing women.
Astragalus
Unlike ginseng, astragalus does not come with nearly as many caveats. The dried root of astragalus is a popular ingredient in traditional Chinese herbal formulas. It is now used in the United States to strengthen the immune system and prevent colds and flu. Herbalists recommend it as an immune tonic for people who tend to catch colds frequently.
Preliminary research has shown astragalus can stimulate immune function in humans. Astragalus can be found in capsule form at health food stores or as a dried root in Chinese herbal shops and some health food stores. Because of its mild taste, the dried root can be added to soups. The dried root is light yellow and the size and shape of a tongue depressor. A typical daily dose is 9 to 15 g of the dried root, which equals about 3 to 4 slices. Traditionally in Asia, people took astragalus soup once a week throughout the winter. The dose is individual, and people with increased exposure or compromised immune systems may require more.
Ginger
A cup of hot ginger tea is invigorating and is also a great cold fighter. Ginger contains compounds called sesquiterpenes that have been found to be active against rhinoviruses, the most common group of cold viruses. Ginger is also a diaphoretic, meaning it fights colds by gently raising body temperature and promoting perspiration.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural cold remedy that has stood the test of time. Garlic contains a bacteria-fighting compound called allicin, making it helpful for preventing secondary bacterial complications of colds and flu such as pneumonia, sinus infections, and middle ear infections (called otitis media). It has also been used as a natural anti-viral against influenza viruses.
Common way herbalists recommend taking garlic for colds and flu is as a tea, by crushing a clove of garlic and adding honey, lemon, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, and adding hot water. Garlic oil eardrops are also a popular natural remedy for middle ear infections in children.
Whom it is not for: High doses of garlic can prolong bleeding time, so prolonged intake is not recommended for people taking prescription blood-thinners, moderate to high doses of vitamin E, garlic, gingko, or natural blood-thinners, or 14 days before or after surgery.
Eucalyptus Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil can help to clear crackly coughs, nasal congestion, throat infections, and cold and flu symptoms. It works by thinning the mucus in the respiratory tract, relieving congestion, and increasing local circulation. Eucalyptus oil also has a toxic effect on a variety of respiratory tract bacteria.
Zinc Lozenges
Zinc lozenges have been found to reduce the duration and severity of colds, decrease the number of colds over the year, reduce the use of medication such as antibiotics, and diminish coughing, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, and other symptoms. It is still not certain whether it corrects a zinc deficiency, kills viruses, or both.
Studies have typically used a dose of at least 13 mg of elemental zinc per lozenge, starting immediately after the onset of cold symptoms.
Although there are several types of ginseng, this study used North American ginseng (Panax quinquifolium). Although, North American ginseng is not as stimulating as Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), it can cause insomnia and worsen anxiety in some people, especially when it's combined with coffee or tea.
Whom it is not for: Ginseng can have hormonal effects that certain people should be cautious about. Some studies suggest that ginseng can boost estrogen levels, so it is on my list of unsafe herbs for women with breast cancer . Ginseng should also be avoided by people taking blood sugar medication or antidepressants known as MAO inhibitors, by children, people with high blood pressure, or by pregnant or nursing women.
Astragalus
Unlike ginseng, astragalus does not come with nearly as many caveats. The dried root of astragalus is a popular ingredient in traditional Chinese herbal formulas. It is now used in the United States to strengthen the immune system and prevent colds and flu. Herbalists recommend it as an immune tonic for people who tend to catch colds frequently.
Preliminary research has shown astragalus can stimulate immune function in humans. Astragalus can be found in capsule form at health food stores or as a dried root in Chinese herbal shops and some health food stores. Because of its mild taste, the dried root can be added to soups. The dried root is light yellow and the size and shape of a tongue depressor. A typical daily dose is 9 to 15 g of the dried root, which equals about 3 to 4 slices. Traditionally in Asia, people took astragalus soup once a week throughout the winter. The dose is individual, and people with increased exposure or compromised immune systems may require more.
Ginger
A cup of hot ginger tea is invigorating and is also a great cold fighter. Ginger contains compounds called sesquiterpenes that have been found to be active against rhinoviruses, the most common group of cold viruses. Ginger is also a diaphoretic, meaning it fights colds by gently raising body temperature and promoting perspiration.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural cold remedy that has stood the test of time. Garlic contains a bacteria-fighting compound called allicin, making it helpful for preventing secondary bacterial complications of colds and flu such as pneumonia, sinus infections, and middle ear infections (called otitis media). It has also been used as a natural anti-viral against influenza viruses.
Common way herbalists recommend taking garlic for colds and flu is as a tea, by crushing a clove of garlic and adding honey, lemon, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, and adding hot water. Garlic oil eardrops are also a popular natural remedy for middle ear infections in children.
Whom it is not for: High doses of garlic can prolong bleeding time, so prolonged intake is not recommended for people taking prescription blood-thinners, moderate to high doses of vitamin E, garlic, gingko, or natural blood-thinners, or 14 days before or after surgery.
Eucalyptus Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil can help to clear crackly coughs, nasal congestion, throat infections, and cold and flu symptoms. It works by thinning the mucus in the respiratory tract, relieving congestion, and increasing local circulation. Eucalyptus oil also has a toxic effect on a variety of respiratory tract bacteria.
Zinc Lozenges
Zinc lozenges have been found to reduce the duration and severity of colds, decrease the number of colds over the year, reduce the use of medication such as antibiotics, and diminish coughing, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, and other symptoms. It is still not certain whether it corrects a zinc deficiency, kills viruses, or both.
Studies have typically used a dose of at least 13 mg of elemental zinc per lozenge, starting immediately after the onset of cold symptoms.
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