supplements herbal & homeopathic bug blasters


Homeopathics


Allium cepa.Homeopathic remedies use trace, barely detectable amounts of a therapeutic substance to ease illness symptoms under the theory that “like cures like.” Allium cepa contains a minute amount of red onion and is used to relieve


stuffy nasal congestion and teary eyes. Dose: Tree to five pellets dissolved under the tongue three times daily until symptoms subside.


Gelsemium. Swanson advocates this remedy, derived from the vine Gelsemium sempervirens, for cold and flu symptoms that include fever, body aches, and exhaustion. Dose: Five pellets dissolved under the tongue three times daily until symptoms subside.


Oscillococcinum.Often called Oscillo, this proprietary remedy from France contains extremely tiny amounts of duck liver and heart. Although somewhat conflicting, evidence justifies trying it on the first or second day flu-like symptoms, such as body aches and fatigue, appear. In a review of medical studies, researchers concluded


that Oscillo was both safe and effective. Dose: One tube of Oscillo dissolved in the mouth every six hours, up to three times daily.


POTENT PRODUCTS


A. Vogel Echinaforce. Available as both a tincture and tablet, this herbal formula serves to ease cold and flu-like symptoms.


Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract. Studies show that this proprietary garlic extract can reduce cold and flu symptoms and provide other health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol levels.


Sambucol. The best-researched form of elderberry syrup; available sweetened and sugar free, as well as in a children’s dose.


Herbs


Astragalus.Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends this herb to strengthen the body’s disease resistance; studies show that astragalus boosts the activity of various immune cells. Swanson recommends using it to overcome recurrent colds and lingering flus, not for the first cold of the season. Dose: 1,000 mg every three to four hours for one or two months.


Echinacea. Few herbal remedies possess echinacea’s scientific résumé. In one of the latest studies, people taking the herb had 59 percent fewer recurrent colds and reduced their use of pain-relief drugs by half, a sign of significantly fewer symptoms. Dose: Follow either label directions or your physician’s advice.


Elderberry.A traditional European folk remedy, elderberry gained scientific credibility almost 20 years ago through a classic study in which nearly all of the subjects taking the herbal extract had a “complete cure” of their flu symptoms within two to three days. In contrast, people taking placebos had symptoms linger for almost a week. A recent study confirmed the herb’s antiviral and broad-spectrum antibacterial effects. Most contain some type of sweetener, so opt for an extract sweetened with honey or sugar-free syrup. Dose: 1 teaspoon extract or 2 teaspoons syrup four times a day until symptoms disappear.


Garlic.Records of garlic’s therapeutic use date back 3,500 years. Researchers have identified more than 200 compounds in garlic, including 70 that contain sulfur— a key building block of some of the body’s most potent infection fighters, including N-acetylcysteine and glutathione. Swanson suggests consuming one-half clove of diced fresh garlic in a teaspoon of honey every few hours when you feel the start of cold or flu symptoms; continue taking the garlic until symptoms resolve.


If you don’t want raw garlic, try capsules. Dose: Follow label directions.


It’s a good idea to talk to your health care provider before starting a new supplement.


fresh ideas for everyday health


Delicious Living magazine develops its own unique recipes to ensure all the ingredients and cooking methods help our readers maintain a healthy lifestyle.


Visit www.deliciousliving.com/recipes to access an archive of healthy recipes from Delicious Living Magazine.


november 2013 | deliciousliving.com 45


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