This month we look at how to avoid and combat seasonal ailments –winter coughs, colds & sore throats
Coughs, colds & flu are viral infections that are more prevalent in the winter due to central heating drying out nasal passages & the decrease in vitamin D availability in this northern hemisphere.
Reduce the likelihood of catching an infection, & reduce its severity & duration by consuming:
Food sources – Increase consumption of onions & garlic (raw if possible), all vegetables, pumpkin seeds, elderflower & peppermint tea.
Vitamin C – shortens duration of colds & minimizes symptoms. Body needs & uses more when fighting an infection. Smoking destroys 60mg per cigarette. Dose: 1000mg three times a day until symptoms improve.
Echinacea – stimulates immune system to mount an attack on the virus. If susceptible to infections, take continuously throughout the winter.
Dose: For prevention – 200mg a day. During infections – 200mg five times a day
Zinc – a mineral that 1 in 10 of us are deficient in (especially vegetarians as found mainly in meat). Research shows that zinc reduces incidence & longevity of colds (1). Dose: 30mg a day
Vitamin B complex – 12 different B’s that synergistically boost the nervous and immune system. They are the first vits to be exhausted at times of stress. Dose: vit B complex 50mg, including 400mcg folic acid
Vitamin D – primarily produced through the skin on exposure to strong sunlight. Hundred’s of research studies indicate that those of us living in the northern hemisphere should take a vitamin D supplement throughout the winter for maintaining immunity, bone health, maintaining mental ability & preventing depression (2,3). Dose: min 1000iu a day during the winter unless you are known to be deficient (ask for blood test at GP’s).
Homeopathic Remedies:
What is Homeopathy? Homeopathy is a complementary medicine that’s used worldwide and has been available on the NHS since 1948. It is based on the principle of treating ‘like with like’, with each remedy stimulating the body’s own natural healing mechanism to reduce symptoms and restore health. Remedies are made from minute doses of natural substances, often plant or mineral based.
Why choose Homeopathy? Homeopathy is very safe, non-addictive and has no side effects. It can safely be used in conjunction with all conventional medicine. It works in a holistic way and treats the whole person, emotionally and physically. Improvements in health can happen very quickly and a provide long-term & sustainable way of improving your energy, health and immunity.
What conditions can it treat?
• Tiredness & exhaustion
• Depression, anxiety & insomnia
• Allergies, asthma & hay fever
• Hormonal imbalances – PMT, menstrual problems & menopause
• Infertility & recurring miscarriage
• Pregnancy support – morning sickness, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, cramps
• Skin problems – Verruca’s, warts, acne & eczema
• Infant complaints – teething, colic, recurring infections, fevers & behavioral problems
• Respiratory problems, asthma
• Arthritis & Rheumatism
• Acute illness – tonsillitis, coughs, flu, ear infections, cystitis
The list really is endless as homeopathy boosts the immune system and thus help with any health condition.
Gelsemium: the number one “flu” remedy, with symptoms that are slow to come on. There is much heaviness, fatigue, clammy skin; temperature goes from hot to cold, dizziness & congestion.
Belladonna: indicated where the symptoms have come on suddenly & there is heat, throbbing pain and irritability. Children displaying these symptoms may feel obstinate with bright red, hot cheeks. This remedy is fantastic at reducing a baby or child’s temperature.
Pulsatilla: use when there are blocked painful sinuses, nose or ears with yellow sticky mucus.
Testimonials:
Anxiety & abdominal migraine – “Since having homeopathic treatment, I haven’t had any of my sickness problems and feel loads better.” ES, Age 15
Eczema & asthma – “Thank you Debbie, for the first time in 30 years I no longer need to use steroid creams to keep my eczema under control! My skin is much improved & my asthma greatly reduced” Mrs M, Bury
Recurrent infections & chronic fatigue – “I was very low physically and emotionally when treatment started. After the first treatment I felt dramatically better and now I feel stronger in every respect. Your manner was always very professional, calm and reassuring. Thank you very much, I now have my life back!” Mr C, Bury
Menopause – “The treatment was not invasive or harsh yet so effective. It really made me feel well very quickly & my hot flushes, which had been very debilitating, decreased almost as soon as I started taking the remedy. I was pleasantly surprised how effective & long lasting it was!” CH, Bury St Eds
Where to get treatment: The Bury Homeopathic Practice offers free 15-minute taster consultations at The Self Centre, Moreton Hall, IP32 7AR
Tel: 07979 810744
www.buryhomeopaths.co.uk
email:info@buryhomeopaths.co.uk
The remedies and advice suggested in this article are the personal opinion of the author. Please also inform your GP if you are planning to take any natural remedies and you are already on long term prescribed drugs. Always consult a qualified Complementary Practitioner, never self medicate.
