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| Natural Approaches to Cold and Flu Season |
| February 11, 2000 - By Liz Brown - Vitamin Retailer Magazine It usually starts with an innocent sniffle. Then a tickle at the back of the throat sets in, becoming as scratchy as sandpaper in a matter of hours. Maybe your stomach churns like hurricane-provoked waters, or her temperature skyrockets, leaving you clammy and soaked in sweat. No matter the symptoms, you need help when cold and flu season hits. A variety of factors increase the odds of coming down with a virus during the fall and winter seasons. For one thing, northern regions of the U.S. have increased moisture in the air as winter sets in, within which viruses thrive (they don’t live as long on dry surfaces). At the same time, kids are back in school, where they’re surrounded by other children daily, all of whom are potential vectors for viruses. Most people also typically spend more time inside during this time of year, with the windows closed, working in close quarters and increasing our odds of breathing germs and catching whatever it is that sent the guy in the next cubicle (and half of the office staff) home the day before. Throughout the holidays, our diets tend toward sugary treats and less antioxidantpacked, immune-boosting, wholesome foods. For those who find the holidays stressful, decreased immunity can result, increasing the likelihood of infection. Fortunately, a handful of preventive measures and a wide array of natural remedies can help us ward off nasty bugs throughout the season. First, though, we have to know what we’re fighting.
Virus CausesMost colds and flu are caused by viruses. These are passed by contact through the mucous membranes, and they often attack the upper respiratory tract, causing colds. The fact that people get only a couple of colds a year, despite being surrounded by viruses all the time, suggests that decreased resistance increases our odds of catching a cold. (1) That’s why a healthy immune system is invaluable. Malaise, fever, congestion, sore throat and headaches are common symptoms. Mucous, white blood cells and dead organisms make up nasal discharge as the cold progresses. Influenza, or the flu, has more severe symptoms. Allergies share some symptoms with colds, but they tend to have a seasonal history, aren’t accompanied by fever and exhibit no sign of infection. (2) Though the symptoms are annoying, they’re actually signs of our immunity at work. A fever can be a major defense mechanism against infection; suppressing it can prolong an illness (a fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, however, could be dangerous). Some flu symptoms are caused by interferon, released by our blood cells to stimulate the immune system. Swollen lymph nodes don’t feel good, but they contain immune factors that circulate in lymph fluid and serve as our bodies’ defense.
Virus PreventionPrevention can’t be overstated when it comes to evading viruses before they get their debilitating hooks in you. Dr. Chris Meletis, N.D., Dean of Clinical Education at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, offers the following tips for warding off the bad bugs: If the sniffles have already set in, it’s time to fight back. Over-the-counter decongestants mask the symptoms of a cold, but they don’t address the underlying illness. Decongestants dry out mucous membranes, making them more resistant to infection. Moist mucous membranes, Meletis pointed out, are more resistant. This helps explain why people tend to get sick after airplane trips, where many germs are present: the air is extremely dry and dehydration is common. Some cold formulas make some people too drowsy to stand up, let alone operate heavy machinery. Natural alternatives to OTC formulas may not stop a runny rose as quickly, but they work on the real problem at hand: eradicating the virus. In addition to its role as a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps maintain the integrity of mucous membranes, works as a natural antihistamine, and bolsters the immune system, increasing white blood cell production, interferon levels and antibody responses. Vitamin C also alleviates stress, and is found in high amounts in the adrenal glands. In a recent study, confined lab rats given 200 mg. of vitamin C daily had lower levels of stress hormones called glucocorticoids (which suppress the immune system) than confined, unsupplemented rats. Vitamin C also helped the rats maintain normal thymus and spleen weight and size. (3) These actions explain why vitamin C has been proven to decrease the duration and severity of colds in several placebo-controlled trials with supplementation. (4) For an adult with no history of kidney stones, 500-2000 mg. once or twice a day is considered beneficial. Too much vitamin C, however, may cause diarrhea, so customers should exercise caution. Meletis suggests finding a vitamin C supplement with bioflavonoids (or rose hips, which have bioflavonoids), as they occur naturally with vitamin C in nature and increase its bioactivity about 25 to 35 percent. Derived from the larch tree and, sold as a polysaccharide powder, larch is a strong immuno-stimulant similar to — but stronger than — echinacea. Its immune-boosting strength has made it popular for cancer support and treating ear infections common in children. Meletis recommends one to three teaspoons (or one tablespoon) two or three times a day. Elderberry is a great herbal antiviral and has shown promise in reducing flu symptoms in one study. (5) Thirty to 60 drops of a tincture or 350-500 mg. in capsule form, four times a day, is considered effective. One benefit of a tincture is that the direct contact with the mucous membranes of the affected respiratory tract has an antiseptic effect and may increase its absorption, according to Meletis. Meletis fondly refers to echinacea as “the vitamin C of the herbal world.” Long used for infections, echinacea contains polysaccharides that stimulate immunity (not to mention its indirect antiviral and antibacterial benefits). The herb works with phagocytes, natural killer cells and T-lymphocytes to fight infection. But if you wait until the infection has taken hold of you already, echinacea might not be able to overcome it. “The trick with echinacea is that, because it’s an immune stimulant, you have to catch it early,” explained Meletis. “If you catch it early, you can actually minimize or abort an illness.” Individuals should start taking it at the first sign of a cold, such as an itchy throat or runny nose. The importance of timing with echinacea may help explain conflicting research results regarding the herb’s effectiveness. In one recent study, 246 subjects caught colds and took echinacea preparations daily until they felt better again, but not longer than seven days. Based on the subjects’ reduction of a complaint index defined by 12 symptoms, researchers concluded that echinacea concentrates, especially a purpurea preparation from 95 percent herb and 5 percent radix they used, were a lowrisk and effective alternative to standard symptomatic medicines for colds. (6) Another recent study found that treatment with fluid extract of echinacea purpurea was not effective. (7) It bears noting, however, that this study gave healthy subjects echinacea for eight weeks, then determined the severity of colds and respiratory infections among them during that time. This methodology is questionable because we know that echinacea works best when taken intermittently; a couple weeks on, then a couple weeks off, which keeps it “fresh” to the system. Treatment that begins after a cold is underway, not to mention trying to account for uncontrollable environmental variables that contribute to colds, can also lead to inaccurate conclusions about echinacea. Because of its successful historical use and proven immune-stimulating activity (8), the herb is considered beneficial by natural health practitioners. (Those allergic to members of the daisy family, however, should take it with caution.) Echinacea for children is common in glycerite form and flavored with orange or raspberry to make it palatable. Echinacea angustifolia or E. purpurea or a mix of the two generally works well. Individuals should look for a good organic or wild-crafted extract. For adults, 30-50 drops of a tincture, or 500-1,000 mg. in capsule form, three to four times a day works well. For children, 10 to 30 drops, three or four times a day (dependent on weight) is recommended. Zinc plays an important role in cellular immunity and thymus gland function and hormones. One proposed mechanism for zinc’s action is that elevated zinc ion (ZN2+) concentration in and around the nasal cavity helps the ions complex “with intercellular adhesion molecule binding sites on rhinovirus surfaces which prevents rhinovirus binding to cells and interrupts infection.” (9) A review of seven randomized controlled trials of zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold found that lozenges have a therapeutic effect, if therapy is started with in 24 to 48 hours of cold symptom onset. (10) In the studies, zinc reduced both the duration and severity of colds. It’s important to note that zinc can cause side effects such as nausea and diarrhea if taken in high amounts. Too much zinc over time can diminish copper levels and lead to anemia and immune suppression. Divided doses of 15-20 mg. taken a few times during the day during a cold is fine for most adults. For children, 5-7 mg. taken two to three times a day is sufficient. The antiviral herb astragalus is valued in Chinese medicine for its immunity-enhancing and tonic effects, thereby increasing resistance to disease. It works by augmenting the production and secretion of interferon, which, in turn, helps prevent infection by signaling production of proteins needed for the fight. Five hundred to 1,000 mg. of freeze-dried root, 250-500 mg. powdered solid extract or one to 1.5 tsp. of a 1:5 tincture are common adult doses. Maitake, reishi and shiitake mushrooms have amazing immune-boosting power, due to active constituents know as B-glucans, or Beta-Glucans, a type of polysaccharide. These stimulate immune cells including macrophages, natural killer cells and T-cells. This and other qualities have made mushroom extracts very commonly prescribed by natural health practitioners in fighting cancerous tumors and for support in AIDS patients, and a great deal of research has demonstrated their antitumor effects. (11-12) A growing number of practitioners are also recommending medicinal mushrooms to fight cold and flu. A good extract featuring a blend of maitake and reishi, or shiitake, is often effective. Willow Bark Willow Bark, from which aspirin is derived, is analgesic and anti-inflammatory rather than antiviral or immuno-stimulatory. In other words, it might help alleviate symptoms and make a person feel better. Willow bark carries the same cautions as aspirin: those with ulcers shouldn’t take it, as it can irritate the stomach, and it shouldn’t be taken for extended periods of time. Children with a high fever should avoid willow bark to avoid potential for Reye’s syndrome, which is also a danger with aspirin. Oscillococcinum It may be hard to pronounce, but it’s great for getting rid of flu symptoms, making it the number one flu medicine in France and increasing its popularity stateside. Oscillococcinum is the trademark name for a homeopathic treatment called Anas Barbariae Hepatis and Cordis Extractum HPUS 200K and that boosts the body’s immune response. Oscillo, as it’s also called, is derived from the heart and liver of the Barbary duck that has been prepared according to the FDA-regulated Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States (vegetarians beware). A recent placebo-controlled, double-blind study found that 48 hours after treatment, subjects with flu symptoms had a significant decrease in symptoms and recovered more quickly than the placebo group. (13) This confirmed the findings of several earlier studies showing benefits. Oscillo is a safe alternative to flu medications that cause drowsiness, even for kids. It should be taken as soon as flu symptoms are perceived, following dosage recommended on the package. Baptisia tinctoria This botanical has long been used for infections, especially tonsillitis, pharyngitis and lymphadenitis. Four glycoproteins with immuno-modulatory properties from Baptisia have been isolated and have been shown to increase resistance of mice to infection, increasing spleen cells and macrophages. (14) Other studies have shown similar immune activity (15) Baptisia improves white cell destruction of viruses and bacteria and plays a crucial role in producing and activating lymph cells and producing antibodies. In high amounts, however, it can be toxic, so careful dosage is paramount. One-half to 1 gram, three times a day for adults, is recommended in the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. A cold or flu isn’t fun, and most people in today’s fast-paced, do everything society cannot afford to be down for the count with such a virus. Put these various nutrients, herbs, and homeopathic remedies in your corner and you will soon be up and running —leaving the tissues behind. References: 1, 2. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Prima, California, 1991, p. 227. _________________________ The information presented at Vitamin-Resource.com is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the services of a health practitioner licensed in the diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease. Any application of the material in this text is at the reader’s discretion and sole responsibility. If you have a persistent medical condition or your symptoms are severe please consult a physician. Statements on this web site about health conditions and remedies have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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