Coughs, Colds and Flus

Winter is the season for coughs, colds and flus unfortunately! However those with compromised immune function, or who are constantly in contact with the sick may be at higher risk. If you are experiencing more than one or two colds per year or if you are finding that it is taking a long period of time to recover then you definitely need to look at ways to improve immune function.

Whether the infection is viral or bacterial in origin immune supporting herbs such as Echinacea, Andrographis & Cat’s Claw will stimulate your immune system to fight off external pathogens with improved resilience & vigor. Vitamin C & Zinc are key nutrients to improve immune cell function as well as decrease susceptibility to allergies. Herbs are especially beneficial for clearing mucus, managing fever and soothing a sore throat.  Formulations which contain expectorant herbs such as Thyme and Euphorbia are able to clear a chesty cough, while herbs such as Wild Cherry can naturally suppress a dry, tickly cough.

Updates - 24 October 2014

Singh, M & Das, R (2011), ‘Zinc for the Common Cold’, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD001364. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001364.pub3.

While Naturopaths and Nutritionists have prescribed Zinc for infections for many years, the results of scientific studies have been mixed. Now a new meta-analysis (a review of multiple studies) has confirmed its usefulness. The authors looked at 15 trials, and found that patients who were given Zinc supplements within 24 hours of getting cold symptoms (and who took them for a minimum of 5 days) were more likely to recover within a week, compare to those who took placebo pills. They also found that zinc given to children as a preventative measure reduce the rates of infection, number of days off school and the use of antibiotics.

So you heard the science people, get that Zinc into you! (But please ask a Naturopath or Nutritionist first, because the amount you need to take may differ between people).

Vive Health Naturopaths recommend the following products for Coughs, Colds and Flus:

NOTE: Consideration should always be given to individual requirements.  Please consider seeing a qualified practitioner before commencing a new treatment protocol or when combining supplements with pharmaceutical medication.

For more information on Coughs, Colds and Flus or to ask a Qualified Naturopath a question Click Here.