Are Cough Medicines Doing More Harm than Good? Are Cough Medicines Doing More Harm than Good? ::

Are Cough Medicines Doing More Harm than Good?
by author Christine Rowlands

Last winter, the danger of cold medicines became clear when the US Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory against giving over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines to young children. Serious side effects reported in children ranged from rapid heart rates to deaths. As another cold and flu season approaches, many parents are rightly concerned about the safety of drugs to treat bugs. But with these time-tested herbal and homeopathic approaches, we can boost immunity and beat viruses faster.

Most OTC cold medicines work to suppress cold symptoms—they don’t address the underlying virus. In addition, by suppressing symptoms such as mucus production and elevated temperature, they counteract the body’s natural defenses to viral infection.

The best medicine is prevention. Building a strong immune system is simple: eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and veggies, get adequate sleep, and supplement with immune boosters such as garlic, and vitamins C and A. At the first sign of a cold, support your system with echinacea.

For added virus-fighting power, consider adding maitake, shiitake, and reishi mushrooms to your diet, or look for them in supplements at your health food store. Shiitake mushrooms contain the antiviral compound lentican, while maitake is rich in beta glucans, which increase immune activity.

If you do get sick, homeopathic remedies can help:

Nux vomica or colubrine: Effective for head colds and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis.
Belladonna: Helps with sudden high fever and congestion.
Bryonia: Works with slow onset of fever, aches, and dry coughs.
Natrum muriaticum: Effective for sneezing and runny nose.
Pulsatilla: Good for sinus colds, especially in children.

Herbal helpers can also help:

Eucalyptus relieves sore, clogged nasal and bronchial passages, either inhaled through steam or rubbed on the chest.
Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) not only provides energy, but also has immune-boosting properties.
Ginger, taken fresh, in tea, or in capsule form, is a natural detoxifier and treats nausea, aches, and inflammation.

Take with plenty of rest and fluids!

Source: alive #November 08 Newsletter

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