There's nothing "common" about the common cold and no two influenza viruses are the same. Even though you may feel achy, wheezy and sneezy just as during past bout with the bugs, few colds or influenza strains have anything in common with each other. In fact, colds can be caused by over 100 different types of viral pathogens, and flu viruses continually mutate from year to year. These variables make it difficult for you to develop immunity to these ailments.
Cold and flu viruses may be recurring and unwanted visitors, but plenty of natural medicines are available from traditional healing modalities in the world to help you gently and safely fortify your natural defense system against viral attack.
Traditional American herbs such as Echinacea and Goldenseal and ancient Chinese tonics such as Astragalus help to both, stimulate and strengthen our immune systems for the treatment and prevention of common winter ailments. In addition, the use of some nutritional supplements may make the duration of a cold, once you get it, shorter and the symptoms a little less miserable.
Unfortunately, even we are feeling our best, a particularly fierce cold or flu virus may be more than our resistance can handle. Most of us seem to get sick more frequently during the change in seasons, especially from fall to winter. Changes in temperature stress the body, making it difficult to adapt. Couple these changes with a poor diet and long-term stress and you have the recipe for a weakened immune system.
White blood cells are the primary defenders of the immune system. Five types of white blood cells can be divided into three groups: B-cells, T-cells, and macrophages. A healthy-functioning immune system depends upon the body's ability to identify, destroy and eliminate foreign organisms before a systemic infection occurs.
The flu is also an acute viral infection that is caused by the myxovirus. Like the common cold, it affects the upper-respiratory tract. After a 48-hour incubation period, symptoms come on suddenly. More severe than colds, a flu can cause chills, fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, fatigue and cough. Influenza, like the common cold, will usually subside in less than two weeks.
Once the infection seems to clear, however, it may not be the end of the viral visit. It is not uncommon for a bacterial infection to set in after the initial attack weakens the immune system. In both, colds and flus, these secondary infections may take the form of earache, sinus infections and respiratory infections - such as bronchitis or, in severe cases, pneumonia.
From LIFELINES NEWS, October, 1997
Janet Zand, OMD, L.Ac., is a respected naturopathic physician who lives in the Los Angeles area. Her credentials include a Doctor of Naturopathy, Doctor of Medicine and Board Certified Acupuncturist. Dr. Zand has over 1 5 years of experience with natural medicine, as well as formulating her own line of herbal supplements.
Why do we get sick?
Why is it that some of us may catch several colds a year while others never seem to be plagued by even a single cough? The answer lies in our immune systems. We are all exposed to cold and flu viruses on a daily basis. Normally, our immune systems have sufficient defenses to combat these pathogens. On the occasions when we do get sick, however, it is often because our immune systems are impaired or in a weakened state. Healthy Immune System - The Best Defense
A healthy immune system protects us from colds and flus, yet immunity is also important in order to treat the viruses once they attack. The immune system is comprised of a group of organs that prevent foreign
organisms from entering the body. The most important of the immune system components are the thymus gland, bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes. These organs and tissues produce lymphocytes (including B-cells and T-cells) and, antibodies, which play an important role in the development of white blood cells (WBC's) and in enhancing their ability to respond to invading pathogens.
Defining The Common Cold And Flu
The common cold is an acute viral infection caused by one of many contagious rhinoviruses that invade the upper respiratory tract. While the culprit that created the cold may be different every time, the symptoms are common enough and include sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and cough. Colds can bring on low fevers, especially in children, but high fevers are uncommon. The infection occurs after an 18- to 48-hour incubation period in the body, and most colds run their course in four to 10 days.
Herbs For Acute Cold And Flu Symptoms
Herbal medicines have been used for centuries to treat runny noses and muscle aches. Today, clinical research has shown many herbs to be powerful immune boosters and antimicrobial agents while providing safe and effective relief. Herbs can stimulate and increase the immune response to viral invasions and can also be used to fortify our systems against potential attack. Essential Oils for the Immune System
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