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Ready for cold and flu season? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its winter forecast, predicting a colder and wetter than average winter for the Pacific Northwest and northern Plains, equal chances for warmer or colder weather in the Northeast and central U.S., and warmer than usual conditions for some Southern and Western states. Where you live or however warm, or cold, your winter winds up being, protect yourself against winter ailments by stocking up on herbal cold and flu remedies.
Q. Talk to us about winter colds & flu.
Yamaguchi: Colds and flu are regular features in any climate and winter gives way for more aggravation. It is a known fact that a huge battalion of a virus team is responsible for colds and flu. There are about 200 different virus responsible for causing colds alone and an alarming fact is that there are a lot more from the virus family that are still to be figured.
The respiratory viruses that are the root cause for colds and flu that are not visible to the naked eye. They thrive in the secretions of a sick person only waiting to victimize others around. Spreading of flu is very easy. Tiny mucus drops forced out due to coughs and sneezes float in the air to only easily strike people with less immunity immediately or others a little late. In a poorly ventilated room or an air-conditioned room with minimum fresh air, a person carrying flu can actively spread the virus to the majority of the others.
Colds causing viruses however do not pose a severe threat through coughing and sneezing. Skin to skin contact and contact through the objects been touched by the sick can infect others. Travelling in a crowded bus or a train can cause colds. But however one has to be equally cautious at home as well. Attending to a person affected by cold can also spread it. Just getting in contact with a contaminated object is enough to welcome the disease. The rhinovirus thus contaminates the air as well as the objects on the land. Another aspect is stress that results in colds and fever.
Q. How can we prevent winter colds & flu?
Yamaguchi: Be kind to yourself. There are a number of ways of taking care of the body during this transition. Here are some tips:
• Take Yama's Herbs recommendations such as the Anti-Cold & Flu Tea
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. This will protect you from germs. You can carry around a bottle of antiseptic wipes or gel if a sink is not available. Alcohol based hand cleaners are recommended because they are less likely to damage your hands leaving you more prone to infection.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Take good care of yourself. Be sure to get enough sleep (at least 7-8 hours a night), eat well, exercise, and do what you can to avoid stress. These steps will all do wonders to protect your immune system and help your body fight any nasty cold germs it may encounter.
• Drink lots of water. Dehydration will inhibit the immune system. Drinking water may also help wash cold and flu viruses from your throat to your stomach where they cannot survive.
• Consume more vitamin c, whether it's in effervescent form, or in fruit form. Vitamin c has been shown in several clinical trials to reduce the intensity of the common cold, as well as reduce the time.
• Keep your body warm. Stay out of the cool night air if possible and avoid staying in the direct path of an air conditioner.
• Nasal irrigation with warm salt water can help clear your sinuses of mucus which is carrying the cold or flu virus. Most respiratory viruses are heat sensitive and water that is just 2 or 3 degrees above body temperature can be effective at immobilizing these viruses.
Q. What are other suggestions for preventing winter colds & flu?
Yamaguchi: There are eating habit you can control winter colds &flu, which include:
• Selenium is a nutrient which plays an important role in the immune system. One way selenium performs this function is by "recharging" vitamins c and e, and coenzyme q-10. Good sources of selenium include eggs, turkey, mushrooms, tuna and other seafood.
• A probiotic will fortify your intestinal flora, which are essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. This is a key factor to good health and a strong immune system.
• Garlic has powerful anti-viral, antibiotic and anti-fungal properties and boosts the immune system in general. It also tends to kill parasites in the intestines.
• Echinacea has a reputation as an immune booster, and research seems to validate this. A 2007 study by the University of Connecticut combined findings from 14 previously-reported trials examining echinacea and concluded that echinacea can cut the chances of catching a cold by more than half, and shorten the duration of a cold by an average of 1.4 days.
• Herb and Kampo medicines are widely available in supplements, traditionally used to treat infections and diseases, often used before antibiotics. Andrographis is also reported to possess antihepatotoxic, antibiotic, antimalarial, anti-hepatitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-snake venom, and antipyretic properties, besides its general use as an immunostimulant agent. It has even recently been proven to possess anti-hiv properties.
• Ginger contains phenolic compounds which are responsible for relaxing the muscles of the stomach, and explains ginger’s effect in easing motion sickness. Gingerols found in ginger, have been discovered by Japanese researchers to block the bodies reflex to vomit. Ginger has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties and so can be used for some of the symptoms associated with cold and flu.
• Goldenseal contains berberine which has been found to increases blood flow to the spleen and stimulate to the activity of macrophages, white blood cells that are an important part of the immune system.
• Licorice is a potent antiviral herb used against a wide range of viral agents. It contains eight antiviral compounds that all inhibit as well as block viruses from penetrating the cell bodies. This is similar to the action elderberry takes.
• Honey contains vitamins and minerals which enhance the immune system. Raw honey is the best.
• Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and immune stimulant. When taken internally, it may tend to thin blood.
• Avoid sugary foods. They decrease immune function for up to 5 hours.
Q. What herbs do you recommend in preventing winter colds & flu?
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