The Natural Health Approach to Colds and Flu

Health Topics on this page:

What are the factors that make us more susceptible?
Some Natural Remedies to survive the colds and flu season
Vitamins and Minerals that can help
How much should we take?

Colds and influenza are two diseases that everyone will experience in their lifetime and these two viral illnesses are the most common infection in humans. Although we have a tendency to dismiss a viral infection as “just flu” influenza infections can be serious, and accounts for 20-25 million doctor visits and 36,000 deaths per year in the United States alone!

The effects of the cold and flu virus does not end when the main symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing and temperature ends. Ongoing chronic infections can result from the initial infection such as sinusitis and bronchitis. Therefore taking measures to build up our immune system during the cold and flu season can have long lasting effects that extend long beyond the winter months.

At the same time it’s important to deal with the cold and flu as it arises to minimise its effects. There are various aspects that make us more vulnerable and susceptible to catching wintertime viruses, and unique combinations of natural remedies that can be taken to enhance health at the first sign of a cold or flu.

What are the factors that make us more susceptible?

There are a number of factors that influence how easily we catch a cold or flu. Top of the list is a lack of sleep and rest, secondly, a lack of exercise, followed closely by a poor diet (which often occurs around the holidays) and make us more prone to viral attacks. Research has shown that stress also contributes to an increased vulnerability to a virus.

Low vitamin D3 levels in winter, caused by a lack of sunlight have also been associated with the development of colds and flu. This can explain why there seems to be an epidemic of colds and flu during the autumn and winter. When the skin is exposed to the sun, it triggers vitamin D3 production in the skin, so a deficiency in the winter is common.

A lack of D3 lowers the immune system and therefore makes us more susceptible to colds and flu. Ideally, we should reduce our risks in the first place by getting enough sleep and reducing our stress levels – easily said than done - especially as Christmas approaches, I know!

Some Natural Remedies to survive the colds and flu season

Despite our best efforts to keep colds and flu at bay, our immune systems can often lose the fight against viruses – especially if it is a particularly virulent one. However, taking natural health remedies at the first sign of symptoms can be very helpful to help your immune system win the fight quicker.

Echinacea is the most common herb associated with immune support. It helps to ward off infections, particularly the common cold. Echinacea supports the immune system by activating white blood cells that help to kill infections. Earlier this year researchers discovered that taking echinacea could halve the risk of catching a cold. It also helps to reduce the duration of a cold once you catch one and decreases the severity of the symptoms like a cough, headache and nasal congestion.

Echinacea is believed to increase production of interferon, an important part of the body's response to viral infections. Echinacea is best used at the onset of a cold, as it is not a guaranteed preventative.

Herbs such as Schisandra can be very useful for reducing the effect of stress in the body and nourishing the immune system. Vitamin D3 supplements can also help to replenish the supply of this immune enhancing nutrient. Drinking pure water every day (8 glasses) is equally important to help keep the nasal passages and body hydrated – as dehydration also lowers immunity.

Some Chinese herbs can be particularly helpful. Fortsythia suspense and glycyrrhizae uralensis help stop the accumulation of inflammatory cells in virus infected sites, like the nasal passages and helps prevent the sinus complications that can arise afterwards. Another herb is Lonicera japonicus which helps to stop certain inflammatory enzymes that are associated with how a virus develops – so shortening the length of the virus.

Tea Tea Oil is another herb that is anti-viral and anti-fungal. It also has a clean warm and spicy aroma, and you should add 10-15 drops of the essential oil to a hot bath when you have a cold and soak for 15-20 minutes to reduce toxins and relieve congestion before going to bed.

Eucalyptus oil is also ideal for this treatment. The essential oil is also good for reducing congestion, to help a sore throat and lower temperature. Do not use essential oils directly on the skin but dilute in water and use either in a hot bath or in a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapour to relieve congestion.

Vitamins and Minerals that can help

Vitamins A and C along with zinc, when used together with the above herbs, can help to support the health of the body during the cold and flu season. Zinc plays an important role in the healthy immune system and a deficiency of this mineral makes you more susceptible to virus infections. Zinc helps to stop the virus from penetrating the barrier of the skin and helps to produce NK (natural killer) cells.

Vitamin A deficiency also impairs immunity as it stops the cells in the nasal passages from regenerating – so making the skin more vulnerable, and stopping the function of the natural killer cells – so it is very important to have enough Vitamin A.

Vitamin C is a big immunity booster, and a lack of it can reduce white blood cells, which help fight infections. A number of trials show that large doses of vitamin C along with vitamin A and Zinc can reduce the severity of a cold as well as shorten the length of time it takes you to recover, with far fewer side effects.

How much should we take?