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Newsletter
Herbal Remedies vs Flu and Cold
Everyone has suffered sore throat, runny nose, and cough discomfort during the winter months. These are the early symptoms of cold and flu. They indicate your immune system is hard at work throwing off an infection. With the shortage of flu shot, many people have considered alternative medicine. Should you consider taking herbal and natural remedies? See what Echinacea and goldenseal herbal remedy can do for you in this flu season.
Powerful Combination of Echinacea and Goldenseal
Unlike other types of sore throat causes by viral infection, strep throat can take weeks to go away. Streptococci bacteria are the main cause of strep throat. Goldenseal and echinacea has historically been used to treat strep throat. Goldenseal exerts antibiotic activity against streptococci bacteria. More importantly, it has been shown to stop the attachment of streptococci bacteria to the lining of the throat. These streptococci bacteria secrete large amounts of hyaluronidase enzyme to spread their infection and colonies. Echinacea and its bioflavonoids can stop this enzyme product.
The immune-system boost produced by echinacea and goldenseal intake has been validated in animal experiments. The experiments show these two herbs augment different, yet complementary, immune globulins.
Powerful Herbs:
1) Echinacea
Echinacea is a wonderful immunity enhancer. This herb works by increasing the activity of T-cells, macrophages, and interferon in our bodies. T-cells coordinate the immune response against infectious microbes and enable the body to defend itself. While macrophages, which mean “big eaters,” gobble up the microbes causing the infection. Whereas interferon helps the body respond to viral infections such as colds and flu.
Echinacea can help you get fewer colds or decrease cold and flu discomfort. If you suffer from flu and colds regularly, consume echinacea as soon as you start feeling cold or flu symptoms. Studies have showed that echinacea can stop a cold taken at early stage.
What to Consider Before Taking Echinacea
Do not take echinacea before talking to your physician especially if you are using any chemotherapy drug high blood pressure medication. Echinacea may interfere with prescriptions containing antihistamine for allergies or sildenafil for erectile dysfunction. Since echinacea increases the production of T-cells, avoid its consumption if you have an autoimmune disease (e.g. rheumatoid, arthritis, lupus, tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS). In this case, more cells can result in a wider infection. Also be cautious if you are allergic to plants corresponding to the sunflower family. Echinacea is not recommended if you are pregnant or nursing.
2) Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a popular herb used as an immune booster. Its efficacy relies on the compound known as berberine. Berberine acts as an antibiotic. It fights a wide variety of bacteria and fungi such as pathogenic E. coli, shigella and salmonella, as well as several flu viruses and intestinal parasites. It also shows some soothing effects on inflamed mucous membranes.
What to Consider Before Taking Goldenseal
If you are currently using anticoagulants heparin and/or warafarin (e.g. Coumadin), you should consult with your physician first. Some has reported that goldenseal can limit the effectiveness of anticoagulants. Also, it may decrease blood sugar levels so if you are diabetic use it with caution. Pregnant or nursing mothers should avoid goldenseal.
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