JUNE 2012 - Practitioner's Corner

Written by: Kym Hughes Naturopath |Calanna Pharmacy Kirwan

How to build your Immune System to fight off Cold’s and Flu’s

The traditional cold and flu season is rapidly approaching (although, it seems it is here all year round at times).  Now is a good time to turn our attention to our immune system.

This little understood system is our bodies’ means of defense against attack by opportunistic organisms (“Much like the moats of ancient times built to repel invasion”).

We need to keep our immune system in good order.  This can be achieved by a good diet consisting of fresh unprocessed and wholesome fruit and vegetables, pure water, adequate sleep and minimal stress, often pretty hard to achieve in these hectic and busy times.

This is where herbs and supplements come into their own as a support and also as a therapy in their own right.  Below is a list of naturally existing nutrients along with ways we can utilize the wonderful gifts of nature to assist in healing:

1.         Olive Leaf Extract                               4.         Zinc and Vitamin C

            ü High levels of antioxidants                         ü Reduces the severity of colds & flu’s

            ü Fights respiratory symptoms                      ü Builds immune strenght  

            ü Fever                                                               

            ü Sore throat                                                                  

            ü Coughs

2.         Koalic Garlic – Aged Garlic                 5.         Elderberry

            ü Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Viral                      ü Rapidly fights the symptoms of cold and

            ü Fermented for 18 months                                flu              

            ü Gentle to the Stomach

            ü No Garlic Smell

3.         Cod Liver Oil

ü Contains Good Levels of Vitamins A and

     D crucial for activating the immune defences

     and protecting airways

Many of our common everyday herbs and spices such as Sage, Thyme, Ginger, Cloves and Cinnamon Sticks can be used for healing.  Simply place items in a large cup or bowl, pour in boiling water allow to infuse, add honey and sip for welcome relief from cold and flu symptoms.

Are your children continually suffering from Cold’s and Flu’s?

Ivy Leaf is included in the ‘Safe for Children Range’ which is for wet or dry coughs.  Ivy leaf is a very old traditional remedy safe for children as young as 1 month. Homeopathic formulas are also a very trusted and reliable way to manage illness in babies and young children.

For more serious afflictions of the respiratory and immune system, a visit to your complementary health practitioner for a health plan tailored to your specific needs is well advised.

Disclaimer

It is advertised that you check with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements to ensure these are safe to use for your individual circumstances.