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Botanical Medicine for Cold and Flu Season

Working with a naturopathic doctor to strengthen your immune system before, during, or after cold and flu season could surpass conventional methods. There are many natural applications that have presented highly effective results when it comes to protecting your body from airborne, topical, and ingested pathogens.

Botanical medicine for cold and flu season is one of the most effective, natural, simplest and inexpensive ways you can get all your cylinders running to quell symptoms. It is best to be treated by a naturopathic doctor who can monitor your overall health and determine the best course of herbal remedies which will not contraindicate with current health challenges or medication.

Pass the Oregano

Although oregano can be found in most pizza shops, there is another form of this pungent, spicy herb that some refer to as “the natural penicillin”. Researchers from the University of Arizona conducted a study in 2014 titled, ‘Antiviral efficacy and mechanisms of action of oregano essential oil and its primary component carvacrol against murine norovirus’ published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology which concluded that,

“Our results demonstrate that carvacrol is effective in inactivating MNV [murine norovirus, a human norovirus surrogate] within 1 h of exposure by acting directly on the viral capsid [protein coat] and subsequently the RNA [ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid present in all living cells].”

Oregano oil is strong so under the tongue delivery may be too stinging. Mixing with water is recommended for a gentler application. Take under naturopathic guidance.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract (OLE) is a well known anti-viral. OLE contains the phytochemical oleuropein which has been shown in lab studies to block virus pathogens before they can start.

Livestrong reported that,

“In a laboratory and animal study published in 2009 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers found that oleuropein [] was active against the hepatitis B virus both in test tubes and in live ducks. They noted that oleuropein effectively blocked the secretion of hepatitis B surface antigen in cells, while reducing the presence of virus in the blood of ducks infected with hepatitis B.”

Use OLE daily for the ultimate in viral protection.

Spike Deflecting Elderberry

Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is an under-utilized remedy that has shown excellent response in protecting the body from cellular pathogen infiltration. A unique reaction occurs when you consume elderberry (the best delivery is a tincture under your tongue).

Natural News reported that,

“Elderberry syrup works in a very specific way. A virus enters cells by puncturing their walls with tiny spikes that cover its surface. The active ingredients in elderberry bind to and cover the spikes, preventing them from piercing the cell membrane. The viral spikes are also covered with an enzyme that the virus uses to break down the cell wall. Elderberries have high concentrations of bioflavonoids, which appear to inhibit the action of this enzyme.”

Also, according to a report by Healthline,

“[a] study of 64 people found that taking 175-mg elderberry extract lozenges for two days resulted in significant improvement in flu symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches and nasal congestion, after just 24 hours”

Talk to your naturopathic doctor about proper dosage and the best formula to try.

Go Deep with Osha Root

If you can handle the ‘bitter pill’ Osha root has high healing properties that work as an anti-viral and an expectorant. If you take Osha root it is a preventative remedy that could unlock ‘brewing’ viral pathogens and enable you to cough up preliminary phlegm. If you are struggling with viral symptoms, in addition to loosening mucous, Osha root also has a numbing effect that can soothe a throat already raw from coughing.

Doctor’s Health Press reports that,

“In the Southwest, it’s known as “Colorado cough root” and is taken for cough during a respiratory infection. But its effect runs deeper than this moniker. Osha root could relax muscle tissue and prevent any invading bacteria or virus from spreading.”

Ask your naturopathic doctor about Osha root to see if it might work for you.

Unsung Andrographis

The name of this herb sounds more like a high school math experiment or name of a heavy metal band yet andrographis is an unsung remedy hero of ancient Indian and Chinese medicine. Andrographolides are the healing compounds found in this herb which show significant response to protecting human cells.

Michigan Medicine of The University of Michigan describes andrographis as,

“Andrographis contains andrographolides that have demonstrated immune-enhancing qualities in preliminary studies. At least one double-blind trial has shown that common cold symptoms improve and recovery is faster when a standardized extract providing 60 mg per day of active constituents is taken in three divided doses, beginning as soon as possible after symptoms appear.”

These herbs are powerhouses of botanical medicine. Working alone or combined, they offer potent compounds that rival conventional pharmaceuticals. There are hundreds of botanical medicine choices with these being a major part of the top tier. Working with a naturopathic doctor will enable a focused approach to your health that may include other remedies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, nutraceutical supplementation, detoxification, and environmental medicine.

At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design an acupuncture and naturopathic treatment program that works for you. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the acupuncture treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health. To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture and naturopathic medicine can benefit you, please call our office at 914.337.2980 or Click Here to schedule an online appointment.

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