Being Prepared for Winter Illness
We’re heading into July, which in New Zealand is typically the coldest time of the year. I haven’t already discussed dealing with colds and illness this winter, so this is what you need to think about.
First of all, let’s talk prevention, the fundamental building blocks for health and wellbeing: lifestyle, what we eat and how we treat our bodies.
*nutrition is the first cornerstone of health. If you have a diet high in processed foods, sugar, or with restrictions on what you eat you may be lacking in micronutrients. Sugar, seed oils and processed foods can also be inflammatory and impair your immune system.
*water/fluid intake is also really important – every cell in our body needs water, and dehydration impairs their ability to work well, making them more vulnerable to attack. Exercise will increase the amount of fluid you need to drink, and some foods, particularly juicy fruits will help with your fluid balance. However, fruit juices are high in sugar so should be drunk in moderation, if you don’t like plain water, try a herbal tea, or sparkling water instead.
*sleep is vital for good health, it’s how our body rests and repairs. Most adults need an average of 8 hours sleep at night, and children need more than this. Sleeping less lowers your immunity and make you more susceptible to respiratory viruses.
*exercise also supports immunity, improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. Keeping active also helps with stress management, and sleep, both of which are also important pieces of the puzzle to stay well.
*stress lowers immunity, so keeping stress to a minimum, and working on actively managing the stress you cannot get away from will support your immunity. Some of this is taking time for the things above- eating well, keeping well hydrated, exercising and sleeping- and you can also use techniques like mindfulness, breathing, and journaling, and spending time with friends and family (as long as they are not the cause of your stress!)
Supplements can be used for both prevention, and to treat viruses.
*Vitamin D supports the immune system and a low level of Vitamin D has been shown to increase the risk of respiratory infections. People who are at risk of this are the elderly, those who do not get enough sunlight, and those with darker skin who need a longer time in the sun to convert sunlight to vitamin D.
*Vitamin C is a really important vitamin for the immune system, supporting the defences of the body to kill viruses and bacteria. However, in most cases it will not prevent respiratory viruses, but regular supplementation may reduce the severity or length of illness. It is effective for treatment taken in high doses as soon as symptoms are felt.
*Zinc supports the normal functioning of every cell – and we get in our diet in seafood, meat and poultry, and to a lesser extent in seeds, legumes, and greens. It can be used both to prevent and treat colds and viruses.
*Elderberry is one of my favourite antivirals, as it is safe for children and pregnant women, and is generally easy to give to children as it tastes sweet like blackcurrant cordial. It can be used as a preventative then increased at the first sign of illness.
*Echinacea is an immune modulator, meaning it supports the immune system to work more effectively. It can be used for both prevention and treatment of respiratory tract infections.
*Olive Leaf is an antiviral and also works as an anti-inflammatory in respiratory conditions. It can be used for both prevention and treatment of upper respiratory infections.
I like to use Homeobotanicals, which are combinations of herbal remedies prepared homoeopathically. These can be used preventatively as well as for treatment, and combinations can be tailored for you as an individual. I will often add a blend for stress, as this is often the trigger for illness. These are some of the blends that can be used:
*HbC – Colds and Catarrh. This can be used at all stages of colds and influenza, and helps with drainage of mucus. Contains Astragalus, Boneset, Elderflower, Golden Rod, Hyssop, Nasturtium, Ribwort, Thyme, and Yarrow
*HbI- Immune. Support for acute and chronic infections, and can be used as a gargle for sore throats before swallowing. Contains Astragalus, Baptisia, Echinacea, Golden Seal, Licorice, Olive Leaf, Poke Root, Sage, and Thyme
*HbR – Respiratory. For support with asthmatic conditions, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, emphysema and smoking related conditions, as well as sinus and ear conditions. For bronchial and respiratory tract integrity and support with normalising pulmonary ventilation. Contains Albizia, Amalaka, Elecampane, Euphorbia, Golden Rod, Grindelia, Licorice, Mullein, Passion Flower and Pleurisy Root
*HbX – Expectorant, coughing. For persistent paroxysmal or episodic coughing in people of all ages. Contains Elecampane, Mullein, Pasqual Flower, Pleurisy Root, Sundew, White Horehound, Wild Cherry, and Wild Lettuce.
Now let’s talk homeopathy
The best protection from illness is a resilient constitution – and this can be supported by an individual constitutional remedy. This will be different for each person, so it is not possible to narrow this down to a few therapeutic remedies. Your best way of determining this, particularly if you are dealing with recurrent illnesses and need support is to see a Homeopath.
Some of the homeopathic remedies that may be useful are:
*Aconite – this remedy may stave off a virus if you get it early enough, for first signs or in anticipation it is excellent, especially after exposure to a cold, dry wind. You may have the beginnings of a sore throat, frequent sneezing, thirst and restlessness at night.
*Allium Cepa – sneezing with streaming eyes and nose that makes the nose and upper lip sore. Feel better in the open air.
*Arsenicum Album – thin, watery discharge that irritates the nose and upper lip. Burning, painful throat better for hot drinks. Feel better indoors even though nose is stopped up.
*Belladonna – sudden onset cold with a high fever, flushed face and skin feels dry and hot. Sore throat is bright red and worse on the right side. There may be a short, dry, tickling cough that can go all night.
*Bryonia – bursting headache, dry, hard cough, dry lips and mouth but may have a watery discharge and stuffy nose. Very thirsty and irritable, wanting to be left alone and lie still.
*Ferrum Phos – early stages of a cold, a fever but not as high as Belladonna. No definitive symptoms but useful in many colds.
*Gelsemium – the kind of cold that comes on slowly and feel tired and exhausted, limbs are heavy and may have a dull headache. Lots of sneezing and a watery discharge, usually not thirsty.
*Hepar Sulph – sore throat may feel like a splinter, and pain may extend to the ears when swallowing. Nasal discharge is yellow and cough can be chesty and have a thick yellow phlegm.
*Natrum Muriaticum – colds that begin with sneezing and a nasal discharge like egg white. The nose becomes stopped to and there is a loss of smell and taste. A bursting headache and dry cough may also be part of the picture.
*Nux Vomica – sneezing, nose running in the daytime and stuffed up at night. Throat is sore and they are generally irritable. Chilly and worse in the cold air.
*Pulsatilla – later stages of the cold when discharge is thick and yellow. Nose is stuffed up at night and indoors, but may run in the open air. Better outdoors, they may have a fever but are not thirsty. Emotionally can be tearful and want sympathy.
If you need help with an acute illness, please contact me and I will try to fit you in for an acute consult. If I can’t help, I will refer you to someone who can see you, or alternatively check out www.acutecarehomeopathy.com