There is something about October that is jinxed for me. Every year I get my first illness in October. WAH!
I'm on about day 10 here. I want to hear about something natural you've tried that worked for you! Not just, "well, I've heard echinacea is good..."
Is there a specific brand of herbal remedy that you found effective, and would buy again?

Dear Tim,
I am a Holistic Health Practitioner by trade - wonderful that you asked this! Herbs are my "medicine" (and so is Homeopathy). There have been 4 flus thru this house (I live with 2 other roommates) in the last 3 months - I am well!

Here's what I keep on hand and why and how:

Viruses normally incubate 3 days(ish) before they show symptoms. If you are exposed, start this regime that day, and for two more days. If it does not fend it off, it will at least lesson the symptoms, after 3 days... it's simply managing the symptoms, it will not simply "go away" because you are taking herbs. It will run it's course. Many viruses include infection, ie: sinusitis, ear infection etc, so I include natural antibiotics. I find many coughs are eased considerably with homeopathy. {I have a great "how to fend off the flu" article if you would like} (Contact me by PM if you wish more and details)

Source Naturals: Colloidal Silver
Natural antibiotic --you dont need huge "ppm" parts per million as some would have you belive. Do not take this indefinitely, it will litterally make your skin gray, and it will not reverse.
Drops

Any brand: Oil of Oregano
Antibiotic AND antiviral
usually gel caps

Eclectic Institute: Compound Herbal Biotic
tincture

Herb Pharm: VIRATTACK
tincture

Take half of what it says 1 - 3 times per day depending on your BMI (bodymass index) I am 5'2", weigh 120, 1x per day is usally enough - save yourself some money!

keep all this in the fridge when not in use.

FYI
Anyone on this forum can PM me at anytime with health, diet, wellness and age related degeneration questionS

Red

I've found 3 things that have always worked well for me once I feel a cold or other "bug" coming on:

First off, Catnip tea & Rosemary tea. Just what they sound like - simply fresh or dried leaves steeped to taste in hot water with some honey & lemon if desired. And make sure you use catnip you've grown yourself or bought for human consumption - not what's sold for cats - lol!!

Second - Garlic Broth or Garlic Soup. Simply peeled garlic sauteed in a little extra-virgin olive oil until starting to brown & soften; then crush with a fork; add chicken broth & salt/pepper to taste. To make this more substantial, a beaten egg can also be added, as well as a slice of toasted baguette. I've found very few colds that can stand up to a good strong garlic soup, but of course you do have to like garlic to enjoy it, especially if you're feeling ill.

And along the lines of "natural antibiotics," do probiotics work in this way? I finally had to go to the dr today as last night was miserable. I have bronchitis and now I'm on prescribed antibiotics, so much for being natural.

no, probiotics are not the same thing. they're a whole nother subject.

timtim,

Raw organic honey is wonderful for any throat issues, scratch, sore, painful swallowing, coughing, etc.

A study on children showed raw honey superior in overnight cough suppression than the ususal OTC cough medicine.

I use YS organic raw honey from canada. Whenever the kids get a sore throat, then know I need to know pronto and I can usually nip it in the bud.

I mix a few tablespoons of the honey with the juice of one lime or lemon, sometimes orange or grapefruit if that's all that's on hand. I mix it up good (the raw honey is thick but don't use heat on it, it will mar it's effectiveness, just keep stirring the juice in) and the kids will sit down with a spoon and slowly devour it all. I tell them to go slow, and let the mixture coat the throat and sit there when it's gone, take some more. I mix it up for them as frequently as they desire.

9 times out of 10, this does the trick. They don't progress to head cold phase.

Recently, my son got very sick, he's 19 so wasn't around for the honey deal when it first started up, came home from his buddy's house about to fall apart.

he couldn't even handle a smoothie, but what I had on hand was alot of fruit, particularly pineapple, and kale.

I juiced him up some pineapple and kale juice, he could handle the juice, but not the usual smoothie we do. Amazingly - he was fine in only 36 hours.

Those are my nursing experiences.

Unfortuantely - when I get hit, no one juices for me!

Mrs T reminded me of this info. I recieved somewhere else.

HONEY AND CINNAMON

COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INFLUENZA:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ' Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.