Natural Cold & Flu Remedies
by Ruth Galbraith, ND
You may have heard of Ockham’s razor. No, it’s not some medieval medical instrument, much as it may sound like it. Sometimes also referred to by an alternate spelling, Occam’s razor, this is a principle that essentially states: All things being equal, the simplest solution is the best. In Latin, it is expressed lex parsimoniae, which translates to: the law of parsimony or the law of succinctness. Ockham’s razor is frequently referred to in scientific inquiry, especially in the field of medicine.
Why do I mention this? Because, in modern medicine, we have moved far from Ockham’s directive. Especially in treating some of our most common illnesses, the cold and the flu, we have at times gone rather overboard.
Each year, millions of us will catch a cold or come down with the flu, and many will turn to over-the-counter medications to help relieve symptoms or shorten the duration of these common maladies. While no one can be blamed for wanting to feel better as quickly as possible, unfortunately, many will even take antibiotics for their cold or flu. While there are cases for which antibiotics are warranted (for example, in those who have compromised immune systems and may be in danger of developing a more severe illness if the cold progresses), in many cases where antibiotics are given, they will actually weaken the patient, leaving him or her susceptible to further illness.
Because antibiotics are completely ineffective against viruses, they should never be used to treat a flu or cold, both of which are caused by viruses. Only if the cold or flu leaves the body susceptible to what we call a secondary infection, and only if that secondary infection is due to bacteria, should antibiotics be prescribed.
Why? Because the incredibly strong, broad-spectrum antibiotics we use in modern medicine don’t kill only the "bad guys." They kill many bacteria in the body, and many of these bacteria are "good guys," essential to the balance of our health and immune systems. Antibiotics systematically destroy most of the bacteria in our guts. Once this happens, research shows that it is the "bad" or pathogenic bacteria that repopulate the quickest. Some of these bacteria are not inherently "bad," but can be if they are not kept in check by the more friendly species. For example, E. coli, which can be deadly, is a common resident of the intestines. However, it is normally kept from growing out of control by the more benign or helpful species, what we in naturopathic medicine commonly call "probiotics." When antibiotics are taken, the E. coli and most of the friendly co-inhabitants of the intestines are annihilated. This is why antibiotics frequently cause diarrhea; it is a symptom that the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria has been disturbed.
Good bacteria are also essential to good digestion. I frequently see patients who report that they never had any digestive complaints until after a prescribed antibiotic (or several prescriptions of antibiotics). Abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, and acid reflux are a few of the conditions that can develop when the population of bacteria in the gut is disturbed and pathogenic bacteria overpopulate. Other symptoms include but are not limited to: frequent urinary tract infections, frequent yeast infections, kidney infections, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
So, if in modern medicine we’ve taken to using a bazooka instead of a bayonet, leaving the battlefield littered with both "good" and "bad" soldiers, what do we do when we’re down and out with a cold, so miserable we can’t see (and don’t care about) the long-term results of our actions?
I turn to some of the simplest solutions of the past, some of which have been all but forgotten. You may be surprised to find that these will make you start feeling better as quickly as that bazooka, with fewer long-term side effects!
1. Sleep! Why do I list this first? Because it’s actually one of the most important things you can do, both to recover from a cold or flu, and to prevent one in the first place. If you’re burning the candle at both ends, and those around you are dropping like flies, it’s time to re-evaluate. Consider slowing down and getting to bed early for a while. You may come out ahead, in the end. If you escape that cold or flu that’s going around, you’ll wind up getting more done in the long run, anyway.
2. Water. This also seems a bit too simple to be of use, no? Remember Ockham’s razor! In our high-tech world, we have moved farther and farther from what our ancestor’s knew (and what kept them healthy in the majority of situations, long before the miracles of modern medicine). The body needs a steady supply of water to facilitate most of its biochemical reactions. Water aids in detoxification, helping to rid the body of waste products, which are increased during times of illness. Dehydration can make almost any illness more serious, so keep that water handy!
3. Ginger/Garlic tea. Sound disgusting? It’s not really, and it can make you feel a whole lot better, fast! Ginger helps relieve congestion and fever, and makes coughs more productive so you can move that gunk up and out of your system. It’s also antioxidant and pain relieving. Garlic is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. It packs a powerful punch! Garlic, which supports immune function in many ways, can be made more palatable by peeling a clove and then microwaving it for 30 seconds. One of my mentors in medical school, a world-renowned garlic expert and biochemist, taught me this handy trick. It doesn’t diminish the healthful properties of the garlic, but makes it much easier to ingest (and easier on your stomach, which can actually be harmed by too much raw garlic). Microwave one clove of raw garlic for 30 seconds, add it to a mug full of hot water, and pop in a few slices of fresh ginger root. Steep for 3-5 minutes, and drink several times a day. If you like, add honey and lemon. These are both tasty and have their own healthful properties as well (honey is antibacterial and soothes the throat, while lemon is full of vitamin C).
4. Get your vitamins. During a cold or flu, the antioxidants are most important. These include vitamins A, E, and C. Many studies support the assertion that vitamin C can shorten the duration of a cold and can also lessen the severity. Vitamin A or beta-carotene can enhance immune function (but high doses of vitamin A are not recommended for any woman who is pregnant or may be pregnant). In addition, some minerals are very good immune boosters. Zinc, for example, is antiviral and is critical for optimum immune system function. Like vitamin C, studies show it reduces severity and duration of cold symptoms. If you’re feeling uninterested in food, or are unable to keep it down, it may be more important than ever to get all the vitamins you’re missing because your diet is not optimal right now
We are fortunate to live in the 21st century. With the advent of antibiotics nearly 80 years ago, and some of the amazing medical technology available to us (endoscopic and prenatal surgery, organ transplants, laser surgery, etc), our life expectancies are increasing, and our chances of surviving catastrophic accidents are incredible. However, there are times when a return to nature really is the best answer. For the vast majority, the common cold and the flu are examples of illnesses that are really better treated using the simplest methods.
by Ruth Galbraith, ND