December 2011
Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. In response to several requests, I have decided to share some information based on questions that I frequently receive regarding natural health topics. I promise to keep the newsletter short. But if at any time you get overwhelmed with emails, please let me know and I’ll be glad to take you off of the mailing list. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the newsletter and hope that you will forward any questions you may have as well. Even if they don’t make it into the newsletter, I promise to answer all questions. All questions will be anonymous.
QUESTION: This time of year my family starts getting colds, and sometimes, even the flu. Not that I can always tell the difference. What can I do to reverse this trend, and why is this the worst time of the year for colds and flu?
ANSWER: This is the second half of my answer to this question. November’s newsletter addressed the differences and the causes of flu, colds, and allergies, as well as some general ideas on boosting the immune system. In addition to vitamins C and D, there are lots of supplements with different purposes that can ease the symptoms and get to the root cause.
Colds and flu are viruses and often respond well to ECINACEA PURPUREA, ELDERBERRY, GARLIC, IMMUNE STIMULATOR, OLIVE LEAF, ZINC and SILVER SHIELD.
Congestion can be eased with ALJ, FENUGREEK AND THYME, HISTABLOCK, LOBELIA, SINUS SUPPORT, BREATHE FREE, and TEI FU OIL. But you don’t want to stop the flow of mucus since this is the body’s way of eliminating the virus and other irritants from tissues. ALJ and LOBELIA are especially good for coughs associated with colds and flu.
GOLDEN SEAL, ECHINACEA PURPUREA, SILVER SHIELD, and ELDERBERRY are especially good at preventing infection from setting in.
For the aches and pains of headaches and muscle pain, especially in the case of flu, you can use APS II, and TEI FU OIL.
Some other ideas to help your body heal itself faster are:
Eat light meals so that your digestive system can rest and your body can work harder to heal.
Drink lots of clear fluids (especially hot ones like broths, natural juices, and herbal tea) to thin the mucus so it can be expelled.
Avoid dairy products since they are mucus producing.
Follow directions on the bottle. Each person is biochemically different. So we all respond differently to remedies. Find one that works for you.
Hot Tip: As always, seek the advice of a qualified health professional with high fever, infection, or prolonged symptoms.
Next month…Flower Essences
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Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her book was published. She is also a retired adjunct professor with Clayton College of Natural Health where she authored 39 courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.
It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
“Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
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