Image: wild red clover
One way to boycott the animal testing industry is to boycott, when possible, medications and treatments that are tested on animals. While for some, this is not an option, we would like to offer alternatives to animal tested treatments when they are possible.
COLDS
The common cold is caused by any of 200 different viruses. They are spread directly from person to person, by coughing or sneezing, or by hand-to-hand contact. They can linger on surfaces such as door knobs for hours. Symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and sometimes fever are a result of the viral infection as well as the immune’s systems battle against the virus.
On average an adult suffers two to three colds a year. Factors such as poor diet and an unhealthy and overly stressful lifestyle have been proven to lead to increased susceptibility. Always get plenty of sleep, enjoy fresh produce often, and avoid pollutants and stress as much as possible. Should you contract cold, try a natural remedy first, you may be surprised at how effective they are.
Pharmaceuticals and over the counter cold medicine use is often the result of habit rather than necessity. These drugs rely on chemicals to combat colds, fever, and other common symptoms. Natural supplementation is not only a more healthy and effective cure, but also a solution to the typical side effects of many common cold medicines such as drowsiness and even possible liver damage.
Echinacea Also known as purple coneflower, this herb has been used for centuries by the Native Americans to treat colds and flu. It stimulates the overall activity of the cells responsible for fighting all kinds of infections and increases levels of properdin, a chemical that activates the part of the immune system responsible for an increased defense against viruses and bacteria. However, studies have shown that echinacea does not have a strong preventative effect. The recommended approach is to take 250mg 8x a day, 2-3ml of standardized tincture extract 3x a day, or steep 1-2grams of dried root into a tea 2-3x a day at the first sign of cold.
Vitamin C Almost everyone is aware of the immune boosting power of vitamin C. It works both as a preventative vitamin, as well as an effective treatment when taken at the onset of a cold. For best results eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin C such as bell peppers, cantaloupe, citrus, and pineapple or supplement 500mg a day. During a cold supplement 500mg 4x a day. Since vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin your body will excrete what it doesn’t use.
Elderberry In Colonial America elderberry was called “the country medicine chest” due to its natural immune support and other uses. Compounds in elderberry bind with viruses before they can penetrate the walls of cells, thereby inhibiting their ability to spread. It also relieves cough, sore throat, and promotes sweating to break a fever. Take elderberry extract at the onset of a cold for quick relief. A recent study showed that after three days 90% of people reported being completely cured after taking an elderberry extract based supplement. 73% had significant improvement after two days. You can make a tea by steeping dried elderberry flower and drinking 3x a day, or take 10ml of extract 2x a day. Be sure not to consume the leaves and twigs raw as they are mildly toxic in raw form.
Goldenseal Goldenseal is an antiseptic and immune stimulating herb. The major healing component in goldenseal is berberine, which activates specific white blood cells called macrophages that destroy bacteria, fungi, viruses and tumor cells. Several related chemicals in the herb appear to help the berberine do its job. It also increases blood supply to the spleen, the staging area for the fighting cells of your immune system. Because of its bitter taste, try combining it in a tea with licorice, which contains antiviral compounds that induce the release of antiviral interferons. Goldenseal is also available in nutritional supplement form. Take 175-350 mg 3-4x a day for ten days after the first sign of cold.
Garlic Garlic contains allicin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It helps 'sterilize' the bronchial passage in the lungs and has been used for tonsillitis, throat infections, and other similar conditions. As well as its cleansing effect on the lungs, garlic also acts as an expectorant. Raw, fresh garlic is an excellent remedy with strong antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits. Onions also contain allicin, so it’s a good idea to add these to the diet as well.
Ginger In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, ginger is considered the best remedy for colds. It contains several chemicals called sesquiterpenes that specifically target the most common cold virus, the rhinoviruses. Ginger also contains gingerols and shogaols which reduce pain and fever, suppress coughing, and have a mild sedative effect. Drink several cups of ginger tea daily. Make by steeping a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger or adding ½ teaspoon of ginger powder to a cup.
Anise This herb works as an expectorant to help loosen the phlegm associated with colds and flu. It may also have some antiviral properties as well. You can make a tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of crushed aniseed in a cup or two of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink one cup in morning and night.
Red clover This little purple flower that can be found growing in fields across North America has been used for over 100 years to purify the blood and relieve inflammation, coughing, sore throat, and congestion. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, B-complex, calcium, chromium, iron and magnesium. In supplement form take two 400mg capsules 3x a day with meals. If possible, gather it from a field and make a fresh herbal tea.
