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What does almost each of us do when struck by a runny nose, influenza or a cold?
We usually immediately run to the pharmacy and leave 20 or more Euros there for various synthetic medicines, which only alleviate the symptoms and, besides that, can have various unwanted side effects.
Instead of such chemical medicines it is much better to use natural alternatives that not only relieve symptoms but also strengthen immunity and help avoid recurrence or relapse of the illness.
Now let’s look at 26 such natural alternatives:
1. Echinacea reduces the incidence and duration of the common cold and rhinitis. It also prevents the occurrence of upper respiratory tract infections in children. In influenza it is effective in alleviating symptoms and speeding up recovery.
2. Products of lactic fermentation (yogurts, kefirs, kombucha, tibi) reduce the incidence of influenza and colds and also lessen the symptoms, duration and intensity of the illness.
3. Probiotics that are taken long-term are a safe and effective way to reduce fever, sinus inflammations, sore throat and cough in children aged 3 to 5 years. They also reduce the need for and duration of antibiotic use.
4. Ginseng reduces the relative risk and duration of respiratory illness symptoms in adults. It is safe, well tolerated and effective in preventing influenza and other acute viral infections.
5. Elderberry has proven to be an effective natural substance against influenza viruses of types A and B. If influenza does occur, it significantly shortens its duration.
6. Green tea is another safe and effective remedy for influenza, rhinitis and colds. It improves the function of protective T-cells. In Japanese children an inverse relationship was observed between its consumption and the incidence of influenza.
7. Vitamin D — its deficiency is associated with an increased incidence of influenza illnesses.
8. Vitamin C together with propolis and echinacea reduces susceptibility to colds, influenza and upper respiratory tract inflammations in children.
9. Pelargonium sidoides (South African geranium) is a safe and effective herb that reduces the incidence of common colds. Extracts from it have antiviral effects against various respiratory viruses.
10. Lozenges or supplements containing zinc have therapeutic value in influenza and in alleviating associated symptoms.
Zinc suppresses the activity of the influenza virus.
11. A combination of fruit and vegetable extracts reduces symptoms associated with rhinitis and colds.
12. Extracts of wild indigo are a safe and effective remedy for upper respiratory tract infections.
13. Milk thistle has strong antiviral effects, especially against influenza.
14. Cordyceps contains a polysaccharide that has a positive effect on suppressing influenza A virus.
15. Andrographis paniculata has therapeutic properties mainly for upper respiratory tract infections.
16. Beetroot extracts protect against influenza viruses.
17. Cinnamon (especially Ceylon) has also been noted to have strong activity against influenza viruses and other respiratory viruses.
18. Horseradish is considered one of the best available herbs for influenza, rhinitis and colds.
19. Selenium stimulates the immune system and improves its response to viral infections.
20. Citrus pectins have been shown to be an effective natural agent in inhibiting (slowing) the activity of viral hemagglutinin.
21. Agrimony has a broad spectrum of antiviral activity against all types of influenza — A, B and even avian flu.
22. Black tea, similarly to green tea (both originate from the same tea plant), suppresses the activity of the influenza virus.
23. Cranberry tea contains components that reduce the penetrability and infectivity of influenza viruses.
24. The maitake mushroom stimulates the body’s production of substances and factors, including TNF-alpha, that are responsible for suppressing viral replication in cells.
25. Great mullein is another herb that possesses strong antiviral substances.
26. Red marine cyanobacteria (similar to spirulina) demonstrates very strong activity in suppressing influenza and herpes viruses.
