Originally published January 29 2011
Natural antibiotics and medicines combat winter ailments
by Fleur Hupston
(NaturalNews) Enhance your family's heath in winter by using natural antibiotics, immune boosters and medicines. Common illnesses such as colds, flu and throat infections can be prevented and/or cured by the use of simple, natural antibiotics and medicines. Used on a regular basis, these natural immune boosters will help to keep illnesses at bay.
Natural Antibiotics
Garlic, echinacea and goldenseal are anti-inflammatory and anti-viral and have astringent properties. These herbs will help to combat viruses and bacteria that can cause the common cold and flu, and they help thin the buildup of mucous that can result in ear infections and sinusitis. Use as a preventative in capsule form or as a tincture or tea. Increase dosage as necessary if symptoms appear, under the supervision of your naturopathic practitioner. Garlic can be eaten raw or used in cooking on a daily basis.
Goldenseal: Otherwise known as orangeroot, goldenseal is considered by herbalists as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It is often recommended for the astringent effect it has on mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. It is also used to boost the medicinal effects of other herbs it is blended or formulated with.
Wild Indigo is a potent natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory herb. As an herbal remedy, wild indigo is considered to motivate the immune system in the body and it has many other uses. While wild indigo is especially beneficial in curing upper respiratory infections such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis, it is said to be useful in healing contagions of the chest, gastrointestinal tract and even the skin. It can be taken in liquid form: the recommended dosage being 30-40 drops, 3-4 times per day. It also can be combined with echinacea.
Olive leaf contributes to fighting almost any type of infection - bacterial, viral, fungal. Use olive leaf extract capsules (250 mg) three times per day with meals to treat the flu, colds, sinusitis, herpes, psoriasis and allergies.
More tips for winter health:
Eat plenty of oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, kiwi fruit and vegetables such as red and green peppers and broccoli for a daily dose of natural vitamin C.
A cup of green tea with honey and lemon will do a lot to fight off common winter illnesses. The antioxidants will boost the immune system and aid the respiratory system, while the honey and lemon will help to ease coughs and sore throats.
Ginger helps to counter chills due to flu.
Sources:
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-goldenseal.ht...
http://www.naturalnews.com/030668_olive_leaf...
http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_wild_in...
About the author
Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.
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