The most effective time to relieve an infection using Complimentary Medicine is as soon as it starts. You need to commence treatment as soon as the first symptoms appear (e.g. sneezing, itchy throat, fever, runny nose or body aches). Below is a summary of remedies effective in supporting the relief of most bacterial and viral infections. It is preferable that you contact your practitioner for specific instructions when first starting to use any therapeutic medication.

Vitamin C

Practitioner quality powder is preferable. Take 1000mg of Vitamin C every hour until bowel intolerant than reduce dose to 1000mg three times daily. Bowel intolerance is when your stools become loose or bowels windy.

Echinacea, Andrographis, Olive Leaf, C and Zinc

The most effective way to take the above is as a formula. We use a “Quality Guaranteed” product called “Armaforce” by Bioceuticals. Start by taking 2 tablets than take 1 every 2 hours for the first day reducing dose to 1-2 tablets 3 times daily.

Garlic Capsules

Take one capsule 3-4 times daily

Acupuncture

The following points are very beneficial in relieving cold, influenza, acute tonsillitis and acute bronchitis: Dazhui (DU 14) Fengchi (GB 13) and Quchi (LI 11). Every Chronic Infection requires Acupuncture.

Jungle Juice

1 clove garlic crushed, ½ lemon squeezed, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp honey

Mix together in a cup of boiling water. Let stand and sip while still warm. Eat the dregs.To be taken once daily as a preventative of colds and flu and for the treatment of colds take up to 3 times daily as soon as cold symptoms appear.

Chicken Soup

Grandma was right! The warming and nourishing qualities of chicken broth are easy to digest and therefore energy giving to the body. Make a stock from the whole chicken including bones. (Chicken frames can often be purchased from your butcher). Include antiviral/bacterial herbs such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, shiitake mushrooms, turmeric and onion. Warming vegetable soups boost your immunity.

Herbs

Add Ginger, Shiitake mushrooms, Garlic Oregano and Thyme to your cooking. E.g. add Ginger to fresh orange juice to warm it up for digestion. For bronchitis or lung infections take herbal extracts or herbal tea of Thyme, White Horehound and White Ivy Leaf. Eat these herbs fresh from your garden.

Eucalyptus and Lavender Oils

Use as antiseptic inhalant, chest rub; put it in a spray bottle and spray in the air or drop on to your tissues.

Hot Water Bottle

It is important to have a fever to help fight infection. Take a hot water bottle to bed with you to bring up your temperature if you are not experiencing fevers. Warning: do not use a hot water bottle if you have fevers. Use a cooling cloth instead of Paracetamol if you feel uncomfortable.

Lifestyle

It’s boring advice but getting enough sleep is priority when supporting the immune system. Stress is also a big factor. Manage your stress, exercise, practice meditation, take time out and actively breath joy into your heart.

Minimise junk food and sugar cravings by keeping healthy snacks easily available, like veggie sticks and hummus, seeds, nuts, boiled eggs and fruit. Studies show that sugar weakens the immune system.

When in contact with others keep your distance from people who are coughing and sneezing. Wash your hands with hot water and natural based soaps and keep your hands away from your face. If you are feeling particularly vulnerable place a few drops of Eucalyptus or Lavender oil on your neck or chest. Spot test if you are concerned about allergies and skin reaction.

This seems obvious but if you are sick stay home and rest.