Is it a cold or the flu?
by Silver Sage (aka T. Bruns)
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
| Fever | Rare | Characteristic, high (102-104F) lasts 3-4 days |
| Headache | Rare | Prominent |
| General aches, pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, weakness | Quite mild | Can last up to 2-3 weeks |
| Extreme exhaustion | Never | Early and prominent |
| Stuffy nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Chest discomfort | Mild to moderate | Common; can become severe hacking cough |
Echinacea
Echinacea or Purple Coneflower, as the Native Americans called it, is a remarkable herb, and is becoming noticed by the scientific community as well. This herb can defeat a broad spectrum of viruses, bacteria and fungus. It contains a natural antibiotic, echinacoside, which has broad spectrum capabilities. Echinacea can strengthen the immune system against attack because it contains a substance (echinacein) that counteracts an invading organism's tissue dissolving enzymes, thus keeping them out of the body's tissues. Echinacea may be taken as a decoction, tincture or in capsule form. Caution should be taken in giving this herb to children under 2.
Golden Seal
Another herb used by the Native Americans, and known to them as "yellow root". Golden Seal contains berberine, hydrastine and hydrastinine, alkaloids that produce a strong astringent effect on mucus membranes, reducing inflammation. If used at the first sign of possible infection, it may stop a cold, flu or sore throat from developing. Golden Seal is seen by the scientific community to be a strong natural anti-biotic, that should be used with caution. It should be completely avoided during pregnancy because of it's uterine stimulant effects. People with high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, heart disease or a history of stroke should exercise extreme caution. It should not be given to children under the age of 2. It should not be used internally longer than 7-10 days. Do not exceed manufacturers recommended dosages.
Wild Cherry Bark
A tea made from this bark was used by many Native American tribes to treat colds and coughs, and by early settlers for bronchitis, pneumonia and whooping cough. Wild Cherry Bark has a strong sedative effect of the cough reflex. Remember that stopping the cough does not necessarily stop the problem that is producing the symptom, the chest complaint will still need to be treated. An infusion of 1 cup of boiling water poured over 1 teaspoon of the dried bark and left to steep 10-15 minutes may be drunk three times a day.
Garlic
This wonderful herb/food can detoxify the body and protect against infection by enhancing the immune function. It is one of the most effective anti microbial plants available, effective against bacteria, viruses and parasites. It contains many sulfur compounds, which give it is healing properties. Many people take garlic every day as a preventative against most infectious conditions. Odorless garlic capsules are available.
Cayenne
This is another excellent preventative herb to ward off colds and flu. It increases blood circulation and raises the body temperature slightly. People report that taking cayenne on a daily basis has reduced or eliminated the frequency of cold and flus that they are infected with. Cayenne is available in capsule form, manufacturer's recommended dosages should be followed.
Mullein
This herb has enjoyed popularity for it's ability help treat many conditions that affect the respiratory system. It tones the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, reduces inflammation and stimulates fluid production, making it a good expectorant. Mullein contains mucilage which swells and becomes slippery as it absorbs water, making it soothing for a sore throat. It can be made into an infusion, one cup of boiling water poured over 1-2 teaspoons of the dried leaf and let to steep 10-15 minutes can be drunk 3 times a day. The seeds are toxic.
Sage
This herb may help heal a sore throat because of the astringent tannins which it contains. It can be made into a gargle, or sipped as a tea. Infuse 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water, steep 10 minutes, may be drunk three times a day. This herb should be avoided during pregnancy or by nursing mothers, nor should it be taken by children under 2.
Thyme
Thyme has been shown to reduce fever, headache and mucus. It is another herb with strong antiseptic properties. It also has anti-spasmodic and expectorant actions which may make it beneficial in treating coughs and congestion. Pour 1 cup of coiling water onto 2 teaspoons of the dried herb, let steep 10 minutes, may be drunk three times a day. Should not be given to children under the age of 2. Should be avoided by persons with thyroid conditions.
Ephedra (Ma Huong)
Many people use Ephedra as a decongestant. Ephedra contains ephedrine and while it is generally considered safe, it has been known to cause potentially hazardous side effects. Many herbalists insist that the whole herb Ephedra is much safer than ephedrine, caution should be taken when using this herb. Some side effects are high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking this herb or any other, discontinue use immediately. This herb should be avoided by persons with glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease or who are taking MAO inhibitor drugs. It has to power to relieve spasms in the lungs which accounts for it's great success in treating coughs. It is also a hypertensive and a circulatory stimulant.
As always, consult your health care professional for all health concerns. The information contained above is for educational purposes only. The authors makes no health claims or guarantees for any of the herbs mentioned in these articles.
Silver Sage is a "sis" of mine as well as an herbalist, if you need help locating herbs or more information about them please feel free to email her.
Starshyne
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Starshyne last updated 9/23/01