Thursday, December 18, 2008

Colds, Flu, Fevers, and Sinus Infections

There are hundreds of viruses that cause colds and flu. Rhino viruses, comprises about 100 varieties and causes about 30% of all adult colds. A virus is an amazing organism. It is very tiny and has no internal method of reproduction. It cannot live on its own. It needs an unhealthy cell in the body to thrive. A healthy body prevents the germs and viruses from thriving and duplicating itself.

MUCOUS MEMBRANES

The body is protected by the mucous membranes inside the system. The inside of the nose is equipped with a lining which has the ability to secrete mucous. Nasal mucous performs a very necessary function of eliminating dust and debris and carries them out of the nose. It protects against particles entering the body such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and all kinds of pollution.

Mucous has been defined as a secretion as well as an excretion. The secretion has a constructive purpose, while an excretion is destructive and the body tries to rid itself of it. Mucous becomes an excretion when the lungs, skin, bowels, kidney and menses are unable to rid the body of wastes that have accumulated. Therefore, mucous production increases to take over for the elimination channels.

If the mucous becomes too thick, then it dries out and sticks to the cilia and mucous membranes and this cause crust to build up and provides an environment for microbes to invade. This is usually the beginning of a cold. When the mucous is too liquid and runny, it drips down around the cilia and a watery nasal drip develops. This can cause an inflammation and is usually a component of hayfever. Diet determines the composition of mucous. Too much starchy or sugary food and mild products are well known for developing a thicker and more viscous mucous.

If the immune system is low, direct contact with a carrier is what will attract the bug. Viruses are in the air and are picked up on the hands. It can then be transferred to the warm, unhealthy mucous in the nose and throat, where it searches for unhealthy cells to attach to and enter.

Colds, flu, fevers and sinus infections as well as lung congestion are related to the colon and to poor elimination of wastes from the body, even through the throat, sinuses and lungs are the ones that suffer. Mucous in the colon can lead to poor assimilation and produce an environment for bacteria and viruses. Toxins accumulate in the colon if improper food is eaten. This prevents the body from handling and eliminating waste material efficiently and causes weakness and mucus in other parts of the body.

The discomfort felt when a cold hits is not the virus itself but the body fighting against it. The elimination of toxins effects nerve endings and causes aches and pain. All colds are considered upper-respiratory infections. The classic symptoms are sore or scratchy throat, fatigue, headache, sneezing, stuffy nose, watery eyes and sometimes fever.

Influenza or "flu" is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. Modern science is very frustrated and calls it "the last great plague" because it is the only common disease in all parts of the world that has not been conquered. The difference between cold and flu is that flu usually comes on quickly, while cold start slowly. Flu often last more than a week, colds rarely do. A fever is very rare in adults with colds but the flu is usually accompanied by a fever of 100 degrees or more. The flu symptoms include aches and chills. Flu is more likely to cause a cough and sore eyes.

Influenzas hardly every causes intestinal problems. If you think you have the stomach flu, it is a gastrointestinal virus or bacteria. The cause could also be food poisoning, a parasite or even emotional problems.

Sinusitis is a very painful condition. Congestion from cold, flu and measles are common and involve the adjacent mucous membranes of the sinuses causing air and mucous to be trapped. Acute sinusitis occurs if the sinuses are not open to permit drainage. Strep infections, colds and flu can all contribute to sinus problems.

Colds, flu and fever as well as all acute disease are a natural eliminative process.....a safety valve which the body opens of its own accord to give it a chance to eradicate toxins. The most important treatments for all acute disease are: stop eating, cleanse the bowels, bed rest, fresh air, herbal therapies, some kind of corrective manipulation (chiropractor, foot reflexology, massage, etc.) and the right mental attitude.

It is important to stop eating during an acute disease. The digestive tract acts like a sponge which absorbs the nutrients. In an acute disease the process is reversed, the sponge is being squeezed and gives off large quantities of toxic matter. The process of digestion and assimilation are at a standstill. The vital energies of the body are concentrating on the cleansing and healing process.

A short fast will help hasten the stage of acute disease. Use lemon, lime, grapefruit and orange juice diluted with pure water; also herbal teas. No sweet juices such as grape or apple should be used during an acute disease, as they cause fermentation in the intestinal tract. Acute disease is a healing and cleansing of the body, so the body is really trying to eliminate from the cells and organs the accumulated toxins and poisons. It brings them to the stomach to be eliminated. Cleansing is stopped when food is eaten because the body has to use energy to digest. People usually feel better when this natural cleanse is stopped because their "aches" and "pains" go away for awhile. Eating, however will stop this vital process and will drive the mucous and toxins deeper into the body where it will take a greater cleanse next time to get rid of it. Eating will deplete the body of energy to heal.

HEALING HERBS

Echinacea and Golden Seal (capsules - stock#835-2 or liquid #3180-1) act as a natural antibiotic to fight tonsillitis and strep infections. They are good for all catarrhal conditions either in the nasal area, bronchial tubes, throat, intestines, stomach or bladder. They have the ability to heal mucous membranes anywhere in the body. Golden Seal is excellent for healing the entire digestive system. These herbs along with vitamin A, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, and zinc will help nature with colds and flu.

There are many herbal formulas on the market to protect and prevent colds, flu and viral infections. One of my favorites was developed for allergies, lungs, mucous, pneumonia, coughs and toxic buildup in the lungs. It also helps in digestion. The herbs in this formula will protect the lungs from all the pollutants in the air. It helps loosen hard mucous from the sinuses, throat, and lungs. It will help in asthma, bronchitis, coughs, hayfever, nasal drainage, earache, sinus swelling, and aches and pain of the flu symptoms. It contains Boneset, Fenugreek, Horseradish, Mullein, Fennel and by the trade name ALJ (capsules Stock#774-3 and liquid #3166-5).

Colds are sometimes a way the body expresses that it needs a rest. It can also be frustration, a feeling of too much to do, too heavy of a load, and feeling out of control. So when you come down with a cold, stay in bed, fast and relax the body and the mind. You will feel much better when the cold symptoms are gone.

from TODAY'S HERBS, Jan. 1993

NATURE'S SUNSHINE HAS MANY HERBAL COMBINATIONS TO HELP AID IN FIGHTING COLDS, FLU, FEVER, OR SINUS INFECTION AND TO BUILD THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND TO CLEANSE THE BODY


Available from Your independent Nature’s Sunshine Distributor:

KAREN OLERICH, HERB SPECIALIST
(719) 495-4930
E-Mail: herblady@a-renewedhealth.com
Web: www.a-renewedhealth.com

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