newsletter 12 Nov. 2005

The media coverage on bird flu has led to an influx of requests for flu prevention and immune support. There are many ways to improve your immunity, which is really your best defence.

If you didn't take action on last month's recommendation and buy the Cold and Flu prevention, there is still much you can do to strengthen yourself.

Bird flu

Astragalus

Winter survival kits

Bird flu

I was watching a National Geographic special on bird flu and found an interesting connection to our trusty remedy Anas-barb. According to the documentary, bird flu originates in ducks, usually in China. The virus then transfers to different animals, including humans. What I found most incredible was that one of homeopathy's main flu prevention remedies, Anas barb, is made from duck liver. This is a perfect example of how "like cures like", the very foundation of homeopathy. The philosophy is that what harms you in large doses can heal you in smaller. Pate anyone?

If you are a strict vegetarian and opposed to using remedies of animal origin, use the remedy Hepar Sulph 100C instead. It will also help boost immunity at the first sign of fever or chills. Use either Anas-barb or Hepar Sulph, one every hour at the onset of symptoms. Stop once you feel better.

Astragalus

While Echinacea has been known to help boost immunity there are other herbs that give excellent support. One of my favourites is Astragalus, a plant native to China and Mongolia. It has shown to be useful in patients whose immunity has been compromised due to chemotherapy or radiation and carries few, if any, side effects.

Astragalus seems to work by binding to cholesterol on the outer membranes of viruses. This weakens them, allowing our own immune system to attack and destroy the virus. Animal studies show that astragalus controls bacterial infections and stimulates the immune system.

As with any herbal supplements, if you are on medication you should check with your healthcare provider first. In particular, be cautious if you are taking antiviral medications or immune suppressants (used to reduce the chance of rejection in transplant recipients).

Winter survival kits

I have made a kit of five remedy combinations to help prevent and treat the various stages of flu and other winter illnesses. The remedies are called Prevention, First Stage, Weakness, Body Aches and Stomach bug. These carefully blended formulas will help the body at different points in an illness, helping you to recover faster or even better, keep you from becoming sick at all.

I will be giving special consultations called Winter Survival which include the kit and a 20 minute consultation on when and how to use them. If you are interested, please contact me to book an appointment. Otherwise the kits will be available for purchase on my website from next week.

And remember to keep your lower back and chest covered from cold winds. Maybe it's an old wives' tale, but the keyword there is old!

Until next time, be well!

© Adrianna Holman BSc, LCH, RSHom 2005