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5 Ways To Boost Your Immunity Against Cold And Flu
By ATMS natural medicine practitioners
This year over 217,000 Australians have been diagnosed with the flu and this winter has been one of the worst cold and flu seasons in years. As we enter another seasonal change, ATMS members share their best remedies to boost your immunity and defend yourself against these nasty viruses all year round. Here are some of their top tips….
1. Try a Propolis Tincture:
Many believe taking a propolis tincture can help to prevent and reduce the duration of common colds and other upper airway infections. Propolis is a compound produced by bees and is well-known for its strong antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Boost your immunity by taking 5 drops daily in water to prevent colds and flu. If you feel a sore throat coming on, increase this to 10 drops and gargle before swallowing.
2. Cupping:
Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy where practitioners apply cups – typically glass or silicone – to your skin to create a pressure that sucks the skin upward. Practitioners can help relieve symptoms and possibly stop the cold or flu in its tracks by applying cups to dislodge and move infected mucus residing in the lungs.
3. Anas Barb 200C
At the first sign of cold or flu symptoms, homeopathic practitioners recommend one dose of Anas Barb 200C every 15 minutes for 3-4 doses to stop the flu dead in its tracks. Anas Barb 200C or Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic remedy that has traditionally been used to boost the immune system and to relieve early cold and flu symptoms.
4. Herbal remedies:
Herbal remedies can be an effective way of treating and relieving some of the major symptoms of colds and flu and can also reduce the length of time they stick around. Here are some of our favourites:
- Echinacea can treat respiratory tract infections and has been shown to reduce the likelihood of contracting a cold by 58% according to a study review by the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy[1]
- Olive leaf can stop viruses from multiplying and help to stimulate the activity of white blood cells, which help to fight off viruses and infections
- Marshmallow can be used to soothe sore throats as well as irritating coughs
- Thyme has anti-viral properties that can help to soothe and treat sore throats. Add a sprig of thyme to your traditional hot lemon and honey drink to relieve your sore throat
- Elderberries are used as a treatment for coughs due to its anti-viral properties. Elderberries have also been shown to inhibit up to 10 different strains of the flu virus
5. Exercise:
There are many benefits to exercising, but did you know that regular exercise helps to improve immune function and decreases the risk of upper respiratory tract infections? (e.g. the common cold). Regular exercise helps to reduce inflammation and accelerates the circulation of disease-fighting white blood cells which help your body fight off infections. While it might not help you feel any better once you’re sick, exercise can help to boost immunity and prevent you from catching it in the first place.
Thank you to our practitioners who contributed to this blog;
Forouza Soltani (Member 14290), Acupuncturist, Sally Yasukawa, Chinese Medicine Practitioner at Sana Wellness and Peter Drew, Homeopath and Principal at Narrogin Homeopathic College. Remember to always consult an accredited natural medicine practitioner for advice before taking any supplement.
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If you’d like to find an accredited practitioner, visit: https://www.atms.com.au/find-practitioner/