from THE BGP GATHERING SPACE
Holistic Health Talk with Afua Bromley, L.Ac.
Staying Healthy in Winter
In the wake of recent outbreaks of bird flu, the SARS outbreak, and flu vaccine shortages, many people are now a bit more wary about cold and flu season. The media continues to relay stories of “critical shortages of flu vaccine” around the country. How real is this cause for concern? Many would be surprised that with a little bit of extra knowledge, a lot of common sense and a few herb recommendations, most people will either avoid getting sick or will be able to recover within a few days.
An Ounce of Prevention……
Contrary to what many have come to believe, the best way to prevent the flu (or a cold) is NOT to get the flu vaccine. In Chinese Medicine, many colds are due to what we call wind-cold or wind-heat invasion. Basically, this means that the external environment can weaken your body, allowing it to become susceptible to external toxins like viruses and bacterial infections.
The best prevention is to wash your hands with soap regularly throughout the day under running water for at least 10 seconds. Also wipe down door knobs and faucets in your home at least once a day, along with shared phones and computer keyboards. Drink lots of water, eat balanced meals, get plenty of regular sleep and exercise and take a whole food multivitamin daily. Increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables is always a good idea for natural immune enhancement. Wear a hat and scarf when going outside on a windy or rainy day.
Colds or Flu: What’s the Difference
It is important to understand that both the cold and flu are caused by viruses. There are over 200 different types of viruses that cause colds. The most common type is called the rhinovirus. The flu is caused by influenza viruses. Generally speaking, the flu is much worse than a cold. Transmission, though, is the same.
Concentration of both viruses is highest in the nasal passages. Many of the symptoms are the same: runny or stuffy nose, fever (usually higher with the flu), cough, sore throat. Body aches, diarrhea and vomiting tend to be more prevalent with the flu.
Treatment
The script for treatment is similar to the script of prevention: drink water, get rest, engage in moderate exercise, wash hands and try not to infect others (cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze).
There are several different herbal formulas that can help your body fight or recover from illness. A preventative herbal formula, Yu Ping Feng San, can help your body fight off colds or the flu and is mild enough for children and the elderly. Yin Chiao Pian and Gan Mao Ling Wan are two common Chinese herbal formulas for colds. Bi Yan Pian can help with stuffy or runny noses.
Using a vaporizer or doing a steam inhalation using White Flower Oil or Vick’s VapoRub can quickly open up nasal and/or bronchial passages. Pears are great for immediately soothing the pain of a sore throat. Slippery elm lozenges are also good for sore throats. Loquat syrup can help clear up lingering coughs. Echinacea and/or goldenseal can also help, but should not be used for more than 2 weeks at a time (do not use if you have kidney or liver damage.)
Children over two years of age can use most of these herbal products, but at 1/6 – ¼ of an adult dosage. Just remember, when in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a health professional.
To find a licensed practitioner, go to www.nccaom.org
Holistic Health Talk with Afua Bromley, L.Ac.
Staying Healthy in Winter
In the wake of recent outbreaks of bird flu, the SARS outbreak, and flu vaccine shortages, many people are now a bit more wary about cold and flu season. The media continues to relay stories of “critical shortages of flu vaccine” around the country. How real is this cause for concern? Many would be surprised that with a little bit of extra knowledge, a lot of common sense and a few herb recommendations, most people will either avoid getting sick or will be able to recover within a few days.
An Ounce of Prevention……
Contrary to what many have come to believe, the best way to prevent the flu (or a cold) is NOT to get the flu vaccine. In Chinese Medicine, many colds are due to what we call wind-cold or wind-heat invasion. Basically, this means that the external environment can weaken your body, allowing it to become susceptible to external toxins like viruses and bacterial infections.
The best prevention is to wash your hands with soap regularly throughout the day under running water for at least 10 seconds. Also wipe down door knobs and faucets in your home at least once a day, along with shared phones and computer keyboards. Drink lots of water, eat balanced meals, get plenty of regular sleep and exercise and take a whole food multivitamin daily. Increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables is always a good idea for natural immune enhancement. Wear a hat and scarf when going outside on a windy or rainy day.
Colds or Flu: What’s the Difference
It is important to understand that both the cold and flu are caused by viruses. There are over 200 different types of viruses that cause colds. The most common type is called the rhinovirus. The flu is caused by influenza viruses. Generally speaking, the flu is much worse than a cold. Transmission, though, is the same.
Concentration of both viruses is highest in the nasal passages. Many of the symptoms are the same: runny or stuffy nose, fever (usually higher with the flu), cough, sore throat. Body aches, diarrhea and vomiting tend to be more prevalent with the flu.
Treatment
The script for treatment is similar to the script of prevention: drink water, get rest, engage in moderate exercise, wash hands and try not to infect others (cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze).
There are several different herbal formulas that can help your body fight or recover from illness. A preventative herbal formula, Yu Ping Feng San, can help your body fight off colds or the flu and is mild enough for children and the elderly. Yin Chiao Pian and Gan Mao Ling Wan are two common Chinese herbal formulas for colds. Bi Yan Pian can help with stuffy or runny noses.
Using a vaporizer or doing a steam inhalation using White Flower Oil or Vick’s VapoRub can quickly open up nasal and/or bronchial passages. Pears are great for immediately soothing the pain of a sore throat. Slippery elm lozenges are also good for sore throats. Loquat syrup can help clear up lingering coughs. Echinacea and/or goldenseal can also help, but should not be used for more than 2 weeks at a time (do not use if you have kidney or liver damage.)
Children over two years of age can use most of these herbal products, but at 1/6 – ¼ of an adult dosage. Just remember, when in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a health professional.
To find a licensed practitioner, go to www.nccaom.org
posted by Shaunelle | 10:53 AM
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