July 30, 2012
Natural remedies had gone the way of the dodo as pharmaceutical companies and physicians pushed the pill for an ill agenda. The scale is shifting back toward natural remedies where appropriate and safe. In this issue, I would like to highlight a few of the commonly used remedies in the Magryta household.
Summer cold/rhinitis virus -
1) Chamomile herbal infusion "tea" with honey . 6 ounces of infusion with 1 teaspoon of natural honey for all children over 1 year of age.
Sip the tea to soothe a sort throat and reduce the coughing spasms. Chamomile is a natural relaxant and honey reduces the cough reflex. This works better than the DM type otc medicines. (actually studied and proven).
2) Vick's vapor rub applied to the soles of the feet helps to reduce cough.
3) Nasal rinse with 8 ounces of distilled water and 1 teaspoon of non iodized salt in a Neti pot to rinse out the bad bugs and mucous.
4) Eliminate or reduce dairy.
5) Consider elderberry or astragalus as directed by your physician for immune enhancement.
Allergies -
1) Consider products with stinging nettles, quercetin and bromelain for allergy control. D Hist is a nice product that comes to mind. Ask your physician for dosing based on age and weight. I think these products have better efficacy than antihistamines and less side effects than steroids.
2) Fish oil!!!
3) Anti inflammatory diet. See link.
4) See #3 and #4 above.
5) Get your vitamin D checked. Low D is associated with increased allergy issues.
6) Consider desensitizing your immune system through sublingual immune therapy. This is the process of retraining your immune system to not overreact to allergens. This is safer than shots and can be done at home. The Europeans are using this process much more than we are.
Diarrheal disease -
1) Avoid all products that slow gut motility - immodium especially should not be used for infectious diarrhea.
2) Avoid sugar beverages that can increase the osmotic effect and worsen diarrhea.
3) Take a high quality probiotic in doses that are physician recommended. Culturelle is well studied. Here is a meta analysis of travelers infectious diarrhea - Link.
4) Hydration is the key. Taking 1-2 teaspoons of pedialyte or ORS solution every minute for 30 minutes and then rest for 20 minutes and repeat. This will prevent a bolus of fluids from upsetting your stomach and inducing emesis. The end result will be the avoidance of the ER and an IV for fluids. This also keeps your pocket book safe.
5) From Dr. Weil's site - Carob powder can help soothe irritated intestines. Start with one tablespoon, mixed with some applesauce and honey to make it palatable. Take it on an empty stomach.
