Natural Alternatives to Better Health
Barbara A. Nicholson, C.N.H.P.
Helping You and Your Family
Take Control of Your Health through Education, Nutrition, Natural Remedies
and other Alternatives
Don't Panic...Be Prepared for Cold/Flu Season
It seems everyone is becoming overly anxious and worried about every sniffle and cough thinking it might be the flu. I would just like to give you some information on what you can do to feel in control of your health during this flu season, and how to be prepared rather then panicked.
First let's start with how to build your immune system and avoid the flu to
begin with (our best case scenario). There are many things you can do
to be proactive and make yourself an invisible "force-field" against invaders
from getting into your body.
One suggestion I have is to get a good quality air sanitizer
(like the new Boomerang from Nature's Sunshine below). This will give you and your family piece of mind that you are breathing the purest possible air. This small, lightweight unit kills viruses, bacteria, mold/fungus and other pathogens in the air and equally important, on surfaces! It will even kill MRSA on surfaces where it lives. Now when one person in the family comes down with something, it won't be passed around as easily, or if a friend visits with a cough, it will be killed in the air before it gets passed to others.
Next I would suggest frequent hand washing. Even better, use Silver Shield Gel (see info below on this page), on hands every day. It kills 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, fungus and other pathogens for 3-4 hours. I always use it on my hands, face and even in my nostrils when in large crowds, on airplanes, or when family members are sick.
Doing the above will give your outer force-field a good start, but there has to be more. Add getting a good night's sleep and eating a good balanced diet with lots of fresh veggies and fruit. This is equally as important. Finally stress plays an extremely important part in our health. You could do all of the above, and have out of control stress, and still put a big hole in your force-field. So if prayer, and talking to a spouse or friend doesn't help...try something like Nutricalm or Stress Relief. (Click on Nature's Sunshine tab on the left to find these products).
Now that we've taken care of the outer protection...there are things we can do to build our immune systems from the inside.
Let's start with some foods that can help build our immune system. Eating things like pumpkin seeds (high in Zinc), and Red Onions (high in Quercetin) are a couple of things you can do to help.
Some herbs and supplements that I recommend are: Vitamin D3 (important for building immune system against influenza as well as being good for bones and women's breast health), 4000 IU daily. 2 tsp. 1-2 times daily of Silver Shield 18ppm liquid. Also take Elderberry Defense daily. To make sure you're getting proper nutrition if you don't always eat right, convenient Super Trio paks contain Super Supplemental, Super Omega III and Super ORAC. (Available from Nature's Sunshine). Finally adding a good probiotic like Bifidophilus Flora Force is important for good digestive health as well as immune function.
For the kids...there is an awesome new children's line from Nature's Sunshine called "Sunshine Heroe's". They are in either chewable or gummy chewable form. They really taste great! They come in a Multi, Calcium D3 (very important for immune system), Anti-oxidant, Omega, DHA (great for brain, ADD, focus, etc.), a probiotic, (also important for immune function), and a food enzyme. This year they also added a new Elderberry for immune defense. On top of being incredible quality products, you also have the added plus that NSP will donate 1/4 of the proceeds to "Little Heroes" children's charity, so you can really feel good about your purchase.
If after all of this, there is still a breach and a germ gets in and you get the flu...what should you have on hand to combat it?
First and foremost...Silver Shield. If I were to get a severe case of the flu, I would want enough on hand to be able to take a bottle a day for 1-2 days and then 1/2 bottle for a couple of days. You most likely will not need nearly that much, but I like to be prepared. You also want something for sinus involvement. I like Sinus Support from Nature's Sunshine. For the first signs of virus, whether cold or flu I use VS-C (liquid or capsules). 10 drops an hour or one capsule an hour at the first sign of illness. This makes your body inhospitable to viruses. (also Nature's Sunshine). I also use several liquid tinctures from a company called Pure Herbs (tab at left). They have some great herbal combinations that I've come to rely on. One I always have on hand is I.V.Y.-D. It is a potent anti-viral. I use it on tough viruses and use 10-20 drops hourly until improvement. Then 3x a day 20 drops. I also love C.H.E.B. (chest elixir). It is wonderful for bad chest congestion and cough. Even bronchitis. Speaking of, for severe chest infections I use 1 oz. of Silver Shield liquid in a cold mist nebulizer and inhale in lungs directly as well as taking 2 TBS. 3x a day orally for severe respiratory infections.
I also like to keep DNR's Immunity Pak on hand for prevention and use once sick. You can find information on that by clicking the DNR tab to the left.
There are many other great products out there...but these are my favorites, that are tried and true and that me and my family have used successfully. (See a few more on my Cold/Flu page, tab on the left).
If you would like any further information, please feel free to contact me (tab on left). I hope this information will help you to stock your home with what you will need to help yourself and your family through this flu season.
Stay Healthy!
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Cold/Flu Remedies
These are guidelines to administer herbal remedies and need to be adjusted to the individual and to the illness. You need to meet and exceed the bodies' need to get back to health. If you are taking an herb at a certain amount and it does not seem to be working you can increase the dose. This is not the mindset that we have with medicine. Each person is different so the bodies' needs are different. Use this as a guideline. (Disclaimer: This information is educational only and not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. If you need medical advice, seek the advice of a medical doctor.).
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VS-C: This comes in a liquid or capsule form. This is used at the first sign of illness. It changes the environment in your body so the virus cannot continue to grow.
Take 10 drops per hour or 4 caps per hour (for TCM take 1 /hr) in crisis.
If you have been taking VS-C for a day or so and not feeling any better you might have a hard resistant virus. Switch to IVY-D (this is from Pure Herbs). This is a liquid herb. This can be taken 10 drops per hour if you have severe symptoms or 20 drops 5X/day. It is always best to keep it even in your bloodstream but if you can't take it as frequently just take the equivalent.
**a virus will come on very quickly and out of the blue… a bacterial infection usually starts with symptoms that get worse with time.
Solynax - day/night capsules for 7 days (if you didn't 'nip an illness in the bud, this will help) (this is from Univera).
CC-A with Yerba Santa: Take for bacterial infection or respiratory problems. Take 1 tsp. 2-3 times per day in warm water.
Silver Shield*: This is anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial. This is non-toxic at any dose. This can be taken every hour with the VS-C or IVY-D or you may take it 3 T. per day. Remember to meet and exceed your need so if it is not working at this dose you can increase it. It is great for pink eye, ear infections, sinus infections etc.
*avoid taking with large amounts of sodium foods as it will decrease effectiveness.
Lymph Gland Cleanse: This is a natural antibiotic that is best for neck or throat and bacterial infection. In crisis: 2 caps every 4 hours.
General: 3 caps 3-4 times per day. The minimum is 6 per day.
l-Lysine: This is what we call body glue. It is taken for any pustule in the mouth. This is great for canker or cold sores and for strep throat.
It is best taken in larger amounts.
Sinus Support: Take 2 caps 3-4 times per day.
If you have a major sinus issue use with the fenugreek and thyme (this reduces mucus)...this can be given 2 caps 4x/day. If this course doesn't seem to make a difference, then increase the amount to 3 caps per day and then 4 per day. You may want to make the first dose 6 and then see what happens. This can really help remove the mucus. Adjust it as needed.
(NOTE: If thyroid disease or prostrate problems take SIW from Pure Herbs instead of sinus support)
**Silver is great to use directly in the sinus cavity, also.
Chlorophyll: When sick take 3 oz per day in water but can be increased to 6-10 tsp per day. Increase as needed but decrease if loose stool.
Capsicum: Take for sore throat...this helps with the pain. It cauterizes the nerves. Take 6-8 drops as a gargle. (This is a bit hot but effective)
Other good products for cough or sore irritated throats are Slippery Elm and Wild Cherry Bark “special” from (Pure Herbs).
You can also use this recipe for a gargle:
*dash of cayenne pepper (or liquid capsicum)
*1 tsp. honey
*¼ c. lemon juice
Mix and heat to desired temperature. Gargle.
Stomach/vomiting: You can use the VS-C and silver. If you are not able to keep the VS-C down then use the silver....it can be given in smaller amounts and just under the tongue to help with absorption.
For stomach upset or vomiting: put 1 drop of peppermint oil in medicine cup and 1-2 tsp of water. Mix and drink.
***These products are from Natures Sunshine unless noted.
Immune Building
Chlorophyll: May help improve the immune response by cleaning the blood of toxins and impurities. Drink 1 tsp. 2x per day (or more as needed).
Elderberry Defense: Promotes well-being during winter months. Specific studies indicate elderberry may have anti-viral activity. Added immune support with Echinacea and Royal Jelly.
ImmunoBurst - plant based chewable (candy like) great for age 5 & older, when you feel something 'coming on'. May chew up to 3/day (this is from Univera).
Immune Stimulator: To support and boost the immune system (don’t use with auto immune disorders). Take 6-10 daily (2 capsules 3-3 times a day).
Probiotics: Bifidophilus Flora Force, Probiotic eleven, and Aloedophilus (Univera).
Replenish natural flora in intestinal tract. Boost Immune Function.
Silver Shield: Take 1-2 tsp. daily to maintain health.
Super Immune -Supports and Strengthens the Immune System (this is from Univera).
Super Supplemental: Balanced nutrition is often in short supply during periods of physical stress or illness (not to mention eating poorly), this supplement helps fill the void. Take 4 tablets daily (can be taken all at once with a meal or over the course of the day.
Thai-Go: Contains immune supporting fruits and herbs with a very high ORAC value (antioxidant benefits). Drink 2 TBS. (1 oz.), twice a day.
Trigger Immune: A combination of 18 Chinese Herbs designed to strengthen a weakened immune system. Take 3 capsules 3 times per day.
Vitamin D3: Helps support the immune system especially when you can’t get out in the sun enough. Great at building immunity against influenza. Take 4000 IU daily (2 tablets).
VS-C: Supports the immune system by fighting off biological stressors.
Here are some of my favorite Nature's Sunshine products that I like to have on hand for cold and flu season. There's nothing worse than feeling sick, (or having a sick child that wakes in the middle of the night), and you have nothing in the house to help. Always be prepared for whatever may hit.
VS-C
This is one of my all time favorites for colds and other viruses. It comes in liquid form which is great for children as well regular and extra strength capsules. It makes your body in-hospitable to viruses. At the first signs of a cold or virus I like to use 10 drops (or one TCM capsule) per hour until I start to feel better. If I catch it early enough, I usually never fully get the cold.
Silver Shield
This is a new product that has so many uses. It is patented for it's unique "Aqua Sol" technology. This is not the old "Colloidal Silver" you may have used or heard about. This will NOT turn you blue! You could take this product every day for 70 years and not have any toxic effects (per the patent). This is a great natural anti-biotic that won't distroy the beneficial flora the way synthetic anti-biotics can. It can be used to treat ear infections, pink eye, sore throat, and many more things. It kills 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and fungus within 6 minutes of contact. It has been shown to kill MRSA and Bird Flu. It comes in liquid and the new Gel form which is great topically for burns and cuts and nail fungus.
Immune Stimulator
Benefits:
•Strengthens the immune system.
•Stimulates body’s natural defenses to kill unfriendly microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, allergens, molds and parasites.
•Increases immunoglobulin proteins in the intestinal tract to combat foreign invaders.
•Acts as an antioxidant.
•Promotes the repair of DNA.
Peppermint Oil
This little bottle is great to throw in your purse and carry everywhere. Besides it's obvious use to freshen your breath...it has so many more uses. It's great to put a little drop on the back of your tongue to help with an upset stomach. It is also great rubbed on sore muscles. If you have a headache, rub some on your temples and forehead. Rub over sinus area for pressure and congestion.
Sinus Support
Benefits:
• Encourages proper nasal function.
• Helps maintain nasal tissues.
• Is ephedra-free.
Sinus Support® EF™ [Respiratory]. This ephedra-free formula supports clear nasal passages and supplies nutrients that support proper respiratory function.
There are many more great produts...if you'd like a complete list, please email me and I'd be happy to send it to you.
Introduction to DNR and DNR Light-Energized Products DNR, INC. makes no powders, pills, capsules or tablets. Everything we produce is made from a mineral water foundation. The minerals are used to hold and carry electrically charged light-wave signals to areas of the body of animals and humans. Once the minerals have been fractionated to smaller components, they can be encoded with non-visible light waves. Different combinations of light waves are used in each DNR formulation. Each product is formulated to trigger specific responses according to the goals of a particular formulation. 
DNR, (Developmental Natural Resources), is another company with unique products that are ahead of their time. I will share a few of the products I use most often for colds, flu, and viruses.
Cold/Flu/Sinus Extra Strength Pack
You can use each formula individually. The VIR for any viruses or bacterial issues The COL for cold and bronchial issues and the ALL for allergy concerns. But I like to mix all three together 6-10 drops each in a little water 3x a day to fight off a cold. Great for children (just lower dose to 2 drops), because it has practically no taste.
Extress oral spray
We can all get a little stressed when our children are sick. This is something I use to take the edge off on those days when stress becomes an issue. Just three sprays in the mouth gives you a feeling of calm without the sleepy side effects. Great for children as well.
Respiratory Body Soak
Great to use for anything from a cough to any lung irritations from respiratory issues or even second hand smoke!
PURE HERBS LTD
This is another great herb company I use products from. They mostly carry herbal tinctures (liquid herbs), but do have a few encapsulated herb formulas.
A few of my favorites for colds and flu are:
I.V.Y.D. - This is great for any type of virus. I use 10 drops per hour until the crisis is over, and then continue three times a day for another day. It's great for a cold or virus that got past you before you could treat it with VS-C. I've also used VS-C and this herbal formula together for tough viruses.
C.H.E.B. - This is terrific for lung irritations and infections. My family reaches for this formula for bronchial irritations due to colds or flu. If you combine it with another Pure Herbs formula called "Wild Cherry Bark - Special", it is all you need to sooth and quiet a cough. The nice thing is that you're not just covering it up...but helping your body to become strong and balanced to actually fight the infection or virus and get rid of it!
