Cold and Flu Prevention Remedies

The flu epidemic is sweeping the nation. There are many OTC medications that address the symptom relief out there but few are known to address the beginning symptoms or even treat them naturally without taking chemical-based medications. Every pharmacy has a range of products on sale for preventing colds and flu. And every year, people who are hoping to avoid the sore throat, stuffy nose, and general achiness buy them. Actually, they buy lots of them–$4.6 billion worth in 2008 alone. But is this money well-spent? Is there any evidence that popular remedies? Let’s take a look at some of these such as Lauricidin, Propolis, Airborne, Zicam, vitamin C, and Echinacea really work?

LAURICIDIN

Lauricidin is a naturally occurring lipid (fat) that has been purified from coconut oil so as to increase the therapeutic benefits.

This monoglyceride, called monolaurin, appears to disrupt the outer coating of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Monolaurin is naturally found in breast milk and may be considered natures the first antibiotic!

Known as the original monolaurin supplement, Lauricidin has been used by health care practitioners for its potent anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal benefits. Lauricidin appears to offer unique benefits over conventional antibiotics due to:

1. Broad-spectrum effects It appears to be effective against many different strains of bacteria, fungi, and even viral infections.
2. Fewer Side-Effects Generally, Lauricidin is well tolerated, with no serious side effects reported.
3. Considered Non-Toxic and safe – Nature deemed it safe enough to include in breast milk.
4. Inexpensive in comparison to many conventional antibiotics
5. Does not interact with most medications

PROPOLIS

Propolis is a resin-like material from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees. Propolis is rarely available in its pure form. It is usually obtained from beehives and contains bee products.

Propolis has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to 350 B.C., the time of Aristotle. Greeks have used propolis for abscesses; Assyrians have used it for healing wounds and tumors; Egyptians have used it for mummification. It still has many medicinal uses today, although its effectiveness has only been shown for a couple of them.

Propolis is used for canker sores and infections caused by bacteria (including tuberculosis), viruses (including flu, H1N1 swine flu, and the common cold), a fungus, and single-celled organisms called protozoans. Propolis is also used for cancer of the nose and throat; for boosting the immune system; and for treating gastrointestinal (GI) problems including Helicobacter pylori infection in peptic ulcer disease. Propolis is also used as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

People sometimes apply propolis directly to the skin for wound cleansing, genital herpes, and cold sores; as a mouth rinses for speeding healing following oral surgery; and for the treatment of minor burns.

AIRBORNE

Airborne is a dietary supplement marketed to support the immune system. It contains vitamins (A, C andE), minerals (zinc, magnesium, selenium, and manganese), and herbs (echinacea and forsythia). While many people use it to try to prevent the onset of colds and/or to shorten their duration, evidence that it actually works is in very short supply. The company that markets the product was forced to settle a court casein 2008 in which it was found guilty of using false advertising without credible scientific evidence to support its claims. Based on the list of ingredients and recommended dosage, there have also been concerns raised about potential vitamin overdose, especially with respect to vitamins A and C.

ZICAM

Zicam is a homeopathic remedy for preventing colds that contains zinc acetate and zinc gluconate. It is currently available in tablet, lozenge, and throat spray form. A nasal spray was also originally available but was removed from the market after some users reported damage to their sense of smell. Zinc has been shown to have a significant positive impact on reducing the length and severity of cold symptoms if it is taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. However, whether Zicam contains sufficient quantities of the mineral to be effective is open to debate. Homeopathic treatments remain unproven, although many people believe them to be effective.

VITAMIN C

A 1995 review of the effectiveness of vitamin C for preventing cold symptoms found that doses exceeding 50mg daily were effective, but that they only reduced the duration of the virus by 20% on average. Daily doses of 1g are thought to be of greater effectiveness, but little research has been performed to establish this.

ECHINACEA

Echinacea-based products have grown in popularity during the past two decades. Echinacea is an herb that is thought by some to stimulate the immune system, and there is some evidence to support that claim. However, findings are complicated by the use of different species of the plant in research, which has led to conflicting results. At present, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) suggests that there is sufficient evidence to approve the use of juice extracted from Echinacea to prevent and shorten the duration of colds in those over 12 years old.

SUMMARY

The best advice for people who want to avoid colds and flu is tried and true, and it doesn’t involve a trip to the pharmacist:

• Avoid contact with people with cold and flu symptoms
• Keep your hands away from your nose, mouth, and eyes
• Wash your hands regularly
• Don’t share drinking glasses or eating utensils
• Keep surfaces clean
• Have plenty of rest and sleep

While some over-the-counter remedies may be helpful, common sense and hygiene are still your best bet.

Most of these remedies are available in local health food stores/pharmacies.

For more information about cold/flu care options click here.

For more questions, call us at 303-750-3000.

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content in this blog should not be used as a substitute for the professional advice and/or recommendation of qualified healthcare practitioners or licensed physicians. The content presented in this blog is intended for information purposes only. Consult your doctor or healthcare practitioners for your current conditions.