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Colds and Flu
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Tips
• Put your toothbrush in a glass of hydrogen peroxide. This will keep you from reinfecting yourself.
• See our Congested Nose section for ways to relieve congestion.
• A study done at the University of California at Davis found that those who ate 3/4 cup of yogurt daily had 25% fewer colds than non-yogurt eaters. Apparently this was from a four-fold increase in the production of infection-fighting gamma interferon.
• Taking a 45 minute walk can help you shake a cold. Walking (and other forms of exercising) gets the immune system to circulate infection-fighting antibodies.
• Hydrogen Peroxide. From what we have read, hydrogen peroxide works quite well and is supposed to be effective 80% of the time, especially if done when the symptoms first appear. While it seems contrary to what we have been taught about colds and flu we know quite a few people who have tried it with great success.
In 1928 Richard Simmons, M.D. hypothesized that colds and flu viruses enter through the ear canal. His findings were dismissed by the medical community. According to Dr. Simmons, contrary to what you may think or have been taught about how you catch the flu or a cold, there is only one way that you can catch them, and that's via the ear canal, not through the eyes, nose or mouth. Keeping your fingers out of your ears will greatly reduce your chances of catching the flu or a cold, but then again the bacteria and viruses are microscopic and can be air-born and may land in your ear. Once they have entered the inner ear (middle ear) they begin their breeding process and travel to other parts of the body with the infection. Dr. Simmons' concept was to stop the process where it began.
In 1938 German researchers had great success using hydrogen peroxide in dealing with colds and the flu. Their data has been ignored (maybe suppressed) for over 60 years.
For many years people in the know have been attacking the influenza virus and common cold where they begin their breeding process, in the inner ear (middle). It IS important to begin treatment as soon as symptoms appear for this remedy to be most effective.
We have found remarkable results in curing the flu and cold within 12 to 14 hours by administering a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into each infected ear, (sometimes only one ear is infected). The H2O2 starts working within 2 to 3 minutes in killing the flu or cold; there will be some bubbling and in some cases mild stinging occurs. Wait until the bubbling and stinging subside (usually just a few minutes), then drain the excess fluid onto a tissue and repeat the process in the other ear. It is easiest to lie on your side in bed while using this method, and a Q-tip or cotton ball work well to administer the H2O2. A bottle of hydrogen peroxide in 3% solution is available at any drug store for a couple of dollars.
To increase the effectiveness even more, add some extract of echinacea and goldenseal to the H2O2. The anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial action of these herbs is well documented in clinical literature. This combination has worked for some people who didn't have success using only the H2O2.
Although this method is perfectly safe for infants and children to use, the loud bubbling and stinging may frighten them, so they'll need someone they trust to put the H2O2 in their ears (don't get H2O2 in the eyes- if you do, flush with water). Explain what will happen to them first so they will be prepared.
To cure the flu you'll need to repeat this process two or more times at one or two hours intervals until there is no more bubbling when putting the H2O2 in ear(s).
Remedies
Folk
Andrographis This Chinese herb is used to prevent or lessen the duration of a cold. It has anti-bacterial properties and stimulates the immune system. Take 300 mg of andrographolide, its active ingredient, daily. Take with food. Never take during pregnancy.
Astragalus This Chinese herb has been successfully used for centuries for colds and flu. It stimulates the immune system, so it is better to use astragalus as a preventive measure during the cold and flu season than to clear one up after you get it. May be taken as a tea, capsule or tincture.
Bee balm Native Americans used bee balm to alleviate colds and coughs. Steep two teaspoons of fresh (one, dried) bee balm leaves in a cup of hot water, covered, for four minutes. Sip a cup three times a day. Bee balm has antiseptic compounds that can help heal respiratory infections and clear nasal congestion.
Cayenne pepper Take a teaspoon (or several capsules) of pepper in a glass of water immediately when you feel a cold or sore throat coming on. This should knock it out.
Elderberry extract Extensive studies done in Israel have shown that an elderberry extract under the trade name Sambucol cut the duration of the flu in half.
Ginger Drink ginger tea to help break up a cold.
Hydrogen peroxide See detailed information under the Tips section above.
Lemon When one is sick, the body usually is over-acidic. Lemon helps promote health by quickly alkalinizing the body. Squeeze a lemon in a glass of water or tea, and drink every couple of hours.
- Make a nasal rise by adding one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt to a glass of warm water. Close one nostril and inhale the mixture; hold as long as you can, then blow it out. Do the other nostril. This rinse will kill off the virus that causes colds and helps keep the nasal passages moist. You will notice a marked improvement in your breathing.
Onion tea Make a tea by cutting an onion, boiling it, and drinking the juice.
Water/salt This remedy works well when you are stuffed up and your nose runs. In a large bowl or sink add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of salt. Let the salt dissolve, then immerse your face in the water for five to ten seconds; repeat 3-4 times. Keep your eyes and mouth closed, but try to breathe in the mixture. Then try a nasal rinse by putting a few drops of grapefruit seed extract in 1/2 cup of warm water and inhaling it; repeat two or three times, especially before bed and when you get up in the morning. The grapefruit seed extract will help kill off the bacteria.
Zinc lozenges Several studies have shown that taking zinc lozenges beginning within the first 24 hours of the onset of a cold will shorten its duration by about 50%. The lozenges come in zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, and zinc citrate. These lozenges should not be taken for more than a few days at a time as zinc depletes your body's store of copper. If you experience dry mouth or stomach irritation, reduce the frequency of use.
Herbal
Boneset Boil a pint of water to which is added a teaspoon of crushed boneset leaves. Add honey and lemon for flavor. Drink a small glass every few hours. This remedy is good for the common cold or the flu.
