It is only recently that western medicine has had drugs effective against viruses, but herbalists have been effectively treating viral infections for thousands of years with a wide variety of plants. There is an old saying amongst doctors that a cold will last 7 days with treatment or a week without as a herbalist I would beg to differ.

Colds and Influenza (flu – including swine flu) are caused by viruses, so antibiotics dont work what is needed is anti viral agents.You probably have more than one of these natural remedies in your kitchen right now and can easily grow several more in your vege garden or in a pot on your verandah.

Vinegar is a fabulous anti-viral any vinegar will work, but the best is Apple Cider vinegar. Viruses are quite nasty things they invade one of your cells, devour it from the inside to feed themselves them migrate to another cell, where they repeat the process, breeding as they go. They are tough and hardy but are vulnerable when they are in your blood, looking for a new cell to invade. This is where vinegar comes in. Vinegar is believed to work by very slightly changed the pH in your blood not enough to harm you, but enough to make your blood hostile to a virus. So hostile that the virus dies before it can find a new cell. A tablespoon of vinegar in a glass of water 2-3 times a day for an adult is usually effective within several days. If this sounds vile, just try it. If you have a cold (or any virus) you may be surprised at how much your body is craving it. When you go to have a dose and cant bear the thought of it, youve
had enough.

Antiviral herbs include Olive Leaf, Astragalas and Elder Flower.

Astragalas is also regarded in Chinese Medicine as being as good immune booster, as is Echinacea. Both these herbs need to be taken only in short sharp doses when they are needed – and then stopped. Neither is meant to be taken all the time. In fact research in Germany has suggested taking Echinacea over a long period of time will eventually weaken your immune system.

The flower essence Illawarra Flame Tree is also said to be useful for enhancing natural immunity.

Thyme and Sage are very good for a sore throat. You can take them as a tea. The flower essence Bush Fuchsia also balances the throat from an energetic perpective.

Vitamin C is also good either in tablet or powder form as per the recommended dosage or in the form of Rosehips tea, freshly squeezed orange juice, or a hot lemon drink (add some honey to soothe your throat and for its antiseptic effect).

Other things you can do to prevent colds and to hasten your recovery include:

• Keep warm, especially if its windy, paying particular attention to your chest and feet.
• Pace yourself. According to Louise Hay, rushing around and doing too much are the emotional triggers that can leave you susceptible to a cold.
• Rest. Winter is a time of slowing down, going within, and restinganimals hibernate and plants go dormantthere is a good reason for this. Copy them.
• Slow cooked soups and casseroles, hot teas and warm lemon and honey drinks are perfect comfort and soul food to keep you healthy during winter.
• Eat orange foods. Mother Earth colour codes her plants so you can know at a glance what nutrition they contain. Orange indicates beta carotene and/or vitamin A both tonics for the mucous membranes. Vitamin A is also present in high quantities in fish and fish oilespecially Cod Liver & Halibut Oils. .

Many of my clients also swear by my Cold and Flu Formula, which contains all of the herbs mentioned (and more). This is suitable for both adults and children. Take it at the first sign of a cold, or even if a cold has taken hold, and follow the advice above.

Kids also love the old fashioned remedy Garlic Honey.

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