Rotarian Shares Natural Remedies Ahead of Cold and Flu Season

 

Lewisville Noon's own Communications Chair and hobby homesteader, Leslie Thompson, was last week's featured speaker, sharing scientifically proven natural remedies to prevent and treat colds and flu.

 

"Over-the-counter medications have only been around for about 60 years, but natural remedies have been used for centuries, or even thousands of years in some cultures," Thompson explained. Moreover, OTC drugs have been proven both ineffectual and often make symptoms worse, she noted, citing research from the University of Wisconsin that showed popular cough and cold drugs are only 20% effective at reducing symptoms and virtually ineffectual in actually removing the bacteria or virus. Thompson also pointed out that many commonly used drugstore remedies contain ingredients known to cause inflammation in the body, insulin resistance, or even cancer, such as high fructose corn syrup and aspartame. 

 

Unlike pharmaceutical treatments, which generally suppress symptoms without addressing the underlying cause of sickness, herbal remedies improve the immune system and can eradicate the virus or bacteria causing an illness, said Thompson, who emphasized the fact that she is not a medical doctor but merely a health enthusiast who has long studied naturopathic treatments. Thompson then presented several tried-and-true natural alternatives that are easy to find at retailers like Sprouts and Whole Foods or can even be grown at home.

 

Mullein leaf tea, for example, is a natural expectorant that has proven benefits to treat respiratory issues, she noted. It is high in antioxidants, including vitamin C and flavonoids, and has antiseptic qualities to prevent the growth of disease-causing germs. "Research shows it is effective at fighting pneumonia and E. coli bacteria," Thompson said. Similarly, echinacea tea, when taken daily for two or three weeks, can significantly reduce the chance of catching a common cold or flu. "It prohibits the virus from entering the cell," Thompson explained, adding that echinacea is a powerful preventative but doesn't do much good after someone has already contracted a cold or flu.

 

Thompson also shared her go-to-remedy for colds, flu, and bronchial infections: a mixture of 2 cups original V-8 juice, heated on the stove with 1-2 cloves crushed garlic, juice from half a lemon, and several dashes of Tabasco. The drink is packed with Vitamin C and other antioxidants, and garlic is known to have powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-microbial properties. "Drink a mugful of this two or three times daily, and it will knock the bad stuff out of your system in three or four days," Thompson said enthusiastically, adding that the home remedy has always worked for her just as well as taking a Z-Pac of antibiotics worked for her late husband, Craig.

 

Other recommended remedies included nutrient-rich microgreens, honey fermented garlic, and traditional fire cider. Getting adequate Vitamin D by spending at least 30 minutes a day in the sun is also an excellent preventative for colds, flu, and even COVID. 

 

In addition, countless scientific research studies have confirmed that a combination of Bromelain, a naturally occurring enzyme found in pineapple that is often used to improve digestion, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can nip the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the bud. Both all-natural supplements are readily available in supermarkets and drug stores and have no known side effects when taken in the recommended doses. Links to several of the medical articles from Thompson's presentation are included below.

 

"I love to research," said Thompson, who has been a freelance journalist for 30 years. She added, "I encourage you all to do your own research and to look for natural alternatives that can help you stay healthy and strong this coming winter."

 

SOURCES: