Viral infections don’t require antibiotics
Viral infections don’t require antibiotics. Antibiotics are only effective when treating bacterial infections. So what can you do to help relieve cold and flu symptoms and support healthy immune function? Herbs and nutrients can play an important role in winter health, in conjunction with eating healthy food and getting enough rest.
- Adhatoda is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce body temperature and relieve mild fevers. It is also used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine as an expectorant to relieve respiratory tract mucus congestion, as an antispasmodic and to relieve coughs. See Lung Care.
- Licorice and Elecampane are both used in Western herbal medicine to relieve coughs and, through their expectorant action, clear respiratory mucous. Licorice is also traditionally used to soothe irritated tissues while Elecampane is traditionally used as a lung tonic to enhance and support lung health. See Lung Care.
- Andrographis is considered an ‘acute’ herbal remedy, and relieves symptoms of common colds and flu, such as cough and sore throat. Andrographis is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to relieve mild fevers. See Cold & Flu Strike.
- Echinacea helps maintain healthy immune function and supports the immune system to fight illness. It is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve symptoms of common colds and flu. See Elderberry Echinacea & Olive Leaf.
- Elderberry is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve mild fever and to provide relief of the symptoms of colds, flus and mild URTIs, including coughs and sore throat. Elderberry can be used in both adults and children. See Elderberry, Echinacea & Olive Leaf.
- Vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc all help maintain a healthy immune system. A significant number of Australians have inadequate vitamin D, particularly in winter, due to reduced sun exposure. See Vitamin D3 1000 and Zinc Forte + C.
Children and URTIs
Mild URTIs are the most common form of illness in children, with kids having on average between 6-8 mild URTIs each year, particularly in winter. When children are young, their immune systems are still trying to build the resistance to fight off infection. As they become exposed to environments such as day care and school, their risk of developing a cold or flu increases Echinacea and select nutrients helps support immune health in children. See Children’s Immune Care.
