Self-care for the change of seasons: Dr. Ed Garbacs, M.D. offers sound advice for the sniffles season

New Life Journal, Oct-Nov, 2002 by Ed Garbacz

Herbal Remedies: Many are available that can be used for "colds" and "flu." I especially recommend the use of herbs because they are (a) generally inexpensive, (b) you can prescribe them to yourself safely and effectively, (c) there are many good herbs with broad or specific effects allowing you to pick to suit and treat your specific symptoms and (d) they, like other natural substances when used correctly, rarely if ever cause significant side effects or interact adversely with medications that you may already be on for other conditions or are taking for your current illness, and (e) herbs come in many different, easy-to-take forms (loose teas, tea bags, capsules, tincture, essential oils, etc.). Examples include:

1) echinacea and goldenseal, often in combination with other herbals; these have proimmune, antimicrobial effects and help you to better to defend yourself. Both have antiviral activity, so if you a have a "virus", these may help because there are few conventional antiviral medications.

2) astragalus, ligusticum and schizandra: three Chinese herbs frequently used in combination preparations for upper respiratory problems like sinusitis and bronchitis.

3) eyebright and bayberry: very good for sinusitis, ear infections, simple eye problems and "allergic" symptoms of eyes, nose and throat.

4) elderberry, lungwort, elecampane: for lung problems

Of course, if symptoms do not improve or worsen, seek help from your physician. Antibiotics or other medications may just be what you need.

Dr. Edward Garbacz, MD is based in Atlanta, Georgia. He can be reached at 404-848-0033.

References

Homeopathy

* Panos, M. and Heimlich, J. Homeopathic Medicine at Home. Los Angeles: Tarcher. 1991.

Herbals

* Murray, Michael. The Healing Power of Herbs. Rocklin, CA: Prima. 1995. ISBN 1-55954700-8.

General Supplement Use

* Pharmacists' Letter/Prescribers' Letter (eds.). Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty. 2002. 4th Edition. ISBN 0-9676136-6-3. (209) 472-2242 / www.NaturalDatabase.com