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British comedian Denis Norden once said that the 24-hour strike was just like the 24-hour flu. You can count on it lasting at least five days. However, during the freezing, sneezing season, there are herbs and natural supplements available that will boost your immune system and help ward off the slings and arrows of the flu, the common cold and other viral infections.

Garlic (Allium sativum)
It is joked that if you eat enough Garlic you won't catch colds because people will stay away from you. There may be some truth to this, but Garlic is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics and virucides. It is especially effective in treating bronchial infections. Its antibacterial qualities gave birth to Garlic sausage, as early butchers found that the herb prevented meat from going bad. Garlic juice applied to moss bandages was used to dress wounds during WW1. The miracle constituent responsible for all this, along with Garlic's infamous odor, is a sulphur compound called allicin. Other than some mild gastrointestinal upset in some people if taken in large doses, and possibly inhibiting your social life, there's no limit to the amount of Garlic you may safely ingest. The bottom line is that Garlic is a nutritious, healthy way to boost your immune system. As botanist and herbalist, James A. Duke, Ph.D. writes in his book, The Green Pharmacy, "As anyone who has ever had Garlic breath knows, this herb's aromatic compounds are readily released from the lungs and respiratory tract, putting Garlic's active ingredients right where they can be most effective against cold viruses."

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea and E. pallida)
Echinacea (purple and white coneflower) has become one of the most frequently prescribed herbal immune boosters, having the ability to raise the body's resistance to bacterial and viral infections. It is especially useful for infections of the upper respiratory tract such as laryngitis, tonsillitis and for catarrhal conditions of the nose and sinus. Echinacea is also antibiotic, relieves allergies and has been used for centuries to purify the blood and to clear skin infections. Echinacea seems to prevent infection and repair tissue partially by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme hyaluronidase. Some pathogens stimulate this enzyme, which then destroys the integrity of the "ground substance," the homogeneous matrix in which the fibers and cells of connective tissue are embedded. This weakens the barrier, allowing pathogens to invade, attach themselves to exposed cells, penetrate the membrane and kill the cell. The result is an inflammatory infection. Echinacea inhibits the action of hyaluronidase by bonding with it in some way, resulting in a temporary increase in the integrity of the barrier. Fewer pathogens are able to injure the ground substance. A range of constituents is implicated in this process, especially a complex polysaccharide called echinacin B. This anti-hyaluronidase action is involved in the regeneration of connective tissue destroyed during infection and in the elimination of the pathogenic organisms causing it. In research studies, purified polysaccharides prepared from Echinacea activated the body's macrophage-mediated defence system. These macrophages kill pathogens. For the maintenance of a healthy immune system, Echinacea is most wisely used periodically, a few weeks on, a few weeks off, throughout the year. It is believed that prolonged use of Echinacea can actually suppress immune activity. Although some herbalists have recently challenged this view, until the issue is resolved, it is best to presume that continuous use of Echinacea could be stressful on the immune system.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis Ranunculaceae)
Native to North America, Goldenseal was used extensively by Native Americans as an herbal medication and clothing dye. It soothes the mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive, and genitourinary tracts in inflammatory conditions induced by allergy or infection. All catarrhal conditions improve with Goldenseal, especially sinus ones. The writer recently cured a highly inflamed sinus infection with a two-day course of Goldenseal tincture. The anti-microbial properties of Goldenseal appear to be due to its alkaloids, especially berberine. The alkaloid canadine in Goldenseal stimulates the muscles of the uterus. Because of this Goldenseal should not be taken during pregnancy. Goldenseal has an astringent effect on the mucous membranes that line the stomach. Since, in the process, it lessens the stomach's ability to absorb some nutrients, especially B vitamins, Goldenseal should not be taken for extended periods. Prolonged use of Goldenseal may also reduce intestinal flora. A course of probiotics or acidophilus is therefore recommended following use of this herb.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus, leguminosae)
Astragalus has been used since ancient times in Traditional Chinese Medicine (where it is known as huang qi). It has become another important herb for assisting the immune system. The polysaccharides in Astragalus have been shown to enhance the activity of phagocytes, blood cells that ingest and destroy viruses and bacteria. These polysaccharides also stimulate pituitary-adrenal cortical activity and restore depleted red blood cell formation in bone marrow. Astragalus is also one of the herbs known to stimulate the body's natural production of interferon. Although not an herb for acute illness, Astragalus is nonetheless a useful medicine for viral infections such as the common cold. It is also often combined with other herbs, such as Echinacea, as a blood tonic. However, unlike Echinacea, Astragalus can be taken consistently with no adverse effects. Astragalus is a classic energy tonic, perhaps even superior to ginseng. In China it is believed to warm and tone the wei qi (a protective energy that circulates just under the skin), helping the body to adapt to external influences, especially to the cold. Astragalus raises immune resistance and manifestly improves physical endurance. Do not use Astragalus if you have had a stroke or heart attack, if you have high blood pressure, or if you suffer from an autoimmune disease such as Graves (hyperactive thyroid) or lupus.

An ounce of prevention, it is said, is worth a pound of cure. Don't fall victim to the common cold or flu this winter. Protect yourself and your loved ones with some preventative medicine in the form of the above immune boosting herbs.

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