Part 1 of 2 Herbs for Cold and Flu Season: Preventive measures

As the weather turns cooler and the start of cold and flu season approaches it’s time to
consider ways to strengthen the immune system, and build resistance to the 200 or so
different viruses that cause infections of the respiratory system. Chances are very good
you’ll already have most of what you need in your kitchen spice rack. Adding immune
system tonics and stimulants to one’s daily regimen is as easy as increasing consumption
of garlic, ginger, onions, oregano, and thyme. Adding additional vitamin A, C, E and
Zinc will also enhance immune response and lessen the potential of viral infections. But
before you decide to get your vitamin C from fruit juices read the information given on
two studies about the result of fructose and other forms of glucose on immune response.
The two most recommended herbs for immune enhancement are: Chinese Astragulas,
unless fever is present; and Echinacea, unless allergic to ragweed. Antiviral essential oils
like Lavender, Ti-tree and Eucalyptus radiate, with high levels of terpene alcohols and
cineola, a terpene oxide, added to warm bath at the first sign of cold can often stop the
cold virus from developing.
Garlic (Allium sativa): Contains several antiviral compounds including allicin and
allin providing broad spectrum antibiotic action that kills germs directly, and stimulation
of the immune systems natural killer cells. Medication Interactions:
Dipyridamole- a compound in garlic called ajoene that prevents platelet clumping has
been shown by a test tube study to enhance the action of dipyridamole on platelets.
Chlorzoxazone (muscle relaxant) - Garlic reduces drug absorption/bioavailability
Ticlopidine (platelet inhibitor) and Warfarin:(anticoagulant )- Only on rare occasions
standardized extracts of garlic have been associated with bleeding in certain people so if
you are taking this medication consult your doctor before taking products containing
standardized extracts of garlic or eating more than one clove of garlic daily.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) contains sesquiterpenes that have a specific effect on the
most common of cold viruses; the rhinovirus. Gingerols and shogaols help reduce
symptoms of aches, fevers and coughs. Ginger root should always be applied to meat
dishes to help the intestines detoxify the meat. Medication Interactions:
Chemotherapy drugs Cisplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Docetaxel,
Fluorouracil, and Paclitaxel - Ginger tablets, capsules and liquid extracts can be helpful
for alleviating nausea and vomiting cause by the treatment.
General Anesthetics (Nitrous oxide) - A double blind study showed taking I gram of
ginger before surgery was as effective as the anti-nausea drug metoclopramide in
reducing nausea and vomiting. However ginger may affect blood clotting so it is
necessary to disclose use to the doctor before surgery.
Anticoagulants and platelet inhibitors (Heparin, Warfarin, and Ticlopidine) see
actions listed above.

Onion contains similar antiviral chemical as its close relative garlic. The flavonoids in
onion are antioxidants, one of these antioxidant flavonoids, queretin has two pathways to
prevent heart disease and halt the progression of tumors. The sulfur compounds that are
responsible for watering eyes; inhibit the inflammatory response keeping breathing
passages open, research also shows their ability to control cholesterol and triglycerides
and also fight cancer. No known drug interactions found

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) A member of the mint family oregano contains an

abundant of antiseptic and antioxidant compounds and powerful antiviral compounds.
One such component is rosmarinic acid; having antibacterial, anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant and antiviral properties. No known drug interactions were found.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) One of the best sources of thymol, an antiseptic, an
expectorant that relaxes smooth muscle to help open tight airways, and an anti-microbial.
No known drug interactions found.
Astragalus root Huang chi (Astragalus membranaceus) a traditional Chinese
medicine used to treat viral infections. Clinical studies in China have shown it to be an
effective in preventing the common cold, reducing the duration of the cold and severity
of symptoms. Research indicates it works by stimulating several immune system
components, increasing the phagocytic activities (engulfs and destroys) of monocytes
and macrophages; increases interferon production and natural killer cell activities; T-cell
activity and other antiviral mechanisms. Astragalus seems particularly useful when the
immune system has been damaged by chemicals or radiation. As with Echinacea, the
polysaccharides in the root of Astragalus contribute to the immune enhancing effects.
Astragalus root can be added to food when cooking and root removed before serving.
Echinacea (Echinacea augustifolia and pupurea) both have profound immune
enhancing effects from several classes of constituents. Inulin, a large polysaccharide
activates the alternate complement pathway (non-specific defense mechanism), and
increases production of chemicals that activate macrophages phagocytosis (engulfing of
cellular debris and bacteria in the lymph nodes by large immune cells), increased
production of T-cells (thymus gland lymphocytes, and major component of cell mediated
immunity), increased antibody binding, increased natural killer cell activity(destroys
viruses and cancerous cells) and increases the number of circulating neutraphils (white
blood cells that engulf bacteria). Studies have shown Echinacea strengthens the immune
system in healthy people. In addition to immune support it exerts direct antiviral activity,
and prevents the spread of bacteria by inhibiting the hyaluronidase enzyme the bacteria
secretes in order to break through the body’s first line of defense (skin and mucous
membranes).
Sugar Three studies were published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
in the Nineteen Seventies: “Role of Sugars in Human Neutrophilic Phagocytosis ”; “
Sucrose, Neutrophil Phagocytosis, and Resistance to Disease,” and “Depression of
Lymphocyte Transformation following Oral Glucose Ingestion.” Their results showed
that after consuming 100 grams (about 4 ounces) of glucose, sucrose, or fructose, orange
juice or honey; the ability of white blood cells to destroy and engulf foreign particles and
microorganisms are reduced starting within 30 minutes and lasting over 5 hours with a
50% reduction at the peak of inhibition (usually two hours after ingestion). White cell
function is a major defense against infection, and the result of the studies confirms simple
sugars even in the form of fruit juice compromises immunity.
 Finally, if you want a healthy immune system you also need to laugh often, have a
positive outlook and a relaxed state of mind, as often as possible. There is evidence
documenting the mind’s influence on health and immunity. Psychoneuroimmunology is
the study of the interaction between the emotional state, nervous system function and the
immune system. It has shown that a positive mental attitude can be useful in improving
the immune system.