Viral
respiratory infections (cold & flu)
Everyone is familiar with these common and bothersome infections,
which can cause increased mucus production, cough, sore throat,
chest tightness and constriction, headaches, and sometimes fever
and muscle aches (in the case of the flu). Except in the very young
or very old patient, these are rarely threatening and usually self-limiting
conditions. Always treat a fever with respect, if one is present.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Alleviate symptoms, encourage immune function and diaphoresis,
manage fever, prevent fluid buildup in the lungs.
Primary
Treatment:
· Administer strong doses (2-3 ml every hour) of Echinacea
as the first symptoms appear.
· Administer an appropriate hot tea formula to address the
symptoms present. One example might be Sambucus canadensis (Elder)
flower [3parts], Nepeta cataria (Catnip) [3 parts], Thymus vulgaris
(Thyme) [3 parts] and Ephedra sinica (Ephedra) [1 part]. For more
ideas on different symptomatology, see below.
Supportive Treatment:
· Zingiber officinalis (Ginger) is a helpful, warming remedy
for both internal and external use (a compress on the lungs). It
is especially helpful if there is nausea.
· Herbal steams of Eucalyptus and Thymus (Thyme) can relieve
congested mucus. Use 3-5 drops of essential oil in a pan of hot
water. Cover the patient’s head with a cloth and inhale deeply.
· Garlic and other members of the Allium family, as well
as Cayenne, can be helpful dietary medicine if the patient tolerates
them.
Differential
diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· For people of generally robust constitutions whose immune
response may be a bit deficient, Andrographis is an excellent short-term
adjunct to primary treatment.
· Ephedra is contraindicated in cases of hypertension or
extreme anxiety. However, that said, it can be incredibly helpful
during the first day of a cold or flu, and when combined with appropriate
eliminative remedies, is rarely suppressive or dangerous in any
way.
· For sore throats associated with a cold, use Glycyrrhiza
glabra (Licorice) and Salvia officinalis (Sage) as a tea or part
of a tea. If the throat is extremely painful, add Piper methysticum
(Kava-kava) tincture and/or Propolis or Spilanthes acmella (Spilanthes)
extract to numb the area.
· If there is congestion in the lower respiratory system
(lungs and bronchial passages), add expectorants such as Verbascum
thapsus (Mullein) or Inula helenium (Elecampane).
· If the patient chronically experiences more than 1-2 colds
per winter, consider Usnea barbata (Usnea) as a restorative for
the lungs and mucus membranes, perhaps in combination with Hydrastis
canadensis (Goldenseal).
