It’s that time of the year again when colds and flus are more prevalent. Many of us don’t have the luxury of time off work and simply have to soldier on. The western and eastern medicine approaches to cold and flu are quite different, but there is no reason why both approaches can’t be used simultaneously to get well. Western medicine focuses more on the invading pathogen (virus or bacteria), whereas Eastern systems look more at the individual and the immunity. Both of course are very relevant. Every farmer knows that both the soil and the seed are required for anything to grow.

During times of cold and flu it is worth using both systems to treat the symptoms which can be incredibly unpleasant, and simultaneously support the bodies natural defence and immune systems.

1) Rest, fluids, warmth– as much as possible allow your system to rest. If not, it is more likely that your illness will become prolonged or develop into something more serious such as a secondary bacterial infection. Plenty of warm water with some fresh ginger slices and lemon sipped through the day will also be useful. Fever is one method the body uses to kill the virus. This can be aided by staying warm or even wrapping up in blankets to create a sweat. This must not be done in children.

2) Drugs!– as much as we all prefer to treat colds naturally, there is absolutely no harm in using simple medications whilst the body gets better. Depending on the severity and your need to keep working there are many simple remedies such as paracetamol, nurofen, codral, sudafed, nasal sprays, Betadine gargle, anti-histamines. Take what you need to feel better.

3) Fast– generally you will have lost your appetite. It is your bodies signal to go easy on food. If possible, stick to a fluid diet of warm water with lemon and ginger, along with hot soups that are easy to digest.

4) Vitamins and supplements– every day there seems to be a new article recommending or condemning particular herbs and supplements. However there is no harm in taking vitamin C, zinc, Echinacia, Tulsi, and garlic. It ceratinly will not do any harm, and some studies suggest the duration of colds and flus maybe reduced.

5) Yoga– certain kinds of yogic breathing techniques such as kapalbhati and bhastrika can help stimulate the digestion. Consult a yoga teacher who can instruct you on the correct method. Jala neti (nasal cleansing) is an excellent technique prior to spring to help clean the nasal passages. This should not be done when you have a cold, but is an excellent preventative.

As the old adage goes, “with no treatment you get better in 7 days, and with treatment it takes 1 week”. There is some truth to this. However, with an integrative approach you can reduce the severity of the symptoms and possibly shorten the duration of the illness.

Hope you keep those winter bugs away!

In Health and Wellness