Can tea, massage beat a cold?

Nov 29, 2008 (The Wilson Daily Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- GNC | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- AAAAA-CHOO!!!

It's that time of year, and you'd better watch out -- cold and flu germs are coming to town.

But to save money or to take more control over their health, more people aren't running to the doctor at the first sign of a sneeze.

A few businesses have opened in Wilson in the past few years to help people who are determined to fend off sickness without the doctor's help.

"Taking a holistic approach is more preventative -- keeping your body healthy to the point that if you did come in contact with a bug or virus, you would be able to fight it off, or the recovery time would be less: Maybe one day instead of three or four or five weeks," said Lowell Hunter, owner of Clovell Pointe Wellness Centre on Airport Boulevard.

His business offers services to improve overall health, including colon hydrotherapy, a foot detox spa, the emotional freedom technique and stress management programs. Colon cleansing is certainly nothing new. Just a generation or two ago, people gave their children turpentine and cod liver oil to keep them healthy during the winter time.

It's all about having the mind and body in tune, Hunter said.

"If you are stressed out, you're just a breeding ground for diseases," he said. "Rid yourself of the past and emotional havoc."

Hunter suggests detoxifying the body at least quarterly. He recommends people find something that works for them -- yoga, massage, acupuncture, etc. -- and stick with it.

"The major part in healing, first, is to mentally be there, he said. "If you feel you are going to remain sick, you will."

In his business, Hunter shows clients how to adapt a good belief system and open their minds to more positive thinking. He also recommends a good vitamin regiment and keeping the body hydrated by drinking water.

Herbal teas and other old-time remedies can also help.

Truely Unique, a shop at 2006 U.S. 301, sells lots of herbal teas this time of year and gives customers a newsletter explaining how various herbs can help.

"There are so many things we can do with God's herbs," said Kay Soto, owner.

The shop sells more than 200 kinds of herbs, teas and cooking spices. Soto also advises people to eat more onion and garlic throughout the winter. Chicken soup is also good for its broth and vegetables, she said. She is full of tips, such as adding some of the dried spinach the shop sells to the soup to add extra iron and nutrition.

For cold sufferers, Soto sells leaves of eucalyptus and tells customers the "old-timey" way to use it: Boil it on the stove and let the steam float throughout the home. It's an inexpensive way to clean the air and freshen the house. Or, put the eucalyptus in a muslin bag and add to bath water.

Claudia Rogers of Kenly, a registered nurse and customer of Truely Unique, said she's been using teas since she studied holistic medicine in school as part of her bachelor's in nursing degree.

"I use a lot of their teas," Rogers said. "For pain, I would use the willow bark, which is what aspirin used to be made of. I use the eucalyptus or echinacea teas when I have a cold or feel a cold coming on."

For stress, she uses cinnamon-based teas.

"I don't take anything else really. I haven't been on any medicine for a long time."

At an event at the Country Doctor Museum in Bailey, Soto met another area herbalist, Martha Libster of Farmville. who is a nurse, clinical herbalist, and Ph.D. who has written several books on the use of herbs as plant-based remedies.

DeeAnn Macomson, a massage therapist in Wilson, recently tried all three services at Clovell Pointe Wellness Centre -- the emotional freedom technique, foot detox aqua chi, and colon hydrotherapy.

"Because I have a passion for alternative health, I just thought I would go and try them," Macomson said. "Because I had three things done, I think they all played a part in me continuing to feel really good this week."

Macomson said massage plays into good health in an indirect but important way.

"The worst thing for your immune system is stress, so if you are stressed out, your immune system isn't operating the way it should be," she said. "Massage helps bring the body back to balance and induces relaxation."

Massage is helpful in terms of the body's lymphatic and circulatory systems, Macomson said.

Soto said no natural remedy is ever intended to replace doctors, and she often tells that to people who come into her store for help with serious ailments.

"There's ways to help with the minor things and help us stay healthy so we don't have to see a doctor," she said.

Also, natural remedies should be researched before use. For example, children under 1 shouldn't take honey, too much garlic may be harmful to a person about to have surgery, and pregnant women should use caution with essential oils and herbs.

The paper's Dr. Gott recommends prevention as the way to fend off colds with frequent hand-washing. (Follow the 20-second rule of vigorous washing.)

He also warns to stay away from infected people in close quarters.

As well as prevention, don't forget preparation: Once you are sick, it's a bad time to go shopping. Stock up on those lotion-soft tissues now and all your other must-have cold and flu supplies.

keeter@wilsontimes.com -- 265-7817

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HERBS FOR THE COLD WEATHER

Here are some examples of different herbs that people can take and what they might be useful for.

Echinacea: Builds the immune systems by letting it know there are germs there to fight and awakens the system. Should be taken as soon as you feel symptoms or someone around you has a cold. Take only for a few days then stop.

Eucalyptus: Anti-infectious, antibacterial, antiviral, expectorant and anti-inflammatory. Great for all respiratory problems.

Ginger: Anti-oxidant, stimulant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, aids in stomach, intestines, joints, muscles and circulation.

Horehound: Expectorant. Increases perspiration and upper respiratory problems. A good cold tonic.

Lemon balm: Digestive, winter colds, strengthens immune system, stress reliever and heals cracked skin.

Marshmallow Root: Diuretic, emollient and anti-inflammatory. Lubricates the lungs, intestines and kidneys. Great for sore throats and aching skin, inside and out. Expels mucus from lungs.

Mullein: Expectorant, antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic. For lungs and ear glands and lymph systems. Good for colds. A pain reliever for the ears.

Rosemary: Stimulant, circulation, antioxidants, astringent cold tonic, stomach intestines, liver, nerves, brain and lungs. Good for fevers, colic, nausea, promotes liver functions and improves circulation.

Rose flowers or hips: Very high in Vitamin C. Astringent, anti-inflammatory, will ease cramps, and good for colds.

Star anise: Expectorant, antiseptic and antispasmodic. Promotes appetite and digestion.

Thyme: Antibacterial, anti-fungal, diuretic, expectorant and parasitic. Good for throat and bronchial, excellent mouthwash.

Yarrow: Astringent, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, circulation, muscle aches, colds fevers, blood skin, spleen, liver and gall bladder. Promotes sweating and aids in reducing fevers.

Cough Syrup recipe

2 teaspoons rose hips

1 teaspoon of licorice root (pounded)

1 teaspoon thyme

1/2 of a star anise (ground to powder)

1 teaspoon of horehound

1 teaspoon of ginger

Put ingredients in a pot with 1 cup water and bring to a boil. Take off of the stove and let set 1/2 hour. Strain liquid in a large pot. Add 1 cup of honey and let boil on the stove. Stay at the stove and let boil to soft candy stage. Turn off the heat and let cool. Pour in a dark jar, label, and date. Refrigerate. This is good for at least 3 months. 1 teaspoon for children, 2 for adults.

Source: Truely Unique

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STAY HEALTHY

Here are some tips for fighting colds and flu.

--Get your sleep and stay rested. Sleep helps the immune system regroup and strengthens it to fight against antibodies that can bring sickness.

--Keep your body healthy with a proper diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Remember the old adage, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

--Apple cider vinegar is a remedy that dates back to biblical times. It's a naturally occurring antibiotic and antiseptic that fights germs and bacteria that also helps to keep the body's pH levels on track. Try adding two teaspoons to a glass of water and drink three times a day. Two teaspoons of honey may also be added for extra benefits. But be sure to use the raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the "mother," found at health food stores and some grocers in Wilson such as Harris Teeter.

--Garlic is another natural remedy. Crush raw garlic to release more of its allicin, a powerful compound that fights infection and acts as a natural antibiotic. Use a garlic press or knife for mincing into water and swallow. Or add garlic to dishes in cooking.

--Consider using herbs and essential oils to fight your illness. For example, the oil of eucalyptus (also an active ingredient in Vicks VapoRub) is a decongestant and a natural antiseptic that can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil (sold in Wilson at shops such as GNC | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) into a bowl of hot water, lean over and cover your head with a towel, and inhale. Or stop up the shower drain and put a few drops to inhale during a steamy shower.

--Soothe your sore throat with hot herbal teas. Don't forget to add cloves, honey and lemon for their healing powers. Or make a ginger tea by shredding a hunk of ginger root, found in the produce department of most grocery stores.

--At the first signs of sickness, try taking cold-fighting supplements. Some recommended ones are Vitamin C, Echinacea, Cold-EEZE (with Zinc), and Airborne.

--Treat sickness with home remedies such as homemade chicken soup. If possible, boost the healing power of your soup by adding garlic and onion, extra veggies such as green peas, and adding spices such as sage, parsley, oregano and rosemary.

--To help a sore throat, gargle with a teaspoon of salt in warm water, about four times a day.

--Clean and disinfect. Clean naturally with lemon and vinegar, or spray areas and door handles with Lysol Disinfectant Spray. If you can, change the bed sheets and towels. Let in some fresh air. Once you're on the road to recovery, swap out your toothbrush for a new one.

--Keep down germs by covering your coughs and sneezes. After coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose, wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Dispose properly of used tissues in a waste basket.

--Take a steamy shower, suggests webmd.com. Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and relax you. If you're dizzy from the flu, run a steamy shower while you sit on a chair nearby and take a sponge bath.

--Use saline drops, advises Dr. Gott.

--Are you one of the thousands of Americans who bought a Neti Pot after Dr. Oz made them popular on the Oprah show? Use it, as long as your nose isn't completely clogged up, which can cause an ear infection. Nose washing with non-iodized salt is said to help ease cold and allergy symptoms by washing away excess mucous, bacteria and viruses from the sinuses. It helps the immune system's IgA antibodies, which live on the mucous membranes of your nose, go to work.

--Keep hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. Fluids help to moisten and loosen secretions in the nose and lungs, making it easier to clear them. Water is the best.

--Don't forget to treat your feel-bad blues. This is a good time to work on positive thoughts or watch a funny movie and get in touch with people who make you laugh. As they say, laughter is the best medicine.

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