Herbal Relief for Coughs and Colds

Herbal medicines and a few specific nutritional supplements help us deal with seasonal chills and ills that sweep through a community and put people to bed. 

When infections take hold, herbal medicine can ease symptoms and hopefully reduce complications and duration. Every person is different and if complications arise you will need medical help.

In 2009 our  famous Viral Ease herbal tonic was taken into homes around NZ. Since then we have helped many hundreds of people cope with their winter chills and ills. We want to stress these are NOT preventatives.

Here are our top suggestions for keeping well during the change of seasons

Bodywise’s famous “Viral Ease” tonic – uses herbs that are well researched and have anti-viral and anti-bacterial actions. Black Elderberry is a key herb in our Viral Ease along with many other powerful immune enhancing herbs such as Andrographis, Eupatorium, Baical Scutellaria, Lomatium and more. These herbs can moderate symptoms associated with the change of seasons and winter.

• We also have herbal combinations for those with more chronic  chest problems
• Sinus and lung congestion –  Our Cough Ease tonic is really important for those prone to chronic chest problems in general and to ease coughs associated with colds and  difficulty with breathing .
• Caution here is required as a medical assessment is essential, especially for the young, frail and elderly AND if you are concerned.
• Vitamin D3 – its a must for a healthy immune system and may reduce respiratory complications. Our levels can be low due to life and work indoors, winter and for those people who have dark coloured skin.  For more info
• Lozengers with Elderberry, zinc and echinacea ease throat pain. We love Sambucol lozengers.
• Probiotics may promote healthy gut flora and therefore immunity. We strongly recommend taking a brief course after antibiotics or tummy bugs to restore gut flora.
• Herbs for Post-Viral Fatigue

Specific herbs are suitable and safe for children, pregnant or breast feeding mum’s, and those on medications with direction from a herbalist.

Regularly make up the following tea;

Add boiling water to steep the following herbs fresh or dried : elderflower, oregano, sage, yarrow, thyme and lemon balm, drink hot or cold.

• Once cooled a little add: lemon juice, crushed clove of garlic, grated ginger, pinch of cayenne (optional)
• ½ teaspoon manuka honey

Make a fresh pot each day. Drink throughout the day either hot or cold, diluted to taste or big drink as a concentrate.

Note: don’t use sage if you are breast-feeding – talk to us and we find suitable herbs for pregnant and breast feeding Mum’s.

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Fevers : are anti-inflammatory medications good for babies & children?  

A fever is the bodies amazing response to an infection commonly from a virus or bacteria. The heat stimulates metabolic processes that increase the protective nature of our immune system. A strong temperature, up to 38-39 degrees means immune system is healthy and strong and while sometimes uncomfortable it is usually mean the person will bounce back very quickly.

Having said that, a Cytokine Storm, can become a problem on top of a virus and needs medical help quickly.

While it is tempting to use pain killers and anti- inflammatory medications, research has shown that not only can these drugs reduce the efficiency of the immune system but it can have other major side effects, especially in children.  You can always do an old fashioned Tepid Sponge

How to give a baby or child a tepid sponge.

A tepid sponge can quietly reduce heat. Place baby in a barely warm bath. They may cry a bit. When you remove them the water will cool on their body and assist in reducing heat.  Place cool flannels on their heads and body, again letting the air cool the water on them.

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Adverse drug reactions to nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs –

At Bodywise  we are really concerned because these medications can be very harmful to the liver of  babies & children and the research is there to prove it. They can be used sparingly and as a last resort. 

Check with your Doctor and read the fine print on the product side effects

If your child is suffering any fever & pain   – Bodywise can offer gentle methods to ease and manage these inflammatory fevers.

The following is the conclusion from research performed at: ¹Royal Children’s Hospital, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute & the Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Australia and ²Australian Paediatric Pharmacology Research Unit (APPRU), Murdoch Children’s Research Institute & the Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Australia

Adverse drug reactions to nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs, COX-2 inhibitors and paracetamol in paediatric hospital Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2005 June; 59(6): 718–723

“ NSAID exposures are a significant cause of morbidity in children. Both nonselective NSAIDs and the newer COX-2 inhibitors were associated with significant drug reactions. The reactions reported to COX-2 selective inhibitors have not been well documented in paediatrics. A substantial proportion of ADRs reported were preventable, illustrating the difficulty in ensuring appropriate use of drugs readily available over the counter and the care that needs to be taken with paediatric drug selection. The overall severity of these ADRs highlights the need for ongoing, prospective ADR surveillance in paediatrics, including both established and newer agents ”         (ADR = adverse reactions. NSAIDs = anti-inflammatory meds)

While very controversial, some folk also swear by homeopathic Belladonna and other homeopathic remedies for the relief of high fevers.  These are not prescriptions, get advice from a homeopath.

• Aconitum. For fever that comes on suddenly, often at night, and alternates with chills, heat, and flushing of the face. You may feel anxious, restless and crave cold drinks.
• Belladonna. For sudden onset of high fever with hot, red face, glassy eyes, lack of thirst, and radiant hot body with cold hands. Often easy to look after if not in to much pain.
• Bryonia. Can look like Belladonna with fever and painful symptoms that are aggravated by the slightest movement. Even though it very painful, the can be very restless and irritable
• Gelsemium. For fever accompanied by sensations of drowsiness, heaviness and lack of thirst People cannot not think straight. Often associated with a painful head and down the back and spine.