October 27, 2003 – Winter is knocking on our doorstep, and with it cold and flu season is back. Not to mention that, since last year, all those who will suffer from it may wonder if they are not rather stricken by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
That doesn’t mean, however, that we have to passively submit to the goodwill of the next virus. Several alternative approaches can strengthen the immune system and, at the same time, possibly reduce the number of days spent in bed shivering under the covers.
Here are a few to try.
To sleep!
“The first cure at this time of the year, and the one that really strengthens the immune system, is sleep !, suggests Dr. Paul Lépine, who practices at La Maison de la Sante in Quebec. Prolonged sleep, especially when going to bed earlier ”.
Dr. Lépine also stresses the importance of identifying the reasons that may have led to a weakening of the immune system, whether it be a question of deficient lifestyle habits, an emotional upheaval or other. A review should be carried out periodically in this regard.
In addition, since a drop of prevention is preferable to a liter of cure, he suggests, together with his colleague, naturopath Danielle Ruelens, as a preventive measure, shark liver oil (which would increase the number of white blood cells in the blood), probiotics (since the first immune barrier is found in the intestine) and green products rich in chlorophyll.
Foods and Supplements
It is also possible to include in your diet products and supplements that will help fight infections that may appear.
Famous Dr. Andrew Weil recommends three fungi in particular: cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis), umbel polypore (Polyporus umbellatus) and shiny polypore (Ganoderma lucidum). All three obviously stimulate the immune system. The latter two are also believed to have anti-tumor properties, in addition to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties for the umbel polypore.
Similarly, he suggests adding two cloves of garlic per day to cooking foods, in order to take advantage of the interesting antiviral properties of allicin, an active ingredient in garlic. The pods should be crushed or sliced and added at the very last minute.
Finally, Dr. Weil recommends daily doses of 200 mg to 250 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU (or 80 mg) of natural vitamin E, 200 µg of selenium and 400 µg of folic acid.1.
Essential oils
For her part, the aromatherapist Carole Durand suggests certain essential oils offered on the market premixed, such as formulas 10 and 11 from the company Pranarôm. These are available in liquid form, capsules and suppositories. The same company also offers oleocapsules called “Immunessence”.
For those who would not be afraid to get their hands dirty, Ms. Durand suggests a mixture of 3 mL of Cinnamomum camphora, 2 mL of Melaleuca alternifolia, 2 mL of Thymus vulgaris thujanoliferum, 2 mL of Mentha x piperita and 1 mL of Cinnamomum verum. She recommends taking two drops in half a teaspoon of cold pressed olive oil three times a day for 21 days, stopping for seven days, and repeating as needed.
If a certain fatigue is felt, it is possible to stimulate the adrenal glands by applying externally, twice a day, between five and ten drops of the following mixture: 5 mL of Pinus sylvestra, 5 mL of Picea mariana and 10 mL raw sesame oil.
Protective granules
The homeopath Christian Calvé underlines, first of all, that one of the basic principles of homeopathy is to provide the body with certain “information” about the disease, information which will allow it to react more quickly if ever the disease occurs. disease had to present itself.
Despite this, even in people who are under the care of a homeopath, “there may be more worrying situations requiring more specific homeopathic treatment,” he says.
For children, he recommends one dose per month of Mucococcinum 200, between the months of October and March. Alternately, you can take a monthly dose of Avian Tuberculinum 30CH, from mid-October to mid-March.
For adults, one dose per month of Influenzinum 15CH, from October to March, alternating with one dose per month of Tuberculinum 30CH from mid-October to mid-March.
M. Calvé specifies that these treatments cannot be given to someone who is not already under the care of a homeopath, and that the start and end dates are approximate and will vary depending on the local climate.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
1. Prevention, November 2003.
