Dr. Jared Hanson, ND, LAc
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist

@Sanavita, 145 E. 16th St., New York, NY     tel: 917-607-5035     e-mail: drjaredhanson@gmail.com


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October Newsletter

A few things you might not know about colds and flus

In autumn as the weather turns cooler, many people find themselves more susceptible to upper respiratory infections. Yes it’s cold and flu season. Fortunately, relief with natural medicines is cheap, easy and effective.

Vitamin C and Zinc are nutrients well-known for their ability to protect you from colds and flus. I usually recommend 1000 milligrams of Vitamin C three times a day and 25 milligrams of Zinc per day. Herbs with well-demonstrated protective effects are Astragalus and Echinacea.

But what if you already have a cold or flu? The herb Melissa officinalis, usually known as "balm" or "lemon balm," will often break it up if taken at the onset. The usual dose is half a teaspoon of the tincture, available at most health food stores, in a small glass of water.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, one of the best herbal formulas for breaking up a cold in the beginning is actually just a recipe for miso soup. This is quite easy to make at home: add a scoop of miso and a few chopped stalks of scallion to water that has been boiled and removed from heat.

If you find yourself with a cold after it has developed, homeopathic remedies are often the quickest way to find relief. The most common ones can be bought in small blue tubes at the health food store for a few dollars. It’s important to take the remedy that fits your cold symptoms exactly. Here are some of the most frequently indicated remedies:

Aconite - the cold comes on suddenly after being out in the cold dry wind.

Allium cepa – cold symptoms are worse inside and at night.

Arsenicum – colds when the weather changes, with a lot of sneezing and a burning watery discharge from the nose.

Gelsemium – you feel dull, drowsy and droopy.

Mercurius – cold accompanied by foul breath and excess salivation.

The important thing to remember about colds and flus is that they are your body’s way of cleaning house. When infectious organisms such as viruses shack up in your mucus membranes, it’s a signal to your immune system that it’s time to take out the garbage. It is your own body, rather than the viruses themselves, that really makes you sick. A fever is literally a way for your body to oxidize or burn up accumulated waste matter. Phlegm and mucus are ways for that garbage to leave your system. This is why strong chemicals that reduce fevers or dry up mucus membranes can often make colds last longer. If symptoms persist, contact a health professional.

I hope these tips help you enjoy a healthy fall season.




To schedule an appointment, or to get on my newsletter mailing list, e-mail drjaredhanson@gmail.com or call 917-607-5035.