Health Tips and Advice
Naturopathy, Herbal Medicine & Reflexology Articles
Boosting your Immunity
with Herbal Medicine, Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrition
Coronaviruses are a large and diverse family of virus which cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
I believe prevention is the Key – by boosting and maintaining your immunity to protect yourself and others with Herbal Medicine and Vitamins, Minerals and healthy nutrition.
Droplet-spread diseases can be spread by:
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coughing and sneezing
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close personal contact
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contact with an object or surface with viral particles on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
My research shows the common symptoms of infection of Coronovirus are:
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High Fever
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Sore throat
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dry cough
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difficulty breathing
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possible diarrhoea
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general body aches
Natural Health Protection: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
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Avoid close contact with people with cold or flu-like illnesses.
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Cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing.
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Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with warm to hot water and soap and dry them thoroughly on a disposable paper towel
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If you are displaying similar symptoms, keep away from those with immune compromised systems e.g. elderly and the very young.
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They key to any virus or bacteria is to acute dose as soon as you feel out of sorts, or notice any unusual symptoms. Do not wait until you get home, or the next day, or wait 2-3 weeks to see your local doctor.
Herbal Medicine
There are many wonderful immune herbs available either in liquid, capsule, tablet or tea. You can purchase individually or contact Bridgitt for an immune boosting product or tincture. Please check any contra-indications if you are taking medication, pregnant or lactating.
Echinacea (angustifolia and purpurea combination). My favourite go to anti-viral herb. Known as a natural antibiotic and immune modulating. Great for the relief of colds, flu and other mild-upper respiratory infections. Check contraindications before using.
Andrographis paniculata. Immune stimulant, anti-inflammatory – relief of mild fever, cold and flu symptoms, sore throat and other mild-upper respiratory infections. Check contraindications before using.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is an ancient anti-viral, immune enhancing and anti-oxidant herb for opening the lungs and bringing up mucus, plus helps induce sweating for fevers, thus its beneficial use for colds, coughs and flu. Check contraindications before using
Garlic (Allium sativum). Known as a natural antibiotic. For common cold, flu and ear infections and helps to reduce mucus. Check contraindications before using.
Olive leaf contains a substance called oleuropein, which breaks down in the body to another substance called enolinate. Which kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the body, but at the same time nurtures microbes essential for good health. Check contraindications before using
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) immune support for throat and respiratory chest infections such as bronchitis, whooping cough and pleurisy.
Mushrooms – Cordyceps, Coriolus/Kawaratake, Reishi and Shiiitake. All are anti-viral and enhance and strength and function of the immune system, helps to provide relief of upper respiratory tract infections including mucus congestion
Honey, Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrition
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids – the body cannot make this vitamin, so needs to be sourced from foods or in a supplement form.
Foods = capsicums, oranges, fruit juices, pineapple, guava, currants, berries, parsley, tomatoes, tamarillo, kiwifruit, broccoli, cauli, puha, mangos, green leafies, most fruit.
Herbs = alfalfa, chickweed, fennel seed, nettle, kelp, peppermint, oat straw, parsley, plantain, rose hips, raspberry leaf, red clover, yarrow, Kumerahou, Grindelia,
Manuka Honey has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. When heated these healing properties are greatly reduced.
Zinc = boosts immunity by blocking bacteria and virus from multiplying.
Foods = brewer’s yeast oysters, meat, pumpkin & sunflower seeds cashews, sesame seeds, tahini, egg, legumes, whole grains, seafood, chilli, ginger, pepper, milk, oats, almonds, sardines, buckwheat, spirulina
Herbs = Alfalfa, Burdock root, Chamomile, Dandelion whole plant, Fennel seed, Mullein, Bilberry, Chickweed, Nettle, Scullcap, Buchu, Sage, Echinacea root, Irish moss, Gotu kola, Milk Thistle.
Vitamin D3 = the sunshine vitamin is a fat-soluble vitamin and requires conversion and activation by the liver and kidneys. Regulates immune system and enhances the body’s response to invading virus and bacteria, as well as aiding calcium absorption for strong bones.
Foods = liver, fish, fish oils esp. cod liver oil, milk, mushrooms ,dark green leafy veges, eggs sunshine,
Bridgitt’s Tip: crush NZ garlic cloves into a small glass jar, add a couple sprigs of Thyme and fill right to the top with NZ Manuka Honey. Allow honey to seep through ingredients for approx. two weeks. Take 1/2 tsp per day.
Your journey to wellness starts here
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