BEFORE RESORTING TO CONVENTIONAL DRUGS, TRY THESE HEALTHY REMEDIES
Many experts say that antibiotics are overprescribed, which has led to the creation of “super bugs” impervious to antibiotic treatment. Used to treat bacterial infections, antibiotics kill the weakest bacteria, but the strongest bacteria often survive – and get stronger.
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Start thinking of antibiotics as a last-ditch measure for bacterial infections that are unlikely to be resolved without them, recommends Michael A. Schmidt, Ph.D., chairman of the Infectious Disease Research Complex at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Antibiotics won’t work against viral illnesses such as colds and flu, and taking them for relatively minor infections will have the unwanted effect of making your body more immune to them.
One caution, say Donielle Wilson, N.D., president of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians: “If your symptoms don’t start improving within 24 hours of taking supplements – or if you have a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit – see your doctor to determine if you need a bacterial culture, an antibiotic-susceptibility test or antibiotics.” Our experts suggest trying these remedies first.
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IF IT FEELS LIKE STREP THROAT…
gargle with bitter orange essential oil and salt water. Use a tincture or capsule of Echinacea and goldenseal. Both herbs prepare the body to fight a throat infection.
IF IT FEELS LIKE A URINARY TRACT INFECTION…
take nettle leaf tincture. Nettle is an excellent remedy for UTIs,” says Jennifer Crain, M.S.O.M., a licensed herbalist in Austin, Texas. “The leaves act as a diuretic and help flush bacteria out of the bladder. Nettle’s chlorophyll also decreases inflammation in your urinary tract.” Try: Stinging Nettle Liquid Extract ($22 and up; wisewomanherbs.net). Drink unsweetened cranberry or blueberry juice.
IF IT FEELS LIKE A SINUS INFECTION…
opt for a five herb formula. A German blend of gentian root, black elder and primrose flowers, common sorrel and vervain is “the best clinically tested herbal formula for sinusitis in the world,” says Blumenthal. “It’s proven antiviral mucus-thinning blend. Try: Bionorica Sinupret Sinus Immune Support ($18; vitacost.com).
IF IT FEELS LIKE AN EAR INFECTION…
Use mullein and garlic eardrops. “Mullein flower is anti-inflammatory and garlic is antibacterial,” says Wilson. Some sufferers use garlic eardrops because their stomachs are too sensitive for pure, potent garlic. Try: Mullein Garlic Compound Soothing Ear Oil ($12; herb-pharm.com). Take quercetin. “Like vitamin C, quercetin relieves the histamine-induced swelling that keeps fluids in the ears-a breeding ground for bacteria. Unlike C, higher doses of quercetin won’t cause loose stool, “Wilson says.
IF IT FEELS LIKE ACUTE BRONCHITIS
Take thyme tablets Taken orally, thyme travels to your airways, where the compound thymol disinfects bacteria. Try: Bronchipret Syrup ($18; vitacost.com).
Natural Health March/April 2013
