Immunity boosters

Immunity boosters

Use these tips to boost your immune system -- and prevent a cold or flu.
Updated:
2009-10-19 00:58
Published:
2003-10-21 00:00
By 
Heather Watterworth

Taking care of your immune system

Your immune system is your body's internal healing machine. As cold and flu season approaches, it's important to keep your immune system in top shape to prevent a pesky virus or infection. Many people will suffer at least one cold or bout of the flu per year, and the flu vaccine is just one way to prevent illness. Try these natural immunity boosters recommended in Healthy Immunity: Scientifically Proven Natural Treatments for Conditions from A-Z by Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe (Macmillan, 2001).

Feed a Cold
Healthy eating habits are crucial to all-around well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet provides you with disease-fighting vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin C increases resistance to infection and improves the ability of cells to digest viruses and toxins. Broccoli, sweet red and green peppers, and citrus fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids - such as fish and eggs - strengthen immune cells and reduce inflammatory interleukin-6 and interleukin-1 cells. Try to reduce sugar consumption in your diet. Sugar disables your natural disease-fighting cells, allowing viruses to take hold.

If a nasty cold or flu has made itself at home in your body, some ingredients can shorten the bug's stay. The antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of garlic help to detoxify your immune system and expel mucous. Cayenne pepper is a decongestant that also reduces fever. Maximize these benefits by adding both ingredients to a pot of homemade chicken soup. Mom was right: chicken soup eases congestion and reduces inflammation to soothe an aching body.

Exercise and Weight Management
Weight maintenance is a crucial aspect of taking care of your immune system. Even an additional 20 pounds can lower your immunity. Exchange the processed junk in your diet for food that is nourishing and rich in nutrients.

Exercise also improves the body's ability to ward off a cold or flu. But be careful not to over do it. Intense exercise can make you more susceptible to infection so alternate difficult and easy workout days.

Sleep It Off
Get plenty of sleep and rest. Without enough sleep, our body's disease-fighting defenses are weakened, enabling a cold or flu virus to wreak havoc on your body. If you do get sick, stay home to recuperate fully and reduce the spread of the virus.

Echinacea
An immune-enhancing herb, echinacea has been proven to shorten the duration of a cold or flu, and acts as an antibiotic. Try echinacea tea or take it as a supplement while your cold or flu runs its course.

Wash Your Hands
Hand washing is an easy way to prevent illness. Colds and flu are viral infections passed from one person to the next via contaminated air and objects like doorknobs, washroom fixtures and bus or subway poles. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, and avoid touching areas where viruses can enter the body such as the mouth, nose and eyes.

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  • Karey wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:46 AM

    While I am glad to see that handwashing is on the list, I feel that it is of paramount importance, and should be listed first. All too often people underestimate the value of handwashing in disease transmission and illness prevention. Studies have shown that propery hygiene and handwashing is the number one way to reduce the transmission of viral agents and communicable diseases.

  • marie-claude brown wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:46 AM

    I am a university student studying chemistry. We have learned, and its been proven, that to cure a common cold, it would take unimaginable amounts of vitamin C. Sure you need your daily dose of vitaming C in your diet, but taking them to cure a cold is pointless. Vitamin C caplets are also pointless since they are quite water soluble and don't affect you greatly.

  • Mike wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:46 AM

    I have read that echinacea does little or nothing regarding the severity or duration of the cold virus. A study out of the United States deemed that echinacea does not affect the symptoms of a cold. I have also heard that it is not a good thing to take too much of echinacea as it has its own ill effects.

  • Marie Whan wrote:

    Nov 06, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:46 AM

    This is an excellent article. When I even think I'm getting a cold I drink an echinacea tea and take 1,000 mg vitamin C each day and I hardly know I'm sick. I'm over the cold before it has a chance to sink in. I try to eat healthy food as well. For me, keeping busy helps to pass the "sick-time" quickly. Everything I've read here is true in my case.

  • ruben kang wrote:

    Nov 06, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:46 AM

    Pound down a carton of orange juice and sleep at least 12 hours, and that should do the trick. When I worked as a grocery clerk, I bought cartons of OJ, and just drank it straight from the carton, much like your own bottle of water on a consistent basis over time. Did not get sick the whole winter (usually, I avg 1-2 colds).

  • Kathy Horsford wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    We all know too much sugar is bad for us, but there's not a lot of evidence that sugar disables the immune system. And the more recent research is pretty clear that echinacea only boosts the immunie system very briefly - like for a few days, so should not be taken regularly to try to build the immune system. If the article actually convinced people to wash their hands regularly it would probably go a long way towards reducing disease - might have been better to replace the space on sugar and herbs with some proof about handwashing. Thanks - it's fantastic that you accept feedback!

  • Dr. Jones wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    echinacea has been studied in large randomized placebo-controlled, blinded trials and has shown to have no benefit in people with colds/flu.

  • Anne wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    odd that no-one thought to mention garlic ...

  • Trish wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I agree with sleep and vit C.

  • Horgez wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    It is both misleading and incorrect to state that echinacea "acts as an anitbiotic." When making a claim such as this, it is always a good idea to cite the source.

  • joan wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Echinachea....while it does not act as an antibiotic ....acts as a trigger for your body`s immune system. It works only if taken early enough and in high enough dosage (100 mg tid). Large amounts prophylactically do no good whatsoever as it must be taken only when a cold is coming on. It does not work for everyone. It can trigger the body`s immune system into action and shorten the length of a cold and at times prevent it altogether.

  • Mike Yednoroz wrote:

    Nov 06, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    The article was an excellent reminder of things to do or keep doing in preparation for the flu season.

  • Susan Guidry wrote:

    Dec 18, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    This is addressed to Mark: I noticed your comments on autoimmune diseases and I would be interested on hearing more about fibromyalgia. I have fibro and am always struggling with having low energy levels. I would like to learn more about how to boost my energy levels.

  • susan Larwill wrote:

    Jan 08, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I always had bronchitis started on garlic haven't had it for 6 years.

  • Terry Johnson wrote:

    Jan 08, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I have been using echinacea for five years. Prior to my "discovery" I used to get a cold every year and it always...and I stress always...got into my chest and the cold lasted almost two weeks with hacking and coughing which caused backaches and headaches. Now, I may still get a cold but the duration is shorter and the symptoms not so severe. Until this year it never again got into my chest. I know I was under a lot of stress and very tired this year and I suspect my immune system was weak. I believe, therefore, that echinacea does work in conjunction with a healthy immune system.

  • Bob Martin wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    It's always nice to read articles like this, kind of puts it in layman's terms where everyone can understand it and not have to be a rocket scientist. I was more than happy to share this with my staff here tonight during our job briefing. I'm always on the look out for simple articles as such where they can completely understand it and feel comfortable about it, as a matter of fact, they feel proud that they are able to comprehend it. Thank you kindly Bob

  • Sarah wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Echinacea has been a great boon to my family and we definitely benefit from using it. I prefer the Purpurea which is made from the root, and touted in Europe rather than the Augustfolia from the flowers. I could not be without my echinacea. Works for me!

  • Hertha wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Kevin . . . you are wrong . . . Echinacea DOES help a cold . . . I've proven it more than once. And even right now . . .having taken it with the cold I have, I am not experiencing the bad coughing and terribly runny nose I always do with a cold . . . no fever either . . . we have used it in our home for a number of years now and have found it makes a great difference.

  • Mark Cryderman wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I agree with many of the ideas presented in this article such as sleep, hand washing, and exercise and weight management to reduce the likelihood of getting a cold or flu. There is some positive literature supporting Omega 3 fats for immune support however I think this article gives people false promises. Eating foods high in vitamin C content is no doubt good for your health. However, one must look at the history behind the vitamin C craze. Dr. Linus Paulings pioneering research has been taken out of context and he was wrong on many of his claims. In order for evidence to be considered 'truth" it must be repeated over time with similar results. There are over 16 well-designed double blind studies that have clearly shown that supplementation with vitamin C does not prevent colds or flus. The only positive thing it may do is slightly reduce the symptoms of a cold due to its antihistamine effects. I do agree getting vitamins and minerals from our food is a fantastic idea. It is not a good idea to tell people eating these foods will prevent getting a cold or flu. Show me the peer reviewed double blind studies that show this preventative ability of Vitamin C. If someone wants to supplement with vitamin C, it is a waste of money to do anytime more than 500-1,000 mg. The high dose theory is unproven! I strongly support good nutrition and alternative practices but we need to look at the facts. Let us not be swayed by the supplement industry marketing machine. I advise you do a comprehensive literature search and analysis of some of the 'brand' name supplement companies. You will be amazed at what you find. Anyway, my primary point is tell people to eat nutritious foods for there own sake not as a cold preventative. If someone does eat all these good foods and still gets sick they are likely to think 'this food did nothing to prevent me from getting a cold.'

  • Caroline Calmettes wrote:

    Nov 06, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Echinacea is a popular herb thought to reduce the symptoms and duration of colds and flu-like illnesses. The evidence for this is weak. It is believed to work through short-term stimulation of the immune system. It has not, however, been proven effective in preventing disease and is not recommended for long-term use, since the practice may actually depress the immune. Neither the FDA nor any other federal or state agency routinely tests echinacea products, or other supplements, for quality prior to sale. Quatlity control is generally poor.

  • Marie Whan wrote:

    Nov 06, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    One thing I forgot to mention: This usually works best at the beginning of a cold although, it does speed up the illness-time when taken (for me) after cold/flu has already hit.

  • Andrea wrote:

    Jan 05, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I agree with Colleen about Echinacea and Vitamin C in that they have to be taken more often than most people take them in the early stages of a cold. As a health food store owner I have seen many people stop or slow down the onset of a cold by taking Echinacea, Vitamin C, Garlic and some Zinc, but most people don't take enough of these supplements to make them work fast enough! I also love Elderberry taken with all of the above. It works and it's delicous!

  • Colleen wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Hurray for your article, in that it mentions echinacea and vitamin C. To eradicate your cold within 72 hours though, one must take 20 drops of echinacea extract in a little water and 1,000 mg of vit. C every two hours (about 8-10 times a day). Most people don't use high enough amounts and become disappointed but this amount has worked well for tons of people coming to my healthfood store.

  • Betty wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Echinea works for colds. That is what my family uses. Also lots of rest.

  • Jane wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Echinacea does not help me in any way or for anyone else I know.

  • Mark wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Kevin, you are flat out wrong. Several studies have proven the effectiveness of echinacea.

  • Larysa wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I have to diagree Kevin, Echinacea does wonders for a cold, you have to take it faithfully as directed, at the very first sign of getting sick! It is scientifically proven!

  • Sho Cuz wrote:

    Nov 06, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I"m a chronic sevre asthmatic (life threatening) and have been taking achinacea for the last 3 years at the first sign of a cold. It no longer gets a chance to get to my lungs, by the second day my sniffles are gone. My boyfriend now takes it and we have passed it on to a couple of our friends who now thank us for letting them know about it.

  • Rick wrote:

    Nov 06, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    This article is nothing more than common sense. Who needs MORE common sense? My problem with articles like this one, is that they are TOO simplistic and almost condescending : which is a major problem with the media in general. Come on journalists!!! Treat your audience like intelligent adults, not ignorant, naive fools. As if people DON'T know that healthy foods will boost immunity; or that washing your hands will stop the spread of germs!!! This article is too ridiculously obvious. I'm surprised they didn't mention that smoking may in fact weaken your immune system, and that if you already have a bad cough, you should lay off of it!!!

  • Betty Lucianovich wrote:

    Jan 05, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    What a great site. I just found it today and I really enjoyed the articles as they are so informative and easy to understand. I will be watching for things on Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue as I have both and right now both are really getting me down. Happy New Year.

  • jack wrote:

    Jan 08, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    These tips are definitely useful for this time of year! I was happy to see that you included echinacea on your list because it has come in handy each and every time I've felt something coming on this winter...I swear by garlic as well and was surprised to read about cayenne...thanks again!

  • Cam wrote:

    Jan 08, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    It's unfortunate this article states as fact some commonly held, or unproven misconceptions. Firstly echinacea has no proven immune boosting ability, in fact the latest study invovling echinacea found no more correlative or causal effect than a placebo. The same goes for vitamin C, though it helps to make sure one has a proper balance of vitamins and minerals in the body, and that vitamin C is instrumental in the immune systems maintenance. Vitamin C itself does not "increase resistance to infection".

  • Kevin wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Echinacea does little or nothing for your immune system. Ditto for shark cartilage.

  • Catherine G. Uffen, M.A. J.D. wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Echinacea is currently under review by the Canadian Food and Drug Administration and use and purchasing may become subject to controls.

  • BJ wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Echinacea is a wonderful herb for immune boosting. Be sure to take the right kind. A mixture of echinacea angustifolia root containing echinacosides, plus echinacea purpurea root. E. purpurea has been clinically proven in Germany and published in the Commission E Monographs as a immune stimulant. Be sure the product is made from the root, as the tops and flowers (aerial parts) are not medicinal. Buyer beware - read labels carefully. Also, the mind-body connection is very important. For example, if your doctor gave you a pill for arthritis and your sister said it didn't work for her, chances are it won't work for you because your brain will tell you it won't. Be open minded, try herbs. They were the mainstay of medicine from the beginning of human history, until the last 50 years. And most modern medicine is derived from herbs, such as digitalis from foxglove and aspirin from willow bark.

  • Mark Cryderman wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Just one other note. If you have an Autoimmune disease such as Ankylosing Spondylitis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, etc, taking Echinacea is dangereous. It can potentially cause Iritis for people with certain autoimmune diseases. I don't want you to think I am attacking your views. I'm not. I enjoy many of the articles at Homemakers.com. Many people in 'alternative health' will believe anything that's outside conventional science. I believe in some natural remedies, but with caution. Many people who use supplements, herbs, etc., believe there is no danger because it is 'natural.' This line of reasoning is tremendously dangerous and the staff in most health-food stores may not be equipped to safely advise people.

  • Marie wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I'd like to know exactly what it is echinacea does for you. I take it regularly, and even when I'm sick, but I don't notice a difference!

  • Chris wrote:

    Nov 06, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Thanks for mentioning that sugar suppresses immune function. Research has shown that it slows down our white blood cells, our first line of defence against bacteria and viruses. As for echinacea, in my experience, it works best taken at the first hint of a cold, rather than after the cold has really taken hold.

  • Glen wrote:

    Nov 06, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    How can you state, "echinacea has been proven to shorten the duration of a cold or flu" without quoting a reliable source? Who has proven this? You show yourselves to have very little credibility by making such unsupported statements. All I have heard in regards to reputable studies on echinacea is that it does *absolutely nothing* to fight sickness and that is causes sterility in rats.

  • Pat VanWoensel wrote:

    Jan 08, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    It is unfortunate that employers don't follow the "stay at home if you're sick" theory. Most employers expect you go to work when you have the flu let alone a pesky cold. I wish they would send employees who have colds home rather than sharing their germs with the rest of the staff. Maybe it that had been done, I wouldn't have this cold now.

  • Lauraine Syrnick wrote:

    Jan 08, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    good to remind people of the basics - especially about washing hands. Doesn't hurt to wipe door handles to bathroom with disinfectant when a cold in house.

  • Lucie Bellemare wrote:

    Feb 02, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Over the last 5 years, I've turned to Milk Thistle when I've been exposed to people that are sick with colds and the flu. I've found that it works better for me than Echinacea.

  • Tracy wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Echinacea can work to a minimal extent if taken during the early signs of a cold (such as taking it at the first sign of a sore throat).

  • Elizabeth wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I agree wholeheartedly that echinacea does nothing for the immune system. In fact, I did a literature search last year and critically appraised articles looking at this topic and none of the studies found a significant difference in cold prevention and duration when taking echinacea. I'm wondering where this article found information that proved the opposite.

  • janis bergey wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I was heartened to note that you acknowledged that echinacea's healing properties have indeed been scientifically proven. The last time a nasty cold hit our house, the "carrier" had it for 5 days. When the rest of us started showing symptoms, I bought echinacea and 1,000 mg vitamin C and dosed everyone every 3 to 4 hours for 24 hours and by the end of the second day every one of us was feeling progressively better. One thing we read later that turned out to be true: keep taking it for another 24-48 hrs after symptoms seem to be gone, or it tries to take hold again.

  • bala Krishnan wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I might add that vitamin C and echinacea in the morning definitely helps. As well, frequent hand washing is a good idea. One more thing I learned over time: do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth if you suspect you have touched something that the public uses all the time - such as elevator buttons, door handles etc.. until you had a chance to wash your hands thoroughly.

  • Nadine wrote:

    Nov 06, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I heard echinacea is bad for young women....is that true??

  • Dan Zollmann wrote:

    Nov 06, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Please please please do not continue to publish poorly researched drivel such as this article. Was there any attempt to verify Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe's findings? I'm NOT an expert in immunology, but am familiar with at least some of the clinical studies performed on echinacea, and understand results to date are mixed at best. Other claims appear to be on equally shaky ground. Please do more to make sure future health-related articles meet higher standards than this one did.

  • someguy wrote:

    Nov 13, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Echinecea DOES help your immune system and is proven. I have used it and lost the flu in two days because of it.

  • Kimberley wrote:

    Jan 08, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    A certain species of echinacea (purpurea), if grown and harvested properly, does help to boost your immune system. Most commercial products, however, don't distinguish which species they use.

  • Cristy wrote:

    Jan 08, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Whats the bid deal about echinacea?? So, it works for some people and doesn't for others! Well, Duh, we all have different immune systems and our bodies fight off colds and flu's differently. Most of the points listed are common sense that our great-great ancestors used when they had a cold too. Drink plenty of fluids, eat properly and get rest! Works for me, without all the vitamin supplements.

  • Elizabeth Lowenger wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I would like to know what proof you have that extra weight equals lack of immunity. Surely this is related to diet and stress of self-loathing than the weight itself. Happy fat people are far less likely to get sick than unhappy thin people.

  • Rob wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Echinacea is the most studied herb in the world. here is no doubt that it works (as a non-specific immune enhancer) nor how it works. There remains some controversy about preparations and mode of administration, with alcohol-based full spectrum liquid extracts showing definite increased efficacy compared to pills, capsules and tablets. Good Health

  • GM Quipp wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Very helpful article. Thank you so much.

  • Emme wrote:

    Nov 05, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I feel that echinacea is one of the best things I have ever discovered. It helps my whole family to recover from colds very quickly. I always make sure I have some in my house!

  • blaine wrote:

    Nov 06, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Echinacea does TOO help prevent colds, flu, etc. Taking it during a cold also lessens the symptoms. BUT you have to have a "break" period from taking it. Check the health sites. IF you are pregnant or taking other medications of course you should clear it with your MD.

  • Susan Guidry wrote:

    Dec 18, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    Your advice regarding consuming one alcoholic beverage per hr. is great advice, however, it is a misconception for some people that if you are eating you can consume more alcohol. That is a myth.

  • Marina wrote:

    Jan 05, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    According to my doctor and pharmacist, the research on Echinacea does not support the myth that it is an immune booster. However, they did say that there is some rather strong research results with Zinc lozenges, 15 mg three times a day, for *adults* only (apparently, children's immune system do not respond to it).

  • V wrote:

    Jan 08, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I agree about Echinacea doing nothing from my experience. Vitamin C though was helpfull.

  • sue wrote:

    Jan 08, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    What backs your claim that echinacea does nothing for you? Should I just take your word?

  • Peggy wrote:

    Apr 28, 2008

    2009-09-22 10:48 AM

    You must be careful suggesting taking Echinacea to boost immune system-as anyone that has any kind of a transplant cannot take herbal or naturopathic cures etc. Perhaps you should have a disclosure to contact your physcian 1st. Also not only be overweight lowers your immunity being underweight will also effect your immune system in the same fashion.

  • Amber wrote:

    Feb 28, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    Echinacea has done wonders for my body before and during the time i've had a cold and has actually prevented my cold from getting worse so I've never had to take work off or cancelled plans! vitamin c is also great, im all for natural medicines and herbs thank you for this article, it was great!

  • Sarah wrote:

    Mar 17, 2006

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    The thing about herbs is they are a FOOD. So if the rest of your bodily intake (AKA: food, nicotine, alcholhol, etc.) are not good, then the herbs are not going to work. They also are not effective if you are not getting enough sleep or exercise. So if you want to be healthy, then BE HEALTHY in what you DO.

  • Patricia wrote:

    Jun 20, 2005

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    I was one who always had a cold from November to April. One would go away for a few days, and then I'd get another one. I remember my friends always teasing me about it. One of my friends told me about Echinacea. I thought- " What have I got to lose?" I've never looked back. I've been taking it now for about 5 years, everytime I feel a cold coming on, and I've been amazed at the results. I'll have a bit of a sniffle for a day or two, and then nothing. Even my family doctor has commented that I haven't been to him for a bad cold in years. It has certainly worked for me !!!!!

  • Shaaron Grogan-Sheahan wrote:

    Jun 21, 2005

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    On Echinacea: I have found that if you take it in sufficient quantity early in a flu/cold, it does help ward off a nasty bout with either. As well, any kind of steamy liquid, consumed while steaming helps break up congestion. No chemicals needed. Use herbs and grow fresh.

  • Al Stickland wrote:

    Apr 18, 2005

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    Interesting articles, but we have been taking HMS 90 for 3 yrs and it is a great immune system builder. It gives your body the components to make its own glutathione naturally. We have had hardly any colds or flu for three years. Yours Truly Al Stickland

  • LD wrote:

    Feb 26, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    Cold FX is full of GINSENG (For energy) and ocsillium to fight flu..take 9, the first day, 6 on Day 2, and 3 on Day 3..much better than echineciea Or ..cut up a whole grapefruit skin (full of anti.inlammatories) boil w/ water and honey, and drink a cup every hour..yummy and full of Vitamin C..

  • cleve wrote:

    Jan 08, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    echinacea is great never get sore throats since using it and shortens length of colds

  • lynn sandberg wrote:

    Nov 02, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:52 AM

    Echinacea works to help keep colds away or to decrease the time that I have a cold orflu for.

  • mike wrote:

    Jan 09, 2006

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    Echinacea works for me...many times, over and over!

  • Carol Myler wrote:

    Nov 01, 2004

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    In mentioning contaminated objects such as doorknobs,washroom fixtures etc., you have failed to mention the worst one of all.....telephones. If you have ever shared a workplace telephone with co-workers who are sneezing and coughing into the phone, or their hands, you know what I am aiming at. Or worse still a public phone. How does one deal with this?

  • Mel wrote:

    Oct 13, 2005

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    For Bob who shared this article with staff: You sound like a respoisible, kind, and caring manager - kudos, and thanks for sharing :)
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