Cold and Flu
Updated Jul. 14th, 2023
They are usually caused by a virus, although if left untreated, bacteria can move in, causing co-infection. There are a number of natural options we can use to ensure that cold and flu don’t linger longer than they should. Lingering or recurrent infection is a signal of an immune system that is overwhelmed. Natural therapies are also helpful in these cases to restore disease resistance.
Symptoms:
Cold symptoms include: congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, swollen glands and often low-grade fever. As the cold progresses discharge may increase and become green or yellow in colour. The duration of a cold is usually 7 –10 days. Flus usually have the same symptoms as a cold but are more severe. High fever, chills and body aches also occur. Flus can also attack the gastrointestinal system and cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The duration of the flu is usually one week, but full recovery can take longer.
Conventional Treatment:
The only conventional treatment for colds and flu's are to take antibiotics, but ONLY if there is a bacterial infection present! Antibiotics being used for a non-bacterial illness like cold and flu viruses have created big problems like strains of antibiotic-resistant organisms. By only using antibiotics when a bacterial infection is present and by making sure the entire course of antibiotics are followed, you can help to lessen the amount of resistance.
Supplemental herbs, and vital nutrients to fight cold and flu:
Oregano Oil
– Oregano is a VERY effective anti-bacterial. Use it at the first sign of a sore throat, and if it’s bacterial in nature, it’ll be GONE! Chronic use of oregano oil is powerful enough that it will eventually affect healthy gut flora. It's best to use oregano oil for 5-7 days at the first sign of cold, not as a long-term immune support.
Vitamin D
– Its no coincidence that cold and flu outbreaks increase during the winter months, when North Americans are no longer able to get the sunshine vitamin from SUN. We now know the crucial role that vitamin D plays in balancing and optimizing immune system function. Up your intake temporarily if you feel a cold or flu coming on. As a fat-soluble vitamin, D3 should always be taken with food.
Vitamin C
– Vitamin C has been shown particularly effective at preventing cold and flu in those under heavy physical stress, and arguably stress in general. Regular supplementation with vitamin C has also been shown to reduce the average duration of a cold.
Echinacea
– Echinacea has a number of immune specific actions in the body, including anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-protozoal, and anti-parasitic. It’s also a decongestant, lymphatic, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulant. How’s that for cold and flu treatment? Echinacea is most effective when used at the first sign of cold and/or flu.
Elderberry
– It’s ANTIVIRAL!!! To all of those “let-it -run-its-course’’ proponents, who say there’s nothing you can do for cold and flu… think again. Elderberry is a very effective anti-viral, and as such can help to decrease duration and severity of cold and flu.
Probiotics
– The gut is the HEART of the immune system, with more immune cells than any other area of the body. As such, we need to ensure that our healthy gut bacteria outweigh the pathogenic bacteria (also normally present) in the gut.
Astragalus
– Astragalus is one of the most widely used herbs in Asian Medicine. It has the potential to increase the activity of immune cells, enhancing the immune response. Astragalus also has anti-viral properties.
Andrographis
– Native to India, Andrographis may not be as well known as some of these cold and flu busters, but it soon will be! Studies show that it can significantly shorten the duration of cold and flu, as well as being effective for prevention.
I've been looking for more supplements to take to keep my immune system boosted. Generally I only think of these supplements during the winter months but in light of everything I am keeping my immune system strong all year long now.
Good advice. I always have Oregano Oil in my cupboard and take it as soon as I feel a cold coming on. I also use Grapeseed Oil when I start to feel sick. Vit C is always in my cupboard too. I try to eat a lot of fermented foods to get the probiotics I need.
Hello Wendy,
That's an excellent cold & flu remedy you have on hand. They're all great for either keeping your immune system boosted or for combating cold and flu symptoms when you start to feel them coming on. Black Seed oil and Elderberry are other great supplements for chest congestion or immune support. If you're interested in learning about them, we have articles and videos that can help.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/elderberry/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU9gPrku_6k
Have a healthy day!
This article is great reminder since the cold and flu season is coming up and with the pandemic we want to make sure that we are being extra cautious and doing everything that we can to stay healthy! I love taking vitamin D and vitamin C as preventive measures against the cold and flu season to keep my immune system in as best shape as possible, as well as frequent hand washing and ensuring that I am sleeping well too.
Hello,
We are glad you enjoyed this article, there are many supplements that can help support the immune system and can be taken as preventative measures and support other health benefits too. Indeed, sleep is one of the most important components to staying healthy.
Have a healthy day!
These are all great ideas and our family does a lot of those during the winter months! Zinc lozenges are easy for the kids to take! In a house with kids, it's important for us to prep our immune systems, especially as winter approaches. It's excellent finding formats that are easy for our kids to take too. Thanks for the wonderful article.
Hello Meghan,
Glad you've enjoyed our article on Cold & Flu and how to safeguard your immune system before the coming winter months. Zinc is a great immune supporting supplement and lozenges, chews and powders are great ways for kids to be able to take their supplements.
Have a healthy day!
I can always find the products I need for immunity with National Nutrition. I take oil of oregano, vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, reishi and quercetin. The description and benefits are always stated and explained under each item which is very helpful when looking to find the right product(s) and the dosages. I up the dosages I take when I feel something coming on and of course this time of year. Best to keep the immune system strong all year long.
Hello Susan,
That is a great protocol for immune defence, thank you for sharing. We're glad you enjoy all the information on our site from these articles to product information; we work hard to provide you with all the info you need to make a confident decision for your health.
Stay healthy & well!
Thx for the advise. For sure I will stock on more supplements for everyone to have in my household. It's just difficult these days, with cold and flu season fast approaching. I like having supplements on hand because you never know if it could be the Flu or Cold or COVID, the scariest. My go to for cold & flu is Oregano as soon as someone is complaining from a sore throat or runny noses. It works wonders in my household, so does local Manuka honey also whenever I can find it on shelves. I find it goes quickly from stores also. I guess lots use it.
Hello Uliana,
Indeed, having cold and flu supporting supplements during the winter months is a great idea so you have it on hand at the first sign of a bug. Oregano and Manuka are great antibacterial supplements to keep your immune system healthy & on guard.
Don't forget a healthy diet goes a long way at boosting immunity too, check out our recipes too:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/healthy-recipes/
Have a healthy day
Supplements are really useful to get rid of the common cold as fast as possible. My supplement stack to get rid of the cold fast includes oil of oregano, colloidal silver, hydrogen peroxide. I take these 3 things as soon as I feel a cold coming on and my cold always heals on the same day. I will also be adding elderberry and echinacea to my stack as my goal is to get over the cold as fast as possible.
Hello Hassan,
Being proactive with immune health is a great defence against cold and flu and with the winter season coming, now is the time to keep these supplements on hand. Thank you for sharing your protocol, oil of oregano and colloidal silver are great for their antibacterial properties and elderberry packs an antioxidant punch to keep your immune system on guard.
Stay healthy & well!
Garlic's high sulfur content explains the bulb's benefit as a cold and flu fighter. The sulfur in garlic helps your body absorb the trace element zinc, which is an immunity booster. You can find zinc in whole grains such as brown rice and whole-wheat breads. Here's a fast recipe to keep you healthy: Saute some minced garlic in heart-healthy olive oil and then drizzle it sparingly on a slice of whole-grain bread.
Hello Paul,
Thank you for sharing! Garlic has potent antimicrobial properties which makes it great in supporting cold and flu. Those that don't enjoy garlic or can't get enough in their diet to fight their cold or flu may prefer a supplement that's more concentrated.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/herbs/best-selling-herbs/garlic.html
Stay healthy & well!
I am currently suffering with a cold/flu and it's already been 6 days, I have decided to let it run it's course naturally without taking any medications (Advil, Tylenol, etc.), although I am now so desperate for it to just be over that I am considering taking meds. I'm glad I came across this article as maybe I can still take the natural route and speed up my recovery time as well. Thanks for the great info!
Hello,
We are happy you found our article in a time of need. These suggestions are great to have when you're feeling under the weather and some are good at helping prevent or lessen the potential of getting sick by supporting your immune system. You can also learn more about each supplement in our supplement section articles:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/
Have a healthy day!
Strongly suggest using Berberine for running nose, rattling chest and drying up your nasal cavity.
Hello Kathy,
Thank you for sharing, we love hearing that you enjoyed our article and how you use your natural supplements to support your health. If you'd like to learn more about natural remedies for cold and flu, check out this article too:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/elderberry/
Stay healthy & well!