St. Francis Respiracleanse - 50ml

COLD & fLU

Colds and flus are a part of everyday life. They are usually caused by viruses, although if left untreated, bacteria can move in and cause infection as well. Colds and flus can be treated effectively with natural therapies that both kill the infecting organism and support the immune system.

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.

Cold symptoms include congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, dry cough, swollen glands and a low fever. As the cold progresses discharges 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 ache also occur. Flus can also attack the gastrointestinal system and cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The duration of a flu is usually one week, but full recovery can take longer.

Conventional treatment involves the use of antibiotics if the cold has become bacterial. This usually takes care of the current infection. However, the body becomes susceptible to subsequent infections if the friendly bacteria are not replaced. The overuse of antibiotics has also lead to antibiotic resistant strains of various organisms. Individuals can help to minimize resistance by using antibiotics sparingly and always taking recommendations until they are finished.

Benefits of Tinctures

Capsules, soft gels and tablets are very popular. Tinctures, however, have many advantages over these modes of delivery. The bio-availability of tinctures is very high in comparison, because unlike pills tinctures don't rely on digestion to break them down. Tinctures are readily absorbed by the body, beginning their work in the bloodstream almost as soon as they enter the mouth. Which is a very significant benefit. Note also that:

Tinctures can be applied externally as well as internally
Tinctures can be stored for long periods of time, even years, without loss of effectiveness
Tinctures can be taken relatively accurately because they are administered in drops

Why are tinctures alcohol-based?

Not only is the alcohol in St. Francis tinctures indispensable for extracting the active ingredients of an herb, it is also needed to stabilize and preserve them. As well as limiting microbial activity, alcohol has the ability to inhibit enzymatic or hydrolytic reactions in plant extracts.

Alcohol plays the role of a carrier substance conveying active ingredients within the body. Beyond that, it has been scientifically proven that small amounts of alcohol actually enhance the immune system and its defenses.

The amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you'll be surprised to learn, is about the same as what you'd find in an overly ripe banana!