I‘ll admit it, I’m a bit of a germaphobe.
And it only gets worse during the height of cold and flu season. If someone sitting nearby starts to cough I take notice, especially when they don’t cover their mouth.
I may let the first one slide, but if it happens again, I’m apt to get up and leave. At the very least I’ll put them on notice by handing them a Kleenex. Cover it!
Is it just me or are you that way too?
My top 5 tips for heading off a cold or flu
If you feel like you’re coming down with something why not try one of my top 5 tips for helping to head off that cold or flu at the pass… no drugs required:
1. Oil of oregano:
Oil of oregano is a super strong germ fighter. The essential oil of oregano which is sold at health food stores and online, comes in an easy to use little dropper bottle. Pour one or two drops in your own ‘medicinal herb tea’ (wink) and then drink it.
It will not taste pleasant. You will probably curse me. But it’s going to help you. Squeeze some lemon and honey into it to help with the flavor.
The key ingredients in oregano are carvacarol and thymol, both of which inhibit the growth of hundreds of microorganisms.
2. Probiotics:
Probiotics should be taken daily for proper immunity, but when you feel symptoms coming on, then you should at least double up on the dose. I’m not afraid of taking probiotics throughout the day, but I AM afraid of feeling miserable and sick.
High-quality probiotics will improve the quality and count of your healthy disease-fighting bacteria. Some strains will even induce IL-10-producing regulatory T cells which is a scientific way of saying they reduce inflammation, and can help immune function as well as inflammatory disorders of the gut like painful Crohn’s.
3. Flunada:
Flunada is a natural over-the-counter spray that I squirt into my throat. You can (and should) also spray Flunada into your nose because this is the point of entry for germs. If you’re feeling like you’re coming down with something, NOW is the time.
Flunada contains a homeopathic blend of wintergreen, eucalyptus and elderberry essential oils. It’s sold online and in drugstores such as Walgreens if you need it right now.
Flunada was tested by 2 independent labs and found to be 99.9% effective against multiple cold and flu strains, including Swine, Bird and Seasonal flu. It provides non-drowsy relief from multiple symptoms, including runny or blocked nose, sore throat, cough, and body aches and pains.
4. Green tea:
If you rummage around in my purse, you will eventually find teabags of flavored green tea. It’s not uncommon for me to ask a waitress at a restaurant for a little cup of hot water “because I have my own medicinal herbs.”
Sam affectionately scolded me once saying, “Do you realize we live in Colorado? She thinks your little ‘medicinal herbs’ are a different kind of GREEN tea!”
The EGCG in green tea was shown in numerous studies—including a 2005 “Antiviral Research” article—to have antiviral effects by unraveling the viral membrane.
5. Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is a strong immune modulator and reduces susceptibility to all sorts of infections. In addition this vital vitamin controls the expression of more than 900 genes involved hundreds of physiological functions.
In addition to writing a syndicated column on health which reaches 20 million people each week, Suzy is the author of a number of books on natural health.
You may have seen Suzy on The Dr. OZ Show (6 different appearances), The View, The Doctors, Good Morning America Health and hundreds of morning shows. Quotes from Suzy, as well as her articles, have also appeared in major publications including Woman’s Day, Reader’s Digest, OK Magazine!, First for Women, Fitness, Natural Health and Better Homes & Garden and dozens more.
Read more from Suzy at suzyCohen.com
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