by Barbara Rotthaler
Editor's Note: Barbara also replied to question Marie had about Oscilloco: Oscilloco, yes it is an excellent remedy, but does not work in ALL cases. That always has to be said. This remedy is also part of the ingredients I combined together. Transfer Factor and all the other remedies are available at my practice.
As you probably know, there are two medications for the flu that also work for this specific virus: Oseltamivir (Tami flu) and Zanamivir (Relenza). the old ones Amantadin and Rimantidin are not working for this virus (Info from Germany).
Most of all: No panic (as you know)
Saludos Barbara
An Holistic Approach to the Flu
Alternative medicine views the body as a whole functioning system: It also applies to colds and flu. In this article I want to introduce you to the alternative approach of colds and flu.
First the basic question: Is the infection caused by germs (viruses) or is catching a flu a matter of susceptibility? The condition of the person/host can be a weak immune system and then the source of “catching a flu” is different from being contaminated by a sneezing neighbor.
This is a controversial point discussed in medicine. The conventional medicine promotes the germ/virus theory while the alternative medicine very clearly emphasizes the “host” theory. Probably there is no either/or answer. And it certainly depends on the “pathogenic power” of a virus. But there is this very interesting fact: If people change diet and lifestyle, they will have less infections or at least milder symptoms. This observation clearly supports the “host” theory. For whatever reason, one person who is attacked by a cold or flu virus cannot defend the invaders and gets sick, while others don’t, even though they are exposed to the same germs. How is this explained?
How nature works:
During any infection, the “inner doctor,” the immune system, becomes highly activated and mobilizes specific blood cells, the lymphatic fluid and the connective tissue to fight against the invaders. But, at the same time, this works like a cleansing and purification of the whole body. All the annoying symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, coughing, phlegm, tears, perspiration, sweating, pain, vomiting, diarrhea are actually the response of our immune system in its attempt to fight against the infection. If we support this effort therapeutically the person will feel much better after the illness than before, because the illness worked simultaneously as a detoxification.
What about the fever?
Fever is actually a beneficial reaction because it shows that the defense system reacts in a proper way. During the higher body temperature the production of immune (killer) cells and the blood circulation is increased (providing more oxygen for healing), sweating helps to eliminate toxins, not feeling hungry saves energy that would be otherwise needed for digestion and the person is tired, wants to lay down and the resting helps recuperation and healing.
The Natural Treatment Program
The Natural Medicine approach is very simple and is based on the concept of the “host “theory. The sick person’s overall condition has to be treated by supporting the body’s own defense reactions. So we help by cleaning, sweeping, wiping, purging – just what the immune system tries to do anyway.
The Basic Treatment Program
Fasting with tea and juices or only very light meals. Avoiding sugar, greasy food, meat, milk or processed foods. To sweeten teas, use honey or agave syrup (Miel de Agave).
Take Vitamin C (up to 6000 mg), Zinc lozenges and Echinacea several times a day.
Do a series of intestinal cleansings with Epsom Salt (1 teaspoon in 4 ounces of warm water) or take another laxative.
Rub or brush the whole body and wash it afterwards with cold water. Then go to bed to have a thermal reaction (increasing the skin circulation helps the lymphatic fluids to flow freely). It feels very good!
If you have a bathtub: Take a hot bath in Baking Soda, Sea Salt or Epsom Salt.
Drink 2 cups of hot tea after the bath and take an aspirin to encourage sweating.
Go to bed with a warm water bottle (available at the pharmacy), totally covering yourself with warm blankets and try to sweat.
Rest, stay in bed, cancel social events, etc.
Drink lots of liquids (water, teas) during the day.
In cases of uncomfortable high temperature, take an aspirin or wrap moist towels around the legs.
Repeat all that until you feel better.
Detoxification in that sense supports the healing process. The person will feel better very fast and will not have prolonged recovery time.
What else can help?
Homeopathy:
Influenza C 200 (a homeopathic remedy for prevention of the flu).
Oscilloccynum C 200. This is a remedy for the first onset of symptoms, especially if the person has muscle and joint pains.
Combination of different homeopathic Flu remedies (my own combination)
Gripp Heel and Engystol (Fa. Heel, hom. pharmacy)
Homeopathic remedies work fast and are able to give effective relief and/or are able to shorten the time of being sick. With few exceptions homeopathic remedies usually have to be chosen according to the individual condition of the sick person. Ask for advice at homeopathic pharmacies or consult a homeopathic practitioner.
Transfer Factor
Contains a high amount of immune factors and is made from the colostrum (first milk of mammals). It works perfect as prevention but also in treatments, especially in combination with homeopathic remedies.
Hydrogen Peroxide 3 % (in Spanish: Agua oxigenada, available in all little stores and pharmacies)
Diluted have with water (1,5 %) for gargling. Also put some drops into your nose and ears.
Colloidal Silver use it in the same way.
Oil of Oregano
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Tea tree oil (Antiviral, antibacterial etc.)
Garlic
Propolis
Vit. C and Zinc
tea recipe for prevention
Ginger root (at Super Lake) one inch piece
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
1 or 2 cloves of garlic
honey.
• Put ginger in a pot with 2 cups of cold water, bring it to boil and let it simmer for 5 min. Then add cayenne pepper and garlic and let it simmer for another minute. Take it from the stove and add lemon juice and honey. Drink as much as you want.
• In case of a resistant condition or repetitive infection you can take a product called “Transfer Factor”. It is made from the colostrum (first milk) of mammals. first onset of symptoms if you really cannot afford to get sick! Propolis (from the honey bee) is also recommended, especially as a preventative similar to Echinacea and vitamin C.
Please note that this is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Please seek the help of your medical practitioner before embarking on alternative complementary therapy. Obviously, this is not intended to be a scientific document.
Information or questions: Barbara Rotthaler, German licensed Naturopath,
Tel. 01- 376 766 1987, e-mail: b_rotthaler@hotmail.com , www.geocities.com/rotthaler.health/ Barbara’s office is in the Lake Chapala area of Mexico, in the city of San Antonio Tlayacapan near the city of Ajijic.
Barbara Rotthaler has been one of FOM's Expert Speakers and is originally from Bavaria, Germany, has lived in Mexico since 1997. Barbara has a practice in San Antonio Tlayacapan, a village on the shores of Lake Chapala. She sees clients, offers health lectures and works in a clinic for Natural Medicine in Guadalajara. She is a Naturopath, Homeopath Massage therapist for deep tissue and trigger point massage, reflexology and lymphatic drainage.
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