Natural Antibiotics for the Cold and Flu Season

Boosting the Immune System Naturally with Herbs and Supplements

Oct 28, 2009

Prevent, or at least minimize the severity of illness for the cold and flu season by boosting the immune system naturally.

Immune system herbs and immune system supplements can act as natural antibiotics, creating an environment that is undesirable for bacteria, viruses and other dangerous microbes. Conventional antibiotics are effective for treating a specific ailment and have saved many lives. They are powerful chemicals and should be respected as such — used when necessary, but not taken simply as a matter of convenience, as the side effect of antibiotics is a weaker immune system, and therefore, a greater need for more antibiotics in the future.

Boosting the immune system with natural antibiotics, on the other hand, is a way to increase the body's defenses while at the same time nurturing the body. The role of herbs and supplements is to support natural processes in times of vulnerability, including when antibiotics are taken, and to prevent an infection from occurring in the first place. They are particularly beneficial during the cold and flu season, but can be taken at any time.

How Natural Antibiotics Work

Natural antibiotics work in a number of different ways — by stimulating the production and functioning of white blood cells, which are responsible for defending the body from infection; acting as antimicrobials, directly destroying bad bacteria and viruses, and helping the body eliminate toxins naturally through the skin by promoting sweating. Nutrient supplements also stimulate the immune system, promote healing, and protect cells.

Infection and disease happen when the body's natural defenses are weak. Factors such as a poor diet, a pre-existing disease, medications, and emotional or mental stress all diminish overall health. Immune system herbs and supplements jump start the immune system so that it is ready for those tiny foreign invaders known as microbes.

Immune System Herbs as Natural Antibiotics

Herbs are whole sources of nutrition and medicine. They consist of active phytochemicals as well as supporting constituents, which when taken as a whole entity have a tremendous ability to nourish and heal. Herbs are most effective when taken cumulatively; one cup of tea is not going to protect the body from the cold and flu, although one cup every day for two or three weeks may. They are still useful during an infection, boosting the immune system and helping the body cleanse itself of bacteria and toxins, as well as after illness when the body needs to recover and restore balance.

The immune system herbs can be taken with one another or on their own. The proper adult dosage is one to three cups of an herbal infusion a day, made from one cup of boiling water and two teaspoons of the dried herb, or 15 to 20 drops of an herbal tincture, taken one to three times daily with juice or tea.

Immune System Supplements as Natural Antibiotics

All nutrients are necessary for overall health and well-being, but taking immune system supplements is beneficial for boosting the immune system naturally, especially during the cold and flu season. Vitamin C helps to increase the number of white blood cells; buffered ascorbic acid crystals mixed with water are easily absorbed by the body. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, which protects mucous membranes, helping to ward off infection. The B-complex vitamins have a variety of functions, making them essential for healing; they also help to reduce the extra stress on the body caused by illness. Zinc is an immune system supplement, most suited at the start of an infection. With the first signs of a cold or flu, take zinc supplements or zinc lozenges as they stimulate the immune system and nourish cells.

Other Tips for Boosting the Immune System Naturally

The holistic approach to healing and disease prevention involves not only taking natural antibiotics, but taking care of the body in other ways as well. A healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, yogurt, and water is important for the body remain in a state of balance. Daily exercise, even a 20-minute walk in the fresh air and sunlight, will help maintain a healthy blood flow and relieve stress. Perhaps most importantly, be sure to get enough rest to keep the immune system working properly. All of these actions combined are a way to empower oneself and take control of health instead of helplessly dreading the cold and flu season.

Balch, Phyllis A. " Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).

Hoffmann, David. "The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies." (Element Books, 1996).

Page, Linda. "Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone." Eleventh Edition (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).

The copyright of the article Natural Antibiotics for the Cold and Flu Season in Natural Medicine is owned by Brenna Coleman. Permission to republish Natural Antibiotics for the Cold and Flu Season in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.