Natural Therapies

Immune Boosting Natural Remedies
Lysine:
Lysine is one of the nine essential amino acids meaning it cannot be manufactured in the body and must be taken in the diet or in supplement form.It's an excellent treatment for cold sore sufferers and recent studies show that it can significantly decrease the frequency, severity and healing time of cold sores. Also a little known fact to remember during a cold sore attack is that eating foods rich in arginine (another amino acid) can encourage the growth of the cold sore virus. Such foods include chocolate, all nuts, seeds and cereal grains.
How to use: Lysine must be taken in doses of at least 500mg-1000mg daily to exert anti-viral properties.
 
Echinacea:
Echinacea is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants and is renowned for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and immune-boosting properties. It's a good idea to take this herbal remedy when you are feeling run-down or in close contact with people with coughs, colds or other infections. Recent studies indicate it's very effective in treating and preventing colds and flu, sinusitis and even recurrent chest and urinary tract infections which are resistent to antibiotics. Studies have also shown that echinacea can reduce the severity of symptoms and speed recovery.
How to use: Echinacea should be avoided by patients with M.S. or any other auto-immune or other immune-deficient.
 
Zinc:
Zinc is the most important immune-boosting mineral and has excellent anti-viral properties. In a randomised, double blind controlled study carried out in Cleveland, USA, 100 people received either a lozenge containing zinc every 2 hours or a placebo. The duration of cold symptoms was reduced from 8 days to 4-5 days in the zinc group. It's also a great treatment for mouth ulcers and general wound healing.
How to use: Zinc is available as a nutritional supplement in tablet or lozenge form. Take 15mg tablet daily for prevention and treatment or take lozenges as directed by the manufacturer. These should be taken as part of or alongside a multivitamin/mineral supplement.