Can you compare cold and influenza symptoms?
Influenza is characterized by high fever, headaches, other pain, and extreme exhaustion. A cold is characterized by less severe symptoms, including mild fatigue. Sore throat is common in colds, but uncommon in influenza.
What is the difference between Bronchitis and Pneumonia?
Bronchitis usually begins with a dry cough, whereas the cough associated with pneumonia normally produces mucus that may be yellow, green, or tinged with blood. Pneumonia can produce fevers in excess of 101F, rapid heartbeat and increase in respiration rate. The symptoms of bronchitis can disappear within two to three weeks, while pneumonia can last for months. A radiologist can see pneumonia on an x-ray, but not bronchitis. Bronchitis usually responds well to Clear Air, and other herbal approaches. Consider herbs as an adjunct to medical treatment for pneumonia.
What are your principal formulas for influenza treatment?
We recommend Isatis Gold or Cold Away at the first signs of cold or influenza. If influenza is confirmed, adjunctive formulas may be considered including Clear Heat for high fevers and fast pulse, Head-Q if there are headaches, Clear Air if there is lung involvement, Nasal Caps 2 for sinus congestion, Clear Phlegm with copious mucus, and Quiet Digestion if there are signs of digestive distress.
What is the best way to avoid influenza?
Frequent hand washing, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining a stress reduction and exercise program are important. Health professionals may consider taking Isatis Gold or Cold Away for one day before, during, and after being exposed to patients or family members sneezing and wheezing, air travel, or crowds of people. Astra C (yu ping feng san) and other tonic formulas can be used to prevent infections. Research suggests that two capsules a day of Colostroplex will help reduce influenza.
Is influenza contagious?
Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning on the first day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass on the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on influenza to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some persons can be infected with the influenza virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others.
What do you suggest for clients who take considerable time to recover from influenza?
In our clinic, we typically recommend Astra C in conjunction with constitutional herbal therapy or Colostroplex to prevent influenza. At the first stages of an infection, we would recommend Isatis Gold or Cold Away and if the clients have prolonged influenza, we would suggest the combination of Ease 2 and Power Mushrooms.
Why do you recommend formulas with Isatis leaf (da qing ye) and root (ban lan gen)?
Isatis leaf and root are widely used in Chinese hospitals and clinics in the treatment of influenza, chickenpox, mumps, hepatitis, and viral skin diseases. Isatis leaf and root are featured in Isatis Gold, Cold Away, and Astra Isatis a formula used for chronic viral infections.
What helps persistent mucus?
We have found Clear Phlegm (wen dan tang) to be the strongest phlegm resolving formula. It is typically used along with Isatis Gold and Cold Away for influenza treatment. It is important to note that this is a drying formula so typically it is administered as a short-term remedy.
What approaches do you take when clients have sensitive digestive systems?
Formulas such as Isatis Gold and Cold Away work by clearing virus and bacteria through the urine and feces. People with sensitive digestion may get loose stools as a result of the herbs reducing toxins. If this is the case, it is important to monitor dosing, and consider using Colostroplex as an adjunctive formula. Colostroplex can not only protect against influenza symptoms, but it also treats gastrointestinal infection and stops diarrhea. It is usually administered with Isatis Gold or Cold Away in the treatment of influenza.
When should my client seek medical attention?
Any time symptoms are particularly aggressive, running a high fever, or unusual bleeding such as from the gums or nose. The Center for Disease Control recommends that infants, seniors, and people hospitalized for influenza receive anti viral medications.
Why use Health Concerns solutions?
We are committed to pure, safe, and effective formulas. They are traditionally processed and manufactured under extensive quality controls. Testing throughout the formulation and manufacturing process ensures optimum effectiveness and maximum bioavailability.
What do you think of the Neti pot?
Nasal irrigation with salt water is highly recommended for people with sinus issues. Neti pots and similar products should never be shared. They should be washed with hot soapy water after each use. Distilled or filtered water is recommended for the nasal cavity.
Where can I receive further information?
For further information, please visit the free webinars section of this website. Influenza: Integrative Treatment Approaches and Cold and Flu Protocols are available there. Also see Health Concerns Professional Newsletters: Vol. 8, No. 2 – Herbal Cold and Flu Relief (Gaeddert) and Vol. 9, No. 4 – Cold Away: A Remarkable New Formula for Colds and Flu (Cohen).
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