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Immune Boosting Herbs

© Andrea Ellis

Spring is upon us. Many of us think that Flu season is over, but for many it's just the beginning. A lot of people succumb to the flu in early spring for a number of reasons. The warming air is making people want to be outside, some without adequate insulation. The warm air also provides many more places for bacteria and virus's to live. With the days getting longer people aren't sleeping as much, this and the other factors mentioned means an increase in fatigue, and a decrease in immune functions. With the threat of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) now in the world, the flu has taken on a whole new level of fear.

Prevention is the best defense against all manner of illness. Immune boosting herbs can make up the bulk of that defense, but before we talk about immune herbs a quick word about SARS.

The Symptoms of SARS are high fever (over 38° Celsius), dry cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties. Pneumonia like symptoms is indicative of SARS. Other symptoms include headache, muscular stiffness, loss of appetite, malaise, confusion, rash and diarrhea. Close contact with an infected person is needed for it to spread from one person to another. Contact with exhaled droplets and bodily secretions from an infected person are thought to be a factor in its transmission. Most of the cases have occurred in hospital workers who have cared for SARS patients and the close family members of these patients. However, the amount of the infective agent needed to cause an infection is not yet known.

Treatment for SARS has been effective. In some cases the use of anti-viral and antibacterial drugs have had some success. It is likely that the use of Herbals would also be effective, but the seriousness of the disease precludes that experiment, for now.

If you have come into contact with a possible SARS patient, get checked out immediately. If you have, or come down with any of the above symptoms go see your doctor, the motto of "better safe than sorry" is important here. Don't attempt to self medicate until you are positive your flu is just the regular flu.

In the meantime those of us who don't want to get any sort of flu, SARS or otherwise, immune boosting herbs are very useful. The two most commonly known herbs for colds and flu are Echinacea (echinacea angustafolia, or purpurea) and Garlic (allium sativum). Both improve the function of the immune system and are anti-viral and antibacterial in their actions.

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