There are more than 200 different viruses that cause the
common cold. Despite what your mother told you, cold weather
often only plays an indirect role. Most viruses that cause
colds survive better when humidity is low, and cold weather
may promote drying of the nasal membranes, making them more
vulnerable to infection. Factors such as stress and allergies
may make you more susceptible to colds.
To avoid catching a cold, wash your hands frequently,
especially when you've been in public areas or around someone
who has a cold. Don't touch your nose or eyes. And, when
possible, avoid people who have a cold until the fifth day of
their malady, when they should be less infectious.
Also, increase your intake of water, to keep nasal passages
hydrated. If you do catch a cold, respect the health of
others and avoid spreading it by minimizing contact with
others.
A Winter Herbal Remedy: Echinacea
To help prevent these illnesses, try Echinacea purpurea. The
dried root and leaves of the purple coneflower, echinacea
enhances the immune system, but should not be used
continuously for more than two weeks. People with autoimmune
diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or multiple
sclerosis should use echinacea with caution, and for the
shortest period possible when they have colds or flu.
Echinacea is widely available, and can be found in most
pharmacies, in tincture, capsule, tablet and extract form.
Look for products with 15 percent standardization of
echinacasides (echinacea polysaccharides).
As always, you must find out about the kashrus of any
product you buy.
(c) 2004 Dr. Reuven Bruner. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized
duplication or translation is prohibited without prior
consent.
Contact Dr. Bruner at: POB 1903, Jerusalem, 91314, Israel;
Tel: (02) 652-7684; Mobile: 052 865-821; Fax: (02) 652-7227;
Email: dr_bruner@hotmail.com
