Viral Infections

**Jayci** · 01-10-2011 04:21 AM

Hi Everyone
As 2011 starts, I am yet again hit with another viral infection, I have had over 2010 about five. I am just wondering if there are others out there that suffer from these regularly and what they have done to overcome them?

I am at the moment taking Multi Vs and Probiotics (as I've recently had antibiotics). I am also drinking a lot of water and getting plenty of sleep, so that has helped in recovering to about 95% running rate. First day back at work after taking two days off and I am feeling pretty average.

**ItsASecret** · 01-10-2011 08:28 AM

I am just wondering if there are others out there that suffer from these regularly and what they have done to overcome them?

Yup. They are called common colds, I get them a lot.

I am at the moment taking Multi Vs and Probiotics (as I've recently had antibiotics). I am also drinking a lot of water and getting plenty of sleep, so that has helped in recovering to about 95% running rate.

The thing that people may not understand about viral infections is that they are not caused by bacteria. A virus and a bacterium are two totally different separate things and antibiotics do not work on viruses. Probiotics will have no effect on a virus, only the life of bacteria if they are at all affected by the probiotics. Viruses are hard to kill because they mimic the host (whatever they infect

lant, animal, human etc), so what kills the virus also harms us because of how those viruses work. The only thing that can really be done is to let our own immune system work it out, and to do that you need lots of water and sleep. I also eat a lot of chicken soup when I have a cold because it helps sooth me when I am just feeling like garbage.

**TigersPrettyBunny** · 01-10-2011 10:31 PM

It's supposed to be considered "normal" to get about 7 colds a year. My little cousin is plagued by them at least once a month. I think the best thing is to really monitor your sleep quality and stress levels. Inadequate sleep can hinder the immune system just like too much stress. Remember that garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic. Taking a tablespoon of local honey a day can help prevent a cold brought on by allergies and also boost immunities to the local species of pollen producers in the area. Zinc is a God-send in lessening the duration of a cold. It tastes terrible but does the job! As for Multi vitamins, there are a lot of "brand name" types that don't do squat. I'd recomend Life's Fortune as it's made from natural food sources instead of synthetic lab grown sources (Life's Fortune is the only one that helped me out after trying GNC, one-a-day, and Centrum brands.)

I hope that helps. I have a friend who's studying holistic medicine as well as traditional medicine. She's my guru for all things mind and body. If you want something that helps a particular ailment just PM me and I'll ask her. Most of the time it's a cheap natural solution that works 99.9% of the time.

**TigersPrettyBunny** · 01-10-2011 10:44 PM

Also!
Here are some antiviral herbs that are tried and true both in the eastern and western medicinal circles.
Juniper - highly effective against cold and flu viruses
Lemon Balm (tea) - effective against colds and herpes
Peppermint - use as a tea or essential oil additive
Licorice (tea) - highly effective against many viruses
Ginger - also antiseptic, anti indigestion, anti gas, and anti motion sickness. Eat candied, in gingerale, as a tea, basically any way you like it.