Catching a cold - what's the 1st line of defense?

[Seasha]

A viral cold flu is going around our parts and dh and ds at home have caught it. They have been taking goldenseal and echinacea. I'm am feeling run down and feel the beginnings of what they have. I was told that goldenseal and echinacea are 2 things we shouldn't take if we have MS, so I'm wondering what I can do?? I've upped my Vit. C and am drinking lots of water and hot herbal tea and sleeping lots. Can I take zinc? I do take lots of other supplements, btw.

What do you all do and take? Thanks~ I don't want this thing!!

[Sequoia]

I take Echinacea...plenty of it! Dr. Andy Weil feels it's appropriate for MSers to take while the cold/flu is coming on, and while it's acute, but to be stopped as soon thereafter as possible. Any "boosting" of immunity is outweighed by getting a fever over with ASAP.

I also take NAC on a regular basis to ward off colds/flu or to make them lighter if I do get them (according to studies).

[Seasha]

Sparky, I;ve been taking 750mg of C, so I will double this!

Sequoia, I have taken a couple of Echinacea in 2 days....just didn't think I should. What exactly is NAC? Don't think I've heard of it.

[Abe Munder the Wheeled Wonder]

Also wash your hands a lot, keep hands away from eyes/nose/mouth, and stay clear of breath/sneezes of sick folks. Probably common sense, just trying to help. (A cold hits me so hard that I did a column on prevention.) Good health, good luck!

[Sequoia]

Sequoia, I have taken a couple of Echinacea in 2 days....just didn't think I should. What exactly is NAC? Don't think I've heard of it.

I take 3 Echinacea at a time, several times a day (per bottle instructions).

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supple...TYL%20CYSTEINE

[rainykatie]

garlic! crush fresh garlic then slice and add to a bowl of soup. i swear it has helped me in the past, when just about to get a cold.

[nutritiontara]

Calcium Lactate and Castor Packs!

advanced: I always have (super high quality) colostrum in my fridge.

I make my clients have it in their arsenals and always travel with it. Sucks to spend your vacation beng ill.

[Seasha]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I was able to "nip it in the bud" by taking three Echinacea 3x/day, plus drinking Gypsy Cold Care tea and EmergenC several times a day - plus sleep! All this along with my arsenal of daily supplements. After 3 days, I felt fine!!!

[knuckle]

Evidently, drinking a tea of Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Cinnamon and Cayenne Pepper works wonders.

[AnneLouise]

Evidently, drinking a tea of Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Cinnamon and Cayenne Pepper works wonders.

Sounds awful! *gag*
But it's not supposed to taste good, right?

But, seriously, how much of each ingredient is used to make the tea? I take it you haven't tried this..?

[Sequoia]

My husband drinks something similar at the first sign of a cold; he swears by it.

He can't get the rest of the family to try it, though!

[Bob698]

Also wash your hands a lot, keep hands away from eyes/nose/mouth, and stay clear of breath/sneezes of sick folks. Probably common sense, just trying to help. (A cold hits me so hard that I did a column on prevention.) Good health, good luck!

You beat me to it.
While some germs can spread thru the air, most don't. The usual means of transfer is though touch. That's why good old soap and water or a jug of hand sanitizer is so effective.

[struck-a-nerve]

garlic! crush fresh garlic then slice and add to a bowl of soup. i swear it has helped me in the past, when just about to get a cold.

It does help and also ginger and lemon. These are all awesome and the sentiments about honey. Go local and raw with your honey it can kill bacteria! Food as medicine will not always keep you from getting sick, but it can help!

[SusanKay]

No more colds

I am 54 and have been dx since 26. I am in the sp stage. I have not had a cold or flu for probably 7 or 8 years. I am not on any crab drugs. One advantage of my ms is that since my immune system is in overdrive, it seems to keep other illnesses away. I don't walk the best but I never miss work. Has anyone else experienced this?

[Twenty Miles]

You beat me to it.
While some germs can spread thru the air, most don't. The usual means of transfer is though touch. That's why good old soap and water or a jug of hand sanitizer is so effective.

Me too!

Also I like the Triple Leaf Tea, Cold & Flu Time tea.