cygweb

There was a blockbuster study released last year in the NEJM which showed that Echinacea is useless for treating or preventing cold and flu symptoms - it actually performed less effectively than placebo.

There was also a warning that Echinacea may lead to cardiovascular trouble in people who are at high risk for such troubles (elderly, obese, prior heart trauma, etc.).

The rest of the recipe has merit, though.

I've found that depending on the type of illness, what you *don't* eat can be as important as what you do.

For example, with sinus infections, I cut out all dairy food for a day or two (this has been effective for myself and a number of people I've recommended it to). For stomach ills, cut out all processed sugar for a day or two, and have a little active culture yogurt.

The best natural decongestant out there is the spice tumeric (try it out sometime, you'll be amazed how much more effective it is than psuedoephedrine/diphenhydramine, etc.)

I like to hit colds with 2x2000mg of Vit C; really acidify your system. :)

Why do you stay away from cold medicine, though? Coricidin HBP is a great sympton reducer/cold shortener.

I've heard rumours about the echinacea study you mention, Bri; I'll have to check it out. We've been working off the same bottle of echinacea for a while, so we've already been suckered. ;)

Phil: I don't like cold medicine because it makes me either over-amped or drowsy, depending on the medicine. I don't want to be either of those things at work. Never heard of Coricidin HBP, though. OTC?

The Coricidin HBP has Chlorpheniramine (an anti-histamine) in it. I think it's a "second generation" antihistamine, so it shouldn't make you as drowsy. I still only take it at night before bedtime, just in case.

Given your preferences, the turmeric definitely sounds like a better choice. I use a pinch of it in tea or hot water.

And of course always try to refrain from taking the same drug two days in a row; you don't want your body to build up tolerance or rebound after you stop.

Chlorpheniramine is better known as "Chlor-Trimeton", and is a first generation antihistamine that's always knocked me out.

Ok, ok, I guess it's classified as "first generation", but it still doesn't have the strong sedative properties of the ethanolamines (i.e. diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate, etc.)

Wikipedia gave the following reference:

Alkylamines (like chlorpheniramine) are considered to have relatively fewer sedative and gastrointestinal adverse effects, but relatively greater incidence of paradoxical CNS stimulation. (Rossi, 2004)

YMMV, of course.