Staying warm and staving off the influenza virus

January 2012 By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist /Business Representative for the Herbarium Special to PRIME Happy New Year! Let's hope for a happy and healthy 12 months. I think it is right to start the year prepared for the cold and flu viruses that will inevitably hit our family and friends. If you remember back in November, the government came out and admitted that the flu vaccine was not effective for most people, especially the elderly (less than 5 percent effectiveness), but you should still get one. This news upset a lot of people to say the least. Fortunately for us, Mother Nature has been providing the solution for centuries. Have you ever really looked at the fall harvest? Ever wonder why these root vegetables and dark berries are ready for the pre-winter? Look at the colors: orange, yellow, dark red, dark green. These foods are the Creators gift to us. They are rich in bioflavonoids, Vitamin A, the Carotenes, and Vitamin C. All the things we need to sustain ourselves through the winter months. Granted, in the old days those items may have been enough. Today we need other supplemental herbs to help us: Echinacea, Goldenseal, Astragalus, Fo-Ti, Dandelion, Burdock (come to think of it, these tonic herbs are all roots!) are available separately and in formulas to help strengthen the immune system and fight off the germs. Elderberry syrup is great for fighting flu. Dear Jonathan, I have been having trouble with my eyes. My doctor says it is because of my computer work, but I can't stop that. Are there any suggestions you have to help? -Andrew Dear Andrew, I understand that computer eye strain is an unavoidable problem, but there are things that can be done. The most important is to look away from the screen on a regular basis. You need to refocus the eyes at different distances. There are several herbal formulas that can help. Nutraceutical 's Eye formula (SP-23), Dr. Clayton's EyeClear or Nature's way Herbal eyebright formula would be very helpful. The herbs such as eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) and red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) strengthen the eye muscles and are useful for general eye health. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtylis) is great for building and strengthening the macula. Vitamins A, C, & E, plus Beta Carotene and Lutein, are essential eye nutrients. Herbarium has an Eye Health Sheet with the listings of herbs and supplements needed for good eye health. Dear Jonathan, I have read your column and see you always suggest Magnesium for leg cramps or restless legs but I have tried Magnesium and it causes the runs. Are there any other herbs I could use? -Terri Dear Terri, Before we get to herbs, have you tried Magnesium in any other form than oxide? The oxide form of Magnesium is the most likely form to cause your problem, as it is not well tolerated by the body. You might try a citrate, malate, glycinate or another amino acid chelate form which might work better. If you have had problems with these other forms, try a homeopathic remedy called Mag Phos. Magnesium phosphate is a very dilute form of Magnesium and will relieve cramps without side effects. One last note to any new readers and a reminder to you long time readers. If you are out and about in the snow and ice, try putting good old cayenne pepper in your boots. It will keep your feet toasty warm in the coldest weather. Make sure to put it in your boots with socks between you and the pepper, make sure to start with dry feet, and for heaven's sake, don't touch your eyes or any sensitive skin with cayenne on your hands! —Jonathan Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx : Jonathan Evans via e-mail at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail at The Herbarium, 264 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. If you are requesting additional information from Jonathan, please include a self-addrresed stamped envelope.