Saturday, January 26, 2008

The Healing Power of Garlic

With ear and respiratory infections abounding during the winter months, let's look at some ways to deal with them naturally. My first line of defense is always garlic- in its many forms! For adults, Kyolic (odor modified) Garlic capsules are ideal, and can be taken to treat or prevent infections. You should take two capsules with each meal for as long as you have symptoms, then you can cut back to one per meal. ALWAYS take garlic capsules with food- otherwise you will burp, have an upset stomach, and be socially unacceptable! Add to that Natrol Ester-C, and you have an unbeatable combination. (Also take 2 per meal with the garlic.) I personally take this all winter to keep my immune system strong. For children, there is Michael's garlic oil. This is a lifesaver as it gives you a simple way to give them an effective dose. At the first sign of a cold or flu, put 4-5 drops in one ear, massage next to their face to get the garlic down into the ear canal, then put in a small piece of cotton ball. If they are coughing or wheezing, you can also rub several drops of the oil onto their chest or back. If you miss the early warning signs and end up with a full-blown ear infection, you can still use this same method, just be diligent to use it twice a day, alternating ears. Add to this Hyland's Vitamin C pellets(for lack of a better word!), which can be purchased at your local health food store. They come in small doses, and simply melt in your child's mouth. I have used this with infants, and it is perfectly safe. If you or your child has already had an antibiotic this winter, you should get a potent form of acidophilus to replenish the good bacteria that was killed along with the bad by the medicine. Two capsules in the morning and two capsules at night on an empty stomach should have you straightened out in a week or two. Then continue with 2 at bedtime for the rest of the winter. The beauty of taking acidophilus(or probiotics) is that in the capsule it is simply beneficial bacteria, but once in your intestines, it forms a natural antibiotic! I would not be without it in my home . A good potent brand will always be found in the refrigerator at the store, and should be kept refrigerated.
Well, ladies, that is enough for now! Please comment or ask questions. I look forward to hearing from you!