Webber Naturals looks into what to do when you catch a cold. 

Without fail, I tend to get a cold about twice a year (although last year was particularly awful, with two back to back colds in the summer on top of my usual two - boo!). However, usually, my first cold shows up sometime in the spring (which, unfortunately, means in the not too distant future); I usually don’t encounter the next one until the fall. My bi-annual cold starts off with a sore throat (that feels a little something like what I imagine swallowing razor blades would feel like), followed by the “sniffles” (to put it politely…) and ends with a booming cough. Not the most fun experience. Which is why I can appreciate the question: “What can I do to help me get through my cold with a little less suffering?”

Best solution: call in sick and take some time to get better. SELF magazine provides some tips on how to take care of yourself when you’re home sick from the office. Hopefully, you’ll be feeling better in no time!

You can also try Webber Naturals’ Cold-A-Tak when you feel that cold coming on!

Image source: teacherappovedbooks.com

Webber Naturals expert Dr. Joyce Johnson shares her secret weapons in the fight against the flu!

You can do more than just a flu shot to protect yourself from viruses this wintry season!

Remember that nasty H1N1 virus? Well, we may not be seeing that particular letter-and-number virus all over the news but the flu season is here. Time to step up our defenses and take care of our health. Check out this video clip of Dr. Joyce Johnson on News Canada,  for our expert tips and techniques to keep you healthy and running up to speed.

Sometimes you need a little extra help keeping you and your kids healthy. Webber Naturals expert Quinn Hand gives us the scoop...

No matter how many preventive measures we take, that cold virus can catch you by surprise!

You may feed your kids nutritious foods, get them playing outdoors, maintain a healthy schedule with good night's sleeps, and have them washing their wands, but sometime they simply get sick. So, here are a few things to keep on hand and tricks to fight infection:

Vitamin C

A potent antioxidant, vitamin C helps support the immune system. As a water-soluble vitamin, our bodies don’t store it. So where do we get it from? Our foods. But in times of viral assault, higher dosages can be used to fight off infection. Anywhere from 1000mg to 6000mg in divided doses throughout the day can be beneficial when taken at the first sight of cold or flu symptoms.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that is part of our immune system, incorporating into something called “zinc fingers”, which help fight infection. It also increases our white blood cells to fight infection. When taken within 24 hours of the onset of cold or flu symptoms, zinc can reduce symptom severity.

Probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that naturally colonize our bodies, particularly in the digestive tract. However, they can also peripherally colonize our nasal mucosa, helping protect against cold and flu. Additionally, they improve gut health, which is where much of our immune system resides, and increase certain immune fighting cells. In the event of antibiotic treatment, probiotics are critical to repopulate the digestive tract and stop the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

Echinacea

This popular herb is a great antimicrobial, boosting the production of white blood cells and interferon (an antiviral molecule). When taken early enough and in the right dosage, Echinacea can lessen the duration and severity of a cold.

Oregano oil

This oil has been traditionally used as a broad spectrum antimicrobial and shows great benefits against cold and flu. Oregano oil is also highly antioxidant. Using about 4 drops, held under the tongue for a few minutes prior to swallowing can be a great tool against that annoying common cold and sore throat.

Wool and cotton socks

Yes, I said socks! This is a traditional hydrotherapy (water therapy) technique that acts as a lymphatic pump to reduce congestion and stimulate the immune system via the movement of lymph through the lymph glands where antibodies reside. Using thin cotton socks, run them under cold water until saturated. Then wring well, ensuring no excess amounts of water. Put them on your feet, then cover with wool socks (at least 80%). Do this right before bedtime and keep them on while you sleep. When you or your child wakes in the morning, the sock should be dry and you should feel better. I use this the minute I start to feel sick and often avoid falling ill!

As the World Health Organization (WHO) says, "Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." So, try to keep these aspects in balance and your child should be on their way to a healthy school year!

Image Sources: stayathomemother.com and womansday.com