Read Online The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body - Heal Your Body Naturally and Maintain Optimal Health Using Alternative Medicine, Herbals, Vitamins, Fruits and Vegetables by Stacey Chillemi, Dr. Michael Chillemi D. C. - Free Book Online

They have also found that lozenges made with zinc gluconate seem to be most effective, and that the lozenges should not contain citric or tartaric acid, sorbitol, or mannitol, because they can decrease the effectiveness. The lozenges were generally taken once every two hours for the duration of cold symptoms. Possible side effects include unpleasant taste, nausea and copper deficiency.
    Echinacea
Echinacea is a popular herb used to reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold. Last year, Americans spent an estimated $155 million on echinacea, according to the Nutrition Business Journal. Although some recent studies have cast doubt on echincea's effectiveness, herbalists say that those studies were flawed and they did not use the right doses or types of echinacea.
    Herbal Dosages:
    Herbalists often recommend a total daily dose of 3 or more grams of echinacea per day at the first sign of cold symptoms. It is usually taken in divided doses, with a dose every 2-3 hours. After one to two days, the dose is usually reduced and continued for the following week.
    Vitamin C
    Back in 1968, Linus Pauling, Ph.D., winner of two Nobel prizes, postulated that everyone has differing needs for vitamins and some need amounts higher than the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). He also asserted that 1,000 mg of vitamin C could reduce the incidence of colds by 45% for most people. Since then, research studies have shown that vitamin C can prevent colds, reduce cold symptoms, and enhance immune function.
    Vitamin C in high doses can cause loose stools and gas in some people. Although most will not notice these side effects at 1 g a day when taken in divided doses, it can occur. Some supplements also contain beta-carotene and vitamin E, vitamins that have also been found to fight colds and flu.
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Candida
    What is Candida?
    The yeast Candida albicans is yeast that normally lives harmlessly in small numbers in the body, controlled by beneficial bacteria in the body and the immune system.
    If antibiotics kill the beneficial bacterium, or if a person's immune system becomes weakened, Candida can grow unchecked and cause symptoms.
    Localized infections, such as oral thrush, skin infections, and vaginal yeast infections in women can result. Widespread infection can occur in immunocompromised people.
    Candida overgrowth in the intestines is thought to, in some cases; penetrate the intestinal wall, causing the yeast and other unwanted particles from being absorbed into the body. This is thought to activate the immune system, resulting in fatigue, headache, mood swings, poor memory and concentration, cravings for sweets, and has been linked to conditions such as fibromyalgia.
    This condition, popularized by William Crook, MD in his 1983 book, The Yeast Connection, is considered very controversial. Most conventional doctors think this systemic condition is over diagnosed and many disagree with the diagnosis.
    Contributing Factors
              Use of oral contraceptives
              Use of steroids
              Use of antacids
              Use of anti-ulcer medications
              Frequent or long-term use of antibiotics
              High-sugar diets
              Pregnancy
              Diabetes
    Symptoms
              Tired or lethargic
              Poor memory
              Feel drained, depleted or exhausted
              Numbness, burning, tingling
              Stomach pain
              Joint pain or swelling
              Muscle aching or weakness
              Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or belching
              Bothersome or persistent vaginal itching, burning, or discharge
              Prostatitis
              Erectile dysfunction
              Loss of sexual desire
              Endometriosis or infertility
              Menstrual