Flu Fighters

You know the feeling. It starts with a little tickle in your throat and before you know it, you’re down and out with a flu bug.

If you’re looking for an alternative to over-the-counter pharmaceutical standbys, Chinese medicine, which has been used for more than 4,000 years, is worth investigating.

Licensed acupuncturist and owner of Golden Monkey Healing, Matt Schwartz, says acupuncture treatments are a terrific preventative alternative. “The idea is that if you come in with a level of consistency, you then keep energy moving in the body, so there’s no place for disease and sickness to hide,” he explains.

If you do find yourself under the weather, here are few of Matt’s treatment suggestions. While some must be administered and monitored by a trained professional, other remedies may be items you already have at home.

Golden Monkey Healing

15335 Morrison St., Suite 226, Sherman Oaks

goldenmonkeyhealing.com

Yu Ping Feng Wan

This herbal medicine helps boost the immune function before cold and flu season begins. When used preventatively, it can strengthen immunities and fight off pathogens.

Sang Ju Wan

This formula moistens the lungs to alleviate lung congestion and coughing. It’s best taken when the illness (fever and sore throat) is in its early stages and when a cough is just starting.

Gui Zhi Tang Wan

With cinnamon twig essence as the main ingredient, this treatment warms the body and helps ward off chills. It is also useful for nasal congestion, and joint and muscle pain.

Ginger Root & Green Onion Tea

Not the most appealing sounding tea, but it’s great for the initial onset of a cold or flu and helps the body fight off a virus. Just boil fresh ginger and onion to make this tea.

Lemon & Lime

Both lemon and lime go alkaline when they enter the body, meaning they immediately start detoxifying your organs. This helps allocate more energy toward the immune system.

Peppermint Oil

When your child gets a fever, put a little peppermint oil in his or her belly button. The oil acts as a cool-down agent.