Dr. Michael Murray The IMMUNE FA CTOR - Natural MediFAQS

T H E I M M U N E F A C T O R
What do I do once I catch a cold?
Once a cold develops there are several things that can
speed up recovery. Do not expect immediate relief in
most instances when using natural substances. In fact,
since most natural therapies for colds involve assisting
the body rather than the familiar drug action of
suppressing the symptoms. So often the symptoms of
the cold can temporarily worsen when using natural
remedies. How can this be? Many of the symptoms of
the cold are a result of our body’s defense mechanisms.
For example, the potent immune stimulating compound
interferon released by our blood cells and other tissues
during infections is responsible for many flu-like
symptoms.
Another example is the beneficial effect of fever on
the course of infection. While an elevated body
temperature can be uncomfortable, suppression of fever
is thought to counteract a major defense mechanism
and prolong the infection. In general, fever should not
be suppressed during an infection unless it is
dangerously high (>104°F). For these and other reasons
it is not uncommon for the individual treating
themselves for the common cold with natural medicines
to experience a greater degree of discomfort due
to the immune enhancing effects of these compounds.
Of course the illness is generally much shorter lived.
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