Rescue Remedy Recipe – for Cold and Flu Season
Is there anything we can do to rescue ourselves from catching a cold or a remedy to treat a cold or flu?
What an excellent question and one that really matters at this time of year when we are more prone to exposure to those who have a cold or flu. The answer is happily – yes – there is a rescue remedy recipe I have used for many years that has helped me avoid catching a cold or flu and also has helped me when I begin to develop any upper respiratory symptoms be they due to cold, flu or general allergies.
Caution: This recipe works for me because I use it as soon as possible when I have been exposed to someone who has a cold or flu and also I use it if I get any upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing or a runny nose. It is not a miracle and will not likely be able to help as much if you fail to take it soon enough or if you don’t take enough of the remedy.
Colds, although unpleasant are rarely a very serious infection, but the flu can kill someone, so if you or someone you are helping has an actual case of the flu – go to the doctor.
Also, this recipe contains supplements that might be perfect for you, or you might have problems with them depending on your constitution. You may have trouble with the amount I am recommending. You may take medications that will either interfere with the recipe – or worse – the recipe may interfere with the medications you take. So, be aware of this and evaluate your situation before trying this recipe.
Now that the cautions have been explained – here are the ingredients to the recipe:
- Vitamin C – 1000 mg
- L-Lysine – 1000 mg
- Vitamin D3 – 2000 – 5000 IU
- Fish oil – 1000 IU (typically 2 capsules)
- Zinc – 15 – 30 mg
Alternates: Curcumin – 500 mg, Black Cumin Seed (Nigella sativa) – 1 teaspoon, Quercetin 500 mg.
Take this combination 3 – 4 times per day. Take it with a meal or consume at least 1 ounce of walnuts with this. If you take this on an empty stomach, the zinc will cause you to vomit. So don’t do that.
Duration: take this combination for as long as you have symptoms, or if you are using it as a preventative for about 3 – 4 days.
Benefits of the Recipe
- Vitamin C – there are several studies that ‘prove’ the effectiveness of taking vitamin C in order to treat or prevent a cold. There are also several studies that say it does not help. Here is a study that seems to be balanced between the two results : Vitamin C for Preventing and Treating the Common Cold The greatest help seems to be in reducing the duration of colds. In addition to this effect, vitamin C is a precursor to collagen and thus protein. Protein is necessary to create immune cells so this can assist us in the long run as well.
- L-Lysine – the greatest benefit of lysine is in the enhancement of the immune system to develop antibodies that it uses to fight viruses. Although there are no studies that show it can prevent a common cold, there are plenty of studies that who it prevents and shortens the duration of cold sores. Here is one article and here is another about the benefits of supplementing lysine.
- Vitamin D3 – there are plenty of good things for out health about D3, but it also can be helpful in charging up our immune system. Here is a study that confirms vitamin D protects against the cold and flu.
- Fish oil – although I could not find any specific studies about the use of fish oil to deter cold or flu, there are plenty that verify its use to reduce inflammation of respiratory passages. This can be very useful in treating the symptoms of allergies, cold or flu. Here is an article that talks about fish oil benefits.
- Zinc – This article ‘Zinc for the common cold’ offers the evidence that zinc can limit the duration of a cold as long as you take it quickly enough. There is also ample evidence that persistent supplementation of zinc can ward of colds.
- Curcumin – Although no study was specific to its effect on colds, this article talked about its antiviral potential. It is known to be a strong anti-inflammatory agent, so it can help with symptoms.
- Black Cumin Seed (nigella sativa) – Don’t confuse this with the spice cumin, this is an ancient remedy that has shown great healing potential. Although not specific to colds, it is very beneficial in upper respiratory issues, especially for asthma, as this study shows.
- Quercetin – This is a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables. Often taken to help with allergies, this study also speaks of its anti-inflammatory and immune function effects.
Where to Find Rescue Remedy Supplements
Okay, so now we have established at least some plausible reason for this recipe to work, where can we find this stuff. You will find a lot of it locally in your health food stores, some will be common and some will be uncommon. Online is probably where you will find the best selection and prices. Here are some examples:
I like the Now brand, but there are many great brands of vitamin C, with some offering extras like rose hips, or buffering agents, etc. It is best to avoid the chewable forms because the enamel on your teeth will not like the acidic nature of vitamin C.
The NOW brand is also good for lysine but I have found it easy to find this supplement locally as well.
Carlson Brand is known for creating great D3 as well as fish oil
This NOW brand of fish oil is higher in its DHA and EPA content making it great for other reasons than just our rescue remedy. Most fish oils are good, but the amount of EPA and DHA can vary widely, so check the labels
This Thorne research makes a good product and offers a nice 15mg serving so you can pace out the dosage
My favorite brand of Curcumin is the Jarrow Formula
I have just recently discover Black Cumin and have been taking it as a general anti-inflammatory. Glad to have discovered its effectiveness with upper respiratory issues
I like the Jarrow Formula of Quercetin and have taken it for its help in allergies
