Immune Support

Warming socks may be helpful in such conditions as the common cold, the “flu” (not the “stomach flu”), earaches, sore throats, and sinus infections. It is useful with people of any age, from infants to the elderly.

MOA (Mechanism of Action):

By increasing blood flow or circulation, an increase in lymphatic drainage and white blood cells occurs, which is necessary for fighting infection and recovering from symptoms. 

What you need:

• 1 pair of thin cotton socks
• 1 pair of thick wool socks
• 1 basin, bathtub, or large bowl filled with warm water

How to:

1. Begin the treatment with warm feet. (This is important). If your feet are already warm (e.g., you have already been in bed, or you are doing this on a small baby, move on to step 2.) If you have cold feet, soak them in a basin or your bathtub of warm water for a few minutes, until they are warm.
2. Soak the cotton socks in cold tap water, or ice water and wring them out thoroughly. Place the socks close to the basin or bathtub used in the next step.
3. Remove your feet from the warm water and quickly dry them off. Immediately put on the cold wet cotton socks. Put the dry wool socks on over the wet cotton socks.
4. Go directly to bed and keep the feet covered in your blankets throughout the night.

When the Warming Sock Treatment is followed correctly, the feet will start warming up within a few minutes of getting covered in bed. The congestion will usually start to be relieved within 30 minutes. After approximately four hours the cotton socks should be totally dry, the feet warm, and the symptoms will be much improved (if not gone). The Warming Sock Treatment can be repeated through the night or used on consecutive nights.

References:

• Dishman, M. Immune system boost! Warming socks hydrotherapy. Inspired Health. (2016). Accessed October 16, 2023. Available at: http://drmeaghandishman.com/warming-socks-immune-system-boost/.

Steam inhalation is a popular treatment for symptoms of colds, sinus infections, and other respiratory issues. While steam inhalation can be used as a source of palliative care for symptom management, remember that therapy for these conditions centers on resting and drinking fluids while managing symptoms.

Key benefits:

Sleep aid; treating voice hoarseness; easing sore throat; management of congestion; rehydration of nasal passages.

How to:

1. Find a vessel, such as a large bowl.
2. Boil water with a kettle.
3. Fill the bowl with boiling water; place a towel on your head to create an enclosed space.
4. Position your head 8–12 inches above the water. Keep your eyes closed.
5. Inhale the steam with slow, deep breaths for at least two to five minutes.
6. Limit the duration of the individual session to 10–15 minutes. Reheat the water every five minutes for longer inhalation sessions.
7. Repeat sessions two to three times a day, as needed to reduce symptoms of congestion.

Optional: adding essential oils, such as eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and lavender, to the boiling water may help with symptoms. Research has shown these to ease inflammation and have an antibacterial effect on bacterial sinus infections.

*Note: Use caution when using this home therapy, as there is a risk of burns. Additionally, steam inhalation is not recommended for young children or babies.

References:

• Gurarie, M. Breathe Better with Steam Inhalation. Verywellhealth. (2023). Accessed October 13, 2023. Available at: http://www.verywellhealth.com/steam-inhalation-for-cold-and-sinus-5213591.
• Horváth G, Ács K. Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting their role in bacterial infections and their anti-inflammatory action: a review. Flavour Fragr J. 2015;30(5):331-341. doi:10.1002/ffj.3252
• Singh M, Singh M, Jaiswal N, Chauhan A. Heated, humidified air for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;2017(8). doi:10.1002/14651858.cd001728.pub6
• Little P, Stuart B, Mullee M et al. Effectiveness of steam inhalation and nasal irrigation for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms in primary care: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Can Med Assoc J. 2016;188(13):940-949. doi:10.1503/cmaj.160362
• Ichiba T, Kakiuchi K, Suzuki M, Uchiyama M. Warm steam inhalation before bedtime improved sleep quality in adult men. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:1-7. doi:10.1155/2019/2453483

While there is a plethora of tea choices on the shelf at any given store, which one(s) should you choose when it comes to supporting your immune system and relieving symptoms if you have a cold? Here are some of the most commonly used herbal medicines and their mechanism of action:

• Echinacea. (Echinacea angustifolia): is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and an immunomodulator, (meaning it is capable of increasing the number and activity of white blood cells). Echinacea enhances the resistance of the immune system to infections and stimulates wound healing. It is used for colds, influenza, wounds, infections, allergies, bacterial and viral disease, swollen glands, and gum disease. It is specific for infectious conditions.
• Goldenseal. (Hydrastis Canadensis): is astringent, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial. It has immune stimulating qualities and increases the blood supply to the spleen. Goldenseal is used for colds, flu, sore throats, acute and chronic middle ear infections, conjunctivitis, and a variety of other mucous membrane problems.
• Osha. (Ligusticum porter): is antiviral, carminative and diaphoretic (meaning it stimulates sweating/detoxification). It has immunomodulating properties and is commonly used to support viral upper respiratory infections (URIs).
• Lavender Bergamot. (Monarda fistulosa): is immunomodulating, antiviral, astringent, expectorant and diaphoretic. It is used for influenza, cold, indigestion and as a numbing gargle for sore throats.
• Ginger. (Zingiber officinalis): is antimicrobial, diaphoretic, antipyretic (meaning it assists in reducing fevers, antitussive (meaning it helps to decrease coughing), expectorant (meaning it supports a productive cough), anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, analgesic, antioxidant and an immunomodulator. It has been shown to increase phagocytic (meaning it increases white blood cell scavenging) activity.

A carrot poultice is a great way to soothe a sore throat and is easily prepared in your own kitchen. Poultices are medicinal ingredients spread onto a cloth and applied to the body to help draw out toxins, soothe inflammation and fight infections. Carrot poultices are particularly good for the throat and neck area to support colds, throat infections and swollen lymph nodes.

MOA (Mechanism of Action): Carrot poultices stimulate lymphatic movement and increase blood flow. Stimulating the lymphatic system filters the blood and more importantly, transports large numbers of immune cells to the area of application. Blood flow is increased as the body works to warm the poultice, bringing in more immune cells and removing cellular waste material that may be generated.”

How to:

• 1-2 grated carrots (you may use a hand grater or a food processor).
• Place the grated carrots on a thin cloth, shear stocking, or durable paper towel that is wet with cool water.
• Fold or roll the cloth, tucking in edges and/or tying off the end of the stocking.
• Place the compress over/around your neck. Consider wrapping a scarf around the carrot poultice to warm the area and assist in keeping the poultice in place while you rest.

The carrot poultice should be left on the neck until it has been warmed or for as long as it feels good. There is no limit to how often the poultices can be used, however frequent and prolonged use could result in a slight orange coloration to the skin where it is applied. This treatment is safe and effective for both adults and children.

Reference:

• Hamilton, M. Sore Throat? Try a Carrot Poultice. Flow Natural Healthcare. (2015). Accessed October 23, 2023. Available at: http://www.flownaturalhealthcare.com/sore-throat-try-a-carrot-poultice/