First my husband brought something ("it") home. Then, I succumbed to the nasty bug. Feels like something heavy is nesting on your chest among other symtoms.

Terrifed when I heard my 9 year old son coughing in the early hours and awaken to complain of a terrible sore throat, (these were my same symptoms) I ran to the local health food store and picked up a bottle of an herbal tincture called "Osha"... it was actually a combination Osha/Echinacea remedy. I was never so sick in all my years and was determined avoid the suffering for my little boy; I gave him a morning, afternoon and evening dose. I always half the adult dose for children. The next morning he was back to his old self.

Where did I get this idea from? I am not a trained herbalist I merely worked in a natural foods store several years ago and remembered a similar bug that seemed to be afflicting alot of people at that time... "it feels like something is standing on my chest" was the general complaint, and this "Osha" seemed to kill the invading bug invariably. I just had to offer this.

-- mama (bubbyben@sopris.net), January 08, 2000

Answers

Thanks for the tip. We use a lot of herbs and vitamins here. We haven't had the flu yet, but if we do, we will try it. Thanks again.

-- J Wheel (motherof5@wellprepared.noregrets), January 08, 2000.

Thanks mama.

-- tim phronesia (phronesia@webtv.net), January 08, 2000.

Colloidal silver is also effective.

-- cin (cinlooo@aol.com), January 08, 2000.

Mama, thanks so much for the tip. Gonna get to the health food store on Monday and get some. I've had this damned flu for two weeks now. It's no fun. Thank you very much, and I'll pass this bit of information on, it won't do any harm.

-- Richard (Astral-Acres@webtv.net), January 08, 2000.

OSHA = Occupational Safety & Health Administration

-- this is (really@pretty.funny), January 08, 2000.

Osha root is an herb used

-- Casey DeFranco (caseyd@silcom.com), January 09, 2000.

mama,

It is Osha root (that's the part that is used). The botanical name is Ligusticum porteri. It is similar to Parsley or Fennel in it's shape and form. It's used (and has been for centuries by Indians) for treating colds and lossening phlegm. It's also an anesthetic and disinfectant for sore throat. It can be prepared as a simple tea, strong tea, dry root tincture. There is very little toxicity.

I am not a medical doctor, nor do I promote nor reccomend the use of this product in medical conditions. This is not intended as medical advice. Blah, blah, blah.

Casey

-- Casey DeFranco (caseyd@silcom.com), January 09, 2000.

O.T. flu in the air

Everything you ever wanted to know about this flu epidemic and more.

-- buggy (cough@sore.rack), January 09, 2000.

Never use a product manufactured by OSHA. Rub colloidal silver on the infected area.

-- (countrydoc@house.calls), January 09, 2000.

The Graedon's "People's Pharmacy" column had a good article on the flu in today's papers. The full article should be on their website shortly at

http://www.healthcentral.com/peoplespharmacy/peoplespharmacy.cfm

In the meantime, some highlights:

"Frequent handwashing helps. . ."

"Two new medicines. . . can prevent or cure the flu. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) have joined Flumadine (rimantidine) and Symmetrel (amantidine). All these antivirals require fast action and a doctor's prescription. They work best when taken within a day or two of the first symptoms."

OTCs--"At best they may lower a fever or ease congestion for a while. At worst, the analgesics they contain. . . could prolong nasal symptoms and weaken the immune response to a cold. . . Researchers have found that in people taking aspirin, cold viruses multiply more easily. . ."

"Grandmothers. . . rely on chicken soup. . . Medical research confirms it is effective against nasal congestion. In China, astralagus root in the soup increases the ability of the immune system to fend off viruses."

"Although Vitamin C does not prevent colds, it has been shown to boost the immune system and reduce symptoms. Echinacea and goldenseal. . . appear to affect the immune system in a positive way."

"Ginger tea [recipe at url above] and hot toddies are also popular for fighting congestion and coughs."

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), January 09, 2000.

*Zithromax (sp?) [prescription needed]

*Theraflu

*Menthol cough drops

*Lots and lots and lots of Sprite and Hawaiian Punch

*Call your mom at least once or twice, that ALWAYS makes you feel better. :-)

-- Deb M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), January 09, 2000.

There is a new antibiotic inhaler available now that will prevent flu from taking hold IF you begin using it with 48 hrs of the onset. Cost about $45-65 and is not covered by many insurance programs.

Zinc lozengers will usually prevent a cold/sore throat if half a dozen or so are sucked slowly three hours apart within 48 hours of onset.

-- (@ .), January 09, 2000.