Combat the flu virus now
Coughs, colds and flu can badly hit daily life and cause significant discomfort, yet new research from Potters reveals that Britons don’t know many of the facts behind such infections – leaving them even more vulnerable to viruses.
Used for hundreds of years, Echinacea was first discovered by the North American Plains Indians who used it more than any other plant to help maintain their health during the winter months.
Following much research and traditional usage, the most important action discovered behind Echinacea is its ability to stimulate the immune system. Laboratory and animal studies suggest that Echinacea contains active substances that enhance the activity of the immune system, and so has the ability to raise the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections. Antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects have also been documented.
It is also for upper respiratory-tract infections such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis, as a preventative as well as a treatment. Studies have also shown that Echinacea can make you feel better faster when you have a cold.
Henry Potter Advisory Committee Member (HPAC), immunologist and medical herbalist, Dr Serene Foster notes: “We all suffer a surprisingly large number of coughs and colds and even the occasional bout of flu. While otherwise healthy people should make a full recovery, these infections can be hugely unpleasant and make sufferers feel very unwell for a week or more – badly affecting work and social lives. As we see from this new research1, all too many people underestimate the duration of colds, as well as fail to fully grasp the way they are transmitted. While many people would unnecessarily avoid kissing an infected partner – the cold virus isn’t in saliva – they would still repeatedly touch infected surfaces and not wash their hands, vastly increasing the risk of infection.”
“The body has a finely tuned and hugely powerful defence mechanism to fight off invading viruses, but it can still benefit greatly from extra support and help. Potter’s Herbals can provide this, with a range of products that gently but effectively help to boost immunity as well as tackle specific symptoms.”
UNNECESSARY RISKS
The same Potter’s Herbals survey shows that many people put themselves at unnecessary risk of picking up infections because they do not fully understand how the viruses are transmitted or how the illnesses affect the body. Most people had no idea of the danger of picking up a cold from surfaces contaminated with viruses and the majority failed to understand or put into practice good hygiene, such as hand-washing, to keep bugs at bay.
Leading medical herbalist and HPAC member Dr Chris Etheridge notes further: “Potters is one of the nation’s most trusted and experienced makers of herbal remedies, having been around now for 200 years. The Potter’s Herbals products for coughs, colds and flu are a great way to stay healthy and help combat symptoms as they appear. Active ingredients such as Echinacea angustifolia have been demonstrated to shorten the duration and severity of a cold or even ward off infection altogether.”
KNOWLEDGE GAPS
The majority of respondents reveal large gaps in their understanding of how cold viruses are spread – particularly via infected surfaces or objects. Just a quarter knew that you can catch a cold by sharing food utensils or cutlery. Just 12% knew a cold can be transmitted via re-used towels and only 10% correctly said gym equipment used by others could be infectious. While two-thirds of people think you can catch a cold by being sneezed on, one-third of people don’t realise that this is a prime route of infection.
Nearly half of people wrongly believe that you will eventually get a cold if other people around you have one. Just a quarter have taken on board the advice that you can help yourself by taking measures to ensure good hygiene, such as washing your hands. Only 8% say that colds are avoidable because you can build up your immune system.
Tagged in Health cold and flu