What I have been doing at the onset of colds and flu for the last 30 years is take Goldenseal powder, whenever I feel something coming on. Mostly it works for me. Turns out that it is also helps prevent sinus infections.

The Benifits of Goldenseal

The theory here is that Goldenseal, which is the ground root powder of a herb in the buttercup family, affects or improves the health of the sinus and mucus membranes. It tends to encourage the proper drainage of the sinus cavities, thus preventing susceptibility and severity of colds, flu, sore throats, fevers and the like, by preventing sinus and mucous membrane infection and inflammation, inducing proper flow of mucous, and preventing sinus infection. By treating the sinus and nasal cavities immediately upon any sign of cold or flu like symptoms, one may hopefully prevent or shorten the severity and duration of colds and flu, and may prevent a sinus infection from occurring. However Goldenseal does not seem to work for everyone.

But First These Warnings: As I am older now, I know older people. I recommended Goldenseal to an acquaintance, forgetting that he had told me that he took blot clotting medicine. Fortunately he doesn't pay much attention to what I say because the generally accepted warnings on Goldenseal are: not to be taken if pregnant or could become pregnant, have high blood pressure, take medicine to control blood pressure, have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, or if you take a medicine to control or prevent such a disorder.Use only for two weeks because over a long period may reduce absorption of B vitamins. Well, as a friend used to say, 'Nothings perfect', especially when he messed up.

Obtain Goldenseal

One can buy Goldenseal in powdered form already capsulized, either on-line or in many if not most health food establishments. One can also buy Goldenseal in bulk form, with gelatin capsules separate, and capsulate it as you need it. Keep it in a air-tight container in a cool dark place. It is a very bitter herb, thus the necessity of the capsules. In an emergency without capsules, a small amount can be slipped into something like a tablespoon of ice cream. Another suggestion is to mix Goldenseal power with water, make a paste and put up the nose with Q-Tips.

Take it the First Sign

Personally I don't get flu shots because I don't trust them, but that's me.When you feel something coming on, take one Goldenseal capsule. I like large capsules, at least at first. Take one to three a day depending on what is judged to be the severity of the condition. Over time one is able to judge the proper amount by how one feels. The quicker one begins the treatment the more effective it seems to be. However: may not be effective once the condition has taken hold although it may moderate it. It is a very strong herb and is not recommended to continue after the cold or flu has passed. This treatment, at least for me, seems best by itself and not in conjunction with Echinacea.

When fighting something pretty heavy, and taking say 3 large capsules a day, can sometimes feel the Goldenseal pretty strongly. But prefer that feeling to how I will feel with cold or flu. Mostly it knocks it right out, but sometimes it is a real battle, going on for a week to two. At some point I quit the Goldenseal and let my immune system either do it on its own or succumb. I win most but not all.

Cordyceps Sinensis

Another means to prevent colds and flu may be the use of an herb called Cordyceps Sinensis. I have a friend who is a school teacher who swears by it. She takes one capsule a day and 2 if she feels something coming on when she is teaching. I have used it but not enough to have any opinion. It is suppose to be good for the immune system and improve and increase resistance to bacteria and viruses.

Other preventatives are getting enough sleep, eating right, maybe eat green onions, olives and garlic with meals, exercise, and proper ventilation in the home. But primarily stay out breaths-way of people who are already sick.

Personally I think there should be a 'public illness etiquette'. Always inform others that you have a cold or flu and allow them to keep their distance.When someone informs one, or it is obvious they have something, feel free to announce your intention to keep your distance, like 'you don't mind if I stand up-wind here do you'. You don't want to get it. Be honest.

Warnings on Sinus Infection:

* If you have a cold or flu like symptoms that hang on overly long, one might see a doctor to check for a sinus infection. One may need antibiotics.

* Antibiotics should not be overly used as they kill all the good and necessary bacteria with the bad. To replace good bacteria after using antibiotics eat yogurt.

* One should take the full amount of antibiotics prescribed, as taking less may not kill the bacteria completely, and it could become antibiotic resistant.

* Antibiotics are useless against viruses and should be used only when necessary, or their effectiveness may become reduced.