Phase 1: Ensuring his defenses

From now until spring, fortifying treatment is compulsory

We attack with echinacea : this immunostimulant plant reduces the risk of catching a cold by 50% *. In fresh plant extract or mother tincture, take 50 drops in the morning in a glass of water, two weeks per month. For children, we choose a syrup ready as Alvityl Defenses (€ 12.50, Urgo, pharmacy).

It is shielded by adding a homeopathic treatment : Thymulin 9 CH , a dilution of hormone that stimulates the activity of white blood cells . One dose per week for one month, then one per month throughout the winter period.

Optionally, one can also take trace elements "field modifiers" pushing the body to develop its own defenses. The manganese-copper duo: one or two ampoules 3 days a week, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach, to keep two minutes under the tongue before swallowing.

On the diet side, it is doped with vitamin C (citrus fruits, kiwis or supplements with acerola, which is 20 times more concentrated than orange). And we favor the " prebiotics ": contained in the fibers, they nourish our intestinal flora, where are 70% of our immune defenses. So we put on bananas, potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, asparagus or barley. Complements version, one opts for a sachet per day of Biofilm (9 € the 14 sachets, Pileje, in pharmacy).

* Lancet Infectious Diseases, July 2007.

Phase 2: thwarting viral aggression

Helps the body eliminate the virus and limit collateral damage

One attacks with essential oils powerfully anti-infectious . Stars antiviral: ravintsara and niaouli. We put a drop of each on a neutral tablet (4 € 30 tablets, 5 € niaouli, 9 € ravintsara, Puressentiel Expert, in pharmacy and drugstore). To take 3 times a day until healing. There are also capsules already containing essential oils (Aromadoses Nose and Throat, € 12.45 30 capsules, Phytosun Aroms, pharmacy). To breathe better, we can also use essential oils diffusion or inhalation : peppermint, eucalyptus radish and niaouli open our sinuses at the rate of 3 drops each in a large bowl of hot water (but not boiling) the evening before to go to bed.

We play fine: no question of removing the mucus, but to help him in his job. It is our natural shield: it captures the virus and sends it back to the exit to avoid its progression in other strategic points (ears, throat or even bronchi). Obviously we avoid sniffing and fly regularly to properly eliminate unwanted. In parallel, one cleans well nostrils several times a day with saline . We also try the new formula Vicks Première Defense (€ 7.50, in pharmacy), whose gel includes the virus to better eliminate it. Its constituents also stimulate the secretion of mucus to facilitate this kidnapping.

Optional: homeopathic formulas including various drugs targeting cold symptoms: Coryzalia (Boiron), one tablet every hour; the formula n ° 1 of Abbé Chaupitre (Arkopharma), 5 or 6 drops under the tongue 3 times a day; or Sinuspax (Lehning), 1 or 2 tablets 3 times a day. One does not forget to drink a lot to rehydrate, to aerate regularly and to flee the dry and overheated atmospheres which amplify the irritation of the mucous membranes. And if the symptoms change or increase, we consult to make sure that the cold does not evolve towards a possible complication (otitis, sinusitis ...).

Phase 3: rebuilding your immune troops

At each battle, one loses forces which one must then take again.

We go for "adaptogenic" plants . These help the body to rebuild its defenses: ginseng , famous for its toning virtues (in capsules or liquid extract) or the rhodiole in case of great physical and moral fatigue (dry extract, 400 mg per day, 30 minutes before meals).

We make a small course of trace elements: copper-gold-silver, 1 or 2 tablets each morning to let melt under the tongue, or 2 teaspoons to swallow slowly.

Probiotics are thought to strengthen our natural defenses. These bacteria, which are already naturally present in the intestine, contribute effectively to our immunity. Our selection: the brand new Bion Restore , at the record rate of probiotics, combined with zinc and vitamin C (Merck MF, € 8.99 20 tablets, in pharmacy) specially designed for post-disease recovery, and Glisodine Defenses (Isocell, 29 € the 60 capsules).

Thanks to Dr. Jacques Boulet, author of the "Dictionary of Homeopathy" (Privat edition), to Dr. Jean-Michel Morel, author of the "Traité pratique de phytothérapie" (Grancher edition), to Danièle Festy, pharmacist and aromatherapist, and to Prof. Jean-Michel Klossek, head of the ENT department at CHU Poitiers.

Cold or rhinitis?

Rhinitis includes all nasal pathologies including colds, which is viral rhinitis . Allergic rhinitis depends on triggering factors (pollen, mites, animal hair ...). The symptoms are the same: sneezing, clear and abundant nasal discharge. But if there is no epidemic around you, it's worth it to see his GP, who will refer if necessary to an allergist to practice allergy tests ...

Make her gel for the hands

The rhinovirus spreads in the air and on the hands. The recipe for making your own antiviral gel: buy an aloe-vera gel in the pharmacy, add 5 drops of essential oils of ravintsara, lemon and eucalyptus radish. Apply regularly on the hands.