Lonicera complex

Lonicera complex is a general remedy for cold and flu. It’s principle ingredients have been used in Chinese formulas for thousands of years. It has proven effective for viral and bacterial infections. It can shorten the duration and severity of a cold or flu.

With the sudden severe onset of a flu or cold I recommend strong dosages of this formula for 24 to 48 hours. A typical strong dose ( adult body weight 160 to 175 lbs. ) would be 5 pills every three to four hours ( do not wake up to take dose if asleep) for an adult. If after 24 to 48 hours the symptoms are reduced in severity, reduce to three pills 4 to 5 times a day. If there is little effect you may need to add the herbal ENT or Garlic to the formula. See below.

With a mild onset: malaise and moderate symptoms you can do 3 pills every three to four hours.

If you are improving after 24 to 48 hours you will need to take this formula throughout the illness, three pills three to four times a day. When symptoms improve take two to three pills two to three times a day for five days after you feel fully recovered. This will prevent a relapse.

If you are not improving after 24 to 48 hours you may need additional formulas to help get through the flu or cold. A cold or flu that settles in the chest will need additional formulas. You will need to call the office for advice.

Lonicera Complex can also be used for prevention of colds and flu. When those around you are sick or when you fly try taking 2 to 3 pills 1 -3 times a day depending on severity of the exposure.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful anti viral and antibiotic effects. Don’t underestimate garlic, it can for some people be the herb of choice. You can add it to the above Lonicera formula one pill three times a day to enhance the effects of lonicera. Some people can not tolerate garlic and have digestive complaints with its use, if this is the case for you, stop taking it. If your symptoms are severe: headache, sore throat, fever, body aches, running nose, etc. you can take as much as two pills three times a day.

Herbal ENT

The ENT represents ears, nose and throat. This formula can be added to Lonicera and garlic when there are heat symptoms present in these areas. Those are high fever, severe body aches, headache, yellow or green mucous, severe sore throat. This formula adds stronger antibiotic herbs. If you are prone to sinus or ear infections infections with colds and flues you can add this to lonicera and garlic right at the start of a cold or flu. I would suggest 1 to 3 pills of Herbal ENT taken with the lonicera depending on the severity of heat symptoms. Green mucous is a stronger heat symptom than yellow mucous.

These formulas are just a few that I use for colds and flues. Each person is unique and each illness is as well. So, it is best when possible to call in and talk to me or email the office and we can fine tune the dosages of these formulas. If the cold or flu settles in your lungs additional formulas will be needed and you will need to call the office for those.

Do not come into the office when ill. Herbs are more effective than acupuncture for colds and flu and it is best to stay home and rest when you are ill. We can mange the herbal diagnosis over the phone or email and have additional herbal formulas set out for you to pick up when needed.