2008 Woodie Awards
Deconstructing natural remedies
Lainie Frost
Issue date: 11/17/05 Section: Lifestyle
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With the cold season hanging onto winter's coattails, the city's new soundtrack will soon be the collective echo of sneezes, coughs and groans.
While Advil, Nyquil or other pharmaceuticals are all options for tending to these symptoms, some students on campus are also using alternative methods, also referred to as natural remedies.
Paul Igaz, a freshman film major, said he chooses not to use common over-the-counter medicines, such as Advil, because of their artificial ingredients.
"I just don't like the idea of these unknown chemicals, which have harsh side effects," he said.
For students who are interested in learning about alternative medicines, such as zinc, Echinacea and homeopathic remedies, all which are made from natural ingredients, here are some options that may help keep you healthy this holiday season.
Zinc: How helpful is it?
When feeling the beginning stages of a cold, like a runny nose or sore throat, zinc lozenges and Echinacea are the most popular natural supplements people ask for, according to pharmacist Eileen Fitzpatrick, who works at Gary Drug on Charles Street.
Zinc is a mineral that is found within every cell of our bodies and plays a significant role in supporting a healthy immune system, healing wounds and maintaining our sense of smell, according to the National Institutes of Health (www.ods.od.nih.gov.html).
There are conflicting opinions about zinc's health benefits, however, when it is used as a supplement to one's diet.
In a study reported by American Family Physician in June 2003 that involved 80 patients of good health between the ages of 18 to 55, the application of zinc nasal gel lessened the period of cold-related ailments by almost two days.
But, Consumer Reports on Health said in 2004 that zinc could yield "mixed results." While it is possible that zinc can deter the production of cold-related viruses, zinc nasal spray may cause headaches and hinder sense of smell since it is so close to the respiratory area.
While Advil, Nyquil or other pharmaceuticals are all options for tending to these symptoms, some students on campus are also using alternative methods, also referred to as natural remedies.
Paul Igaz, a freshman film major, said he chooses not to use common over-the-counter medicines, such as Advil, because of their artificial ingredients.
"I just don't like the idea of these unknown chemicals, which have harsh side effects," he said.
For students who are interested in learning about alternative medicines, such as zinc, Echinacea and homeopathic remedies, all which are made from natural ingredients, here are some options that may help keep you healthy this holiday season.
Zinc: How helpful is it?
When feeling the beginning stages of a cold, like a runny nose or sore throat, zinc lozenges and Echinacea are the most popular natural supplements people ask for, according to pharmacist Eileen Fitzpatrick, who works at Gary Drug on Charles Street.
Zinc is a mineral that is found within every cell of our bodies and plays a significant role in supporting a healthy immune system, healing wounds and maintaining our sense of smell, according to the National Institutes of Health (www.ods.od.nih.gov.html).
There are conflicting opinions about zinc's health benefits, however, when it is used as a supplement to one's diet.
In a study reported by American Family Physician in June 2003 that involved 80 patients of good health between the ages of 18 to 55, the application of zinc nasal gel lessened the period of cold-related ailments by almost two days.
But, Consumer Reports on Health said in 2004 that zinc could yield "mixed results." While it is possible that zinc can deter the production of cold-related viruses, zinc nasal spray may cause headaches and hinder sense of smell since it is so close to the respiratory area.
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