by Ed
A recent review of research into the effects of vitamin C concludes that it is largely ineffective in preventing colds. See the article in the International Herald Tribune.
But read it carefully. They talk about people taking at least 200 mg of vitamin C. Everybody knows that if you want to fight off a cold you need several grams a day. I’m surprised they found 200 mg to be as useful as they did.
Next in the article they say that lycopene has no effect in preventing cancer. However they do not mention details of the study at all. Who knows what they were looking at.
All this is very interesting, considering the FDA is getting ready to shut down the supplement industry. They are raising safety standards above that of drugs. They even admit that most supplement companies will not be able to stay in business.
Look out America. Your health choices are going away. (And we call this democracy?)
by Ed
Buy Po Chai Pills here
I want to return to Po Chai Pills usage. One reason is that I know that Huo Xiang Cheng Chi Pien is hard to get, and they have very similar uses. Po Chai pills are very effective in relieving acute gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and heartburn. They are great for hangover, motion sickness, traveller’s diarrhea , and stomach flu. Actually, stomach flu is not caused by the flu virus, but one of a number of other viruses. They are generally short lived infections, no more than a few days. You can get similar symptoms from bacteria and parasite infections, but those will last longer and be harder to treat, requiring medical attention. If your symptoms last more than a week, it is important to see a doctor. Also see your doctor if you have any blood in your stool.
One of the things I like about Po Chai is that they come in vials of very small pills like pellets, making them much easier to get down. Great for kids, those of us who have a hard time swallowing pills, and just about anyone who is nauseous. When you have symptoms take one whole vial. After half an hour, if you don’t notice any improvement, you can take another. In general though, it’s best not to take them more than once every couple of hours, or so. Younger kids can take half a vial at a time.
by Ed
If you live in a city with a Chinatown, check out the herb stores sometime. There are a lot of interesting things there. There are also a few things that you can safely buy for home remedies. In this post I will talk about Chinese pills for acute digestive complaints and colds and flus. There are also many health food stores in North America that are selling these remedies now. And of course, you can find anything online.
All four of the following remedies are only for short term use. They do not boost the immune system or heal underlying digestive disorders.
Po Chai Pills: Used for any acute digestive complaint, such as diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, including “stomach flu”. Many people like to take it travelling, especially to third world countries. Be sure to consult a doctor if the symptoms do not clear up in a few days.
Yin Chiao Pills: These are best atken at the first sign of a cold or flu, especially with a sore throat. If taken soon enough, you can prevent the illness from coming on. In the first day or two, you can take up to double the dosage. In some people this may cause diarrhea, so you should cut back again. Take them for up to a week.
Gan Mao Ling: Similar to Yin Chiao pills, but more for colds with a cough. Can also double the dosage during the first day. The two can also be taken together for a stronger action, in which case do not double the dosage of either.
In my personal experience, these remedies are best for knocking the cold out before it gets a real hold on you. If they haven’t done that after two days, they are not so useful, though many people disagree with me on that. Remember the old saying: “Untreated, a cold lasts a week. Treat it and it only lasts 7 days.”
Huo Hsiang Cheng Chi Pien: Similar to Po Chai pills, but also indicated for catching a cold in the Summer, and symptoms of being out in the heat too long. People who get colds when it is very damp, with heavy head and a feeling of fullness also benefit from these pills.
