Elephant Pharm

In Light of Recent FDA Warnings, Elephant Pharm Offers Natural Approaches to Cold & Flu Care

Berkeley, CA (January 25, 2008)�The level of cold and flu symptoms will peak in the Bay Area in the next few weeks according to Surveillance Data, Inc., the nation�s largest weekly illness tracker. Now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised that over-the-counter and prescription cough, cold and flu medications should not be administered to children under two, and recommended they not be given to those under six, many parents are wondering how to help their young children throughout cough, cold and flu season.

Elephant Pharm offers a huge selection of safe and natural alternative cold and flu remedies for all ages, along with the expert help needed to make informed selections.

�There are a number of well-studied and well-tolerated herbs for the treatment of colds and flu, even for children under the age of 2. One remedy for cold-suffers of any age is Elderberry flower, available in a liquid that is well-liked by kids, it helps to boost immunity and is anti-viral. Combined with Echinacea and Propolis, it makes a great formula for prevention and treatment of colds and flu. Adding in Chamomile or Catnip introduces an extra soothing element and boosts the anti-viral capability of the formula,� said Dr. Elizabeth Korza, Elephant Pharm practitioner and naturopathic doctor. �It is always best to see a physician or licensed practitioner to determine which herbs in which doses are correct.�

Korza also recommends home hydrotherapy as a safe and effective way to boost immunity and help ease cold and flu related discomfort. It involves things like steam inhalation with chamomile or eucalyptus oil, warm baths to address a mild fever or alternating applications of hot and cold towels to relieve congestion, boost immune response and induce sleep.

�Parents should know that there are safe and reliable over-the-counter remedies that do not contain any of the ingredients questioned for use in youngsters,� explains Dr. Lauren Feder, M.D., author of Natural Baby and Childcare who recommends parents try homeopathic medicines.

Generally considered one of the safest choices for self-treatment, homeopathic medicines are made of micro-doses of natural ingredients. They have been regulated by the FDA as a drug since 1938. Since they are not body-mass dependent, the variations in metabolism and in weight in young children are not a factor. �Nor is it dangerous to combine homeopathic medicines with other treatments,� adds Feder.

For children over two and adults, Dr. Feder recommends Boiron�s Oscillococcinum to be taken at the first sign of flu-like symptoms, and children�s or adult formulas of Chestal, which acts as a natural expectorant and relieves coughs and congestion.

For adults there are an increasing number of great natural options as well.

Peter Koshland, Elephant Pharm�s director of pharmacy administration notes, this winter, two new products customers have been especially pleased with are New Chapte Blockade, which works within minutes to block viruses from entering human cells. Also, Dr. Hauschka�s new line of Holistic Home Remedies including Agropyron Cold Relief. The Agropyron is thought to balance and regulate mucous production while dandelion and beech wood ash help loosen congestion. Those suffering from earache and sore throat have found Dr. Hauschka�s Apis Belladonna Sore Throat Rescue to ease symptoms of stinging, burning, heat and discomfort.

In addition to traditional and herbal pharmacists on hand daily to answer questions, each of the four Bay Area Elephant Pharm stores offers free 15-minute consultations with licensed practitioners including: RN�s, naturopathic doctors, pharmacists, herbal pharmacists, traditional Chinese medicine specialists and homeopaths.

Elephant Pharm also offers a number of free classes to help to help customers explore natural approaches to cold and flu. February�s schedule includes:

Ear, Nose and Throat Health in Children

Elizabeth Korza, N.D., naturopathic doctor
Elephant Pharm Berkeley
Sunday, February 17, 1-2 pm
Discuss the common illness in children that affect the ears, nose and throat, as well as natural remedies to help treat these conditions.

Homeopathy for Healthy Kids

Myra Nissen, C.Hom., homeopathic consultant
Elephant Pharm Walnut Creek
Monday, February 14, 3:30-4:30pm
Learn how to effectively use homeopathy to support the health and well being of your children. This class will cover sore throats, runny noses, earaches, and other common childhood ailments.

Naturopathic Healthcare for Kids

Cory Reddish, N.D., naturopathic doctor
Elephant Pharm San Rafael
Tuesday, February 5, 2-3pm

Anjali Agrawal, D.C., chiropractor
Elephant Pharm Los Altos
Tuesday, February 26, 7:30-8:30pm
Learn some basics of naturopathic medicine for children, including tools to help address colds, coughs, allergies, colic, sore throats and ear infections--naturally.