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It's Like they Want us to Stay Sick

Popping the Umcka Cold Care pills has made me feel a lot better. I'm still coughing, but no longer wondering if I should see someone.

And what if I did see a doctor? According to official websites like the Mayo Clinic, WebMD, and MedlinePlus.gov, you should "wash your hands," "use a humidifier," "wear a face mask," and "stop smoking" if you have bronchitis--which it says is "rarely" caused by infection. Are they writing this for people in Somalia? I already wash my hands and I've never smoked in my life. Use a humidifier? I live in Indiana, where it's so wet that we need dehumidifiers. "Wear a face mask"? Why not put some leaches on, too? I work in an office in the US, not a construction site or the middle of a forest fire.

Of course, the ubiquitous advice is "see your doctor." Which you'll need to do if you try to cure your bronchitis with hand washing and a face mask. "Stop smoking" is good advice, but everybody already knows that. Your doctor can prescribe a bronchodilator, which doesn't sound like cure but a treatment you'll have to go back for. The sites have sections on "living with bronchitis." Cynics might call it "becoming a revenue stream for your doctor."

None of these sites mentions Pelargonium sidoides in their bronchitis sections. One that mentions it elsewhere on their site doesn't exactly give it a ringing endorsement. This, despite clinical trials showing it's effective in treating bronchitis, and that it works because it's antibacterial, antiviral, and cranks up your immune system. In other words, it might cure you.

Sources:
https://proteinpower.com/drmike/2008/03/28/a-cure-for-the-common-cold/
https://familydoctor.org/condition/chronic-bronchitis/?adfree=true
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1135/umckaloabo
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355566
https://www.webmd.com/lung/understanding-bronchitis-basics#1
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Comments

Larcana said…
Two things helped me the most with "colds" first a DPT vaccine, second a very low carb diet. Haven't had a cold or 'allergy" attack in 12 years.
Best of luck.
September 08, 2019
Lori Miller said…
Interesting. I had a tetanus shot back in 2012 when I had my bike accident; it hasn't seemed to help.
September 08, 2019
Larcana said…
Tetanus is a nasty infection caused by soil dwelling bacteria and the "shot was probably to assist your immune system to avoid the infection. If you had contracted the infection you would have been given anti-toxin instead.
Pertussis is also, a nasty, intracellular dwelling bacteria and can linger in the throat for years. So, that is why I recommend people get this vaccine. It does help most people.
As a humble doc I cannot insist in these but there is ample evidence they help.
September 10, 2019
Lori Miller said…
Right, I didn't have tetanus, just road rash.

I'm prone to upper respiratory infections; maybe I should get this shot once I'm completely well. I'm still on the mend.
September 10, 2019
Larcana said…
I hope you feel better soon!
September 11, 2019
Lori Miller said…
Thanks, Larcana.
September 11, 2019
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