NZ Society of Naturopaths Media release

Re: pseudoephedrine

The New Zealand Society of Naturopaths fully support the governments plans to ban sales of pseudoephedrine over the counter. The impact of "P" which can be made from pseudoephedrine in NZ can be horrendous not only for the health of the individual user but for the families, whanau and community at large.

As naturopaths we believe pseudoephedrine is unnecessary and only masks symptoms instead of addressing the cause.

Drugs containing pseudoephedrine are used to primarily treat congestion in people suffering from colds and flu. There are many naturopathic approaches to effectively treat colds and flu's and congestion.

Naturopathic methods address the cause of the congestion rather than just treating the symptom. Many of these natural methods are cheap and easily available. For example garlic is a powerful antiviral, antibacterial and a decongestant, it is inexpensive and easily available. Garlic is more effective when eaten raw. Tea made from raw garlic with fresh lemon and ginger is an effective way to take Garlic at times of illness.

There are very many other Naturopathic remedies which are also effective. Naturopaths believe that rest is important to allow the body to heal. If symptoms are masked sufferers of viral infections such as the common cold and flu are likely to neglect rest so take longer to fully recover.

ENDS