Natural remedies for flu

Natural remedies for flu

As the world prepares for a possible bird flu pandemic in the near future, people everywhere are wondering what they can do to protect themselves. As we all saw with the flooding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, we cannot expect the government to effectively manage a widespread emergency. Tamiflu is only available in small quantities and its effectiveness during an avian flu pandemic is questionable. While conventional medicine does not offer many options for treating viruses, certain natural remedies are known to have antiviral effects. These remedies have often been used for centuries with little or no side effects. There are tools we can learn about now to strengthen ourselves in the event of an epidemic. These remedies can also be useful for the common flu that we deal with every year.

During the last flu pandemic in 1918, 18 million people died from the flu in India. The herb that was then credited with ending the epidemic in India was Andrographis paniculata. Andrographis is traditionally used in China and India for viral and respiratory infections. Its effectiveness is confirmed by modern research. The andrographolides in this herb can improve immune system function. It can increase the production of white blood cells, activate the lymphatic system, and stimulate the production of interferon by body cells. Interferon kills viruses and also stops their growth. This herb can help our own immune system fight viruses more effectively. Andrographis is often combined with Siberian Ginseng to enhance its immune-boosting effects. This herb has been shown to be effective in fighting bacterial and viral pneumonia, which are complications that often follow the flu or cold.

Another herb traditionally used to treat viral diseases is isatis. It was recently widely used in Asia during the SARS (Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak they experienced. It is also used for people with other viral diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis C.

A commonly used herb here in the United States, elderberry, has antiviral effects, making it useful for treating colds and flu. Elderberry prevents viruses from implanting in the cells of our body, making it more difficult for them to invade and multiply.

The Chinese herbal formula Gan Mao Ling is often used to prevent colds and flu at the first signs. It is most useful when taken directly when a person begins to feel cold and feverish. It has also been shown to shorten the duration of the flu if the person is already sick. Yinchiao San is another formula that can help at the beginning of a cold or flu, right when a person gets a fever and sore throat.

Many essential oils used in aromatherapy have antiviral effects. Eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, ravensara oil, geranium oil and thyme oil all have antiviral properties. These oils can be used in a massage blend diluted with a carrier oil or diffused in an oil burner so that we breathe in the antiviral properties of the oils through our lungs. A few drops can also be added to the bath water. Essential oils are among the most effective natural remedies for fighting infections. Don't neglect their powers just because they smell pretty.

Digestive enzymes, when taken between meals, are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestines. These enzymes can help break down the proteins that make up viruses and destroy or inactivate them.

As you can see, there are many natural methods to strengthen our resistance and help in everyday life against flu and other viral diseases, for common ailments and even in the event of a pandemic emergency.