So you took our advice and did NOT get the flu shot . You did everything you could to avoid this pesky bug, but your child/spouse/co-worker got you. Now you’re lying in bed, begging for some uninterrupted rest or for somebody to put you out of your misery. Here are some all natural remedies, some that have worked for centuries…long before we started injecting dead viruses into ourselves.
Vitamin C
We discussed Vitamin C in our last article. It is great at helping your body fight off the infection. We suggest at least 4,000mg while you are showing symptoms, and 1,500mg for daily protection. While you can get it in pill form, the best source has always been and will be fresh fruit and vegetables. Citrus fruit is especially high in vitamin C. A “smoothie” made of orange juice, bananas and strawberries will not only give you the vitamins you need, it will help soothe your throat from the coughing.
Garlic
Also mentioned in our article about avoiding the flu, garlic is also great at helping the body against it. It was highly regarded by the ancient Egyptians, who fed the slaves building the Great Pyramids food with garlic daily. The Romans also believed in its powers (I know, shocking). The Roman Legions ate large quantities before battle.
Garlic contains one of the plant kingdom’s most powerful antibiotics, Allicin. This helps boost your immune system and fight infection. The onion is similar to garlic, in that it contains similar anti-viral chemicals. You’re not going to be kissing anybody while battling the flu, so heap on the garlic and onions when you’re cooking if you or your family are showing signs of being sick.
Ginger
Ginger, the wonder-root, is yet another of nature’s amazing resources. It is a pain-reliever, antioxidant and antiseptic, will soothe a sore throat and acts almost like a mild sedative. It contains nearly a dozen antiviral compounds and can be consumed in a tea, as a tincture or perhaps with your sushi.
Echinacea
Echinacea has become very popular recently as something “new” but it has been used by American Indians for centuries. It can be used to treat many viral AND bacterial infections. Echinacea increases the level of Properdin in your system. This is a chemical that stimulates the part of your immune system that is responsible for increasing the defense mechanisms against virus and bacteria attacks.
Echinacea is also known for being an excellent blood cleanser. It assists the lymphatic system to push out dead cells and other debris while dispatching white blood cells to fight the infection.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal stimulates your immune system by increasing blood supply to your spleen. The spleen is your body’s staging area for the soldier cells in your immune system. It activates macrophages (special white blood cells), which are responsible for fighting off viruses, bacteria, fungi and tumor cells.
Other Suggestions
Peppermint can be used as decongestant. It also reduces fevers by inducing sweating and cooling your body. It has also been known to soothe headaches and migraines.
Sage has been a remedy for soothing sore throats for ages. It has both antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. It can be used as a gargle or a tea for an inflamed throat.
Licorice has been used to soothe chest and throat issues since the third century BC. It can be used in the treatment of sore throats, colds, coughs, asthma & bronchitis. Be careful though, as large doses can act as a laxative.
Cinnamon helps relieve feelings of nausea and vomiting. It can be taken as a tea.
Lemons have traditionally been used in a hot drink or tea with honey to help soothe sore throats. It is a good source of Vitamin C.
Lemon Balm tea induces sweating. This helps when you have a fever as it helps to eliminate the toxins from your body.
Yarrow has anti-inflammatory properties. Used as a tea, it will induce sweating. Herbalists traditionally have considered yarrow to be one of the best herbal remedies for the flu. It can be used in combination with elderflower and peppermint or added to a hot bath Chamomile.
Juniper can help relieve congestion via a steam inhalation. Add a few drops of the oil to hot boiled water, place your face over the bowl, cover with a towel, and inhale the steam.
As in the last article, this is just a few ideas on how to treat influenza naturally this season. This list is most definitely not complete. If you have a great all-natural remedy, we would love to hear about it. Just leave a comment below.
If you have questions or need further information about this topic, please go to http://www.lynnkerew.com. Other great articles about the spine and body can be found on our fantastic blog (that you should join!) at http://www.lynnkerew.com/blog. If you wish to contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly, you can email her at lynnkerew@gmail.com.
