Fight the Flu Naturally

Influenza (commonly called the flu) is a highly contagious illness that can occur in children or adults of any age. It occurs more often in the winter months because people spend more time in close contact with one another.  The flu is spread easily from person-to-person by coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces.

There have been several widespread flu outbreaks (called pandemics), which led to the deaths of many people worldwide.  These outbreaks occurred when new strains of influenza viruses formed (often from pigs or birds) and humans became infected because they had no immunity to these viruses.

Symptoms of seasonal flu can vary from person to person, but usually include:

·         Fever (temperature higher than 100ºF or 37.8ºC)

·         Headache and muscle aches

·         Fatigue

·         Cough and sore throat may also be present

People with the flu usually have a fever for two to five days.  This is different than fever caused by other upper respiratory viruses, which usually resolve after 24 to 48 hours.

Most people with the flu have fever and muscle aches, and some people also have cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose and sore throat.  Flu symptoms usually improve over two to five days, although the illness may last for a week or more.  Weakness and fatigue may persist for several weeks

Treating the symptoms of influenza can help you to feel better, but will not make the flu go away faster.

·         Rest until the flu is fully resolved, especially if the illness has been severe

·         Drink enough fluids so that you do not become dehydrated. One way to judge if you are drinking enough is to look at the color of your urine. Normally, urine should be light yellow to nearly colorless. If you are drinking enough, you should pass urine every three to five hours.

·         Although your appetite might be suppressed, try and eat a lot of fruit and vegetable which are rich in Vitamin C.  Then there is of course, chicken noodle soup!

There are other natural resources that can aid in the prevention and cure of the flu.  The first one we are going to look at is Echinacea.

Echinacea

(Echinacea augustifolia)

Available as:

Capsules

Tablets

Tincture

Dosage

Tincture:  Half a teaspoon of tincture in water three times a day. 

Capsules: 300mg powdered root and leaf, plus 125mg standardized extract:  One three times daily.

When to use it

Take standardized extract, capsules or tinctures at the first sign of any infectious illness.  Should colleagues or family catch colds, take Echinacea before you get sick, but not for more than two or three weeks.

Precautions

There are no reported adverse reactions with other medications.  Echinacea appears safe to take during pregnancy and breast feeding.  However, do not take continuously for ongoing protection, as this may reduce the strength of your natural immunity.

What is it?

A Native American herbal remedy, Echinacea has become an important natural remedy throughout the world.  Although it is still often harvested from the wild, most commercial preparations come from farmed crops of the plant.  Both the leaf and the root have medicinal properties.

The American Indians traditionally used it on cuts, burns and other injuries to prevent infection and the Sioux and Comanche tribes revered the plant for its healing properties.  Historically it has been used for a wide range of conditions including allergies, asthma and chilblains, but most modern research has studied its value as a natural, safe immune-booster.

What does it do?

A century and a half ago, Echinacea first appeared in the United States Dispensatory and was listed as a medicine that increased resistance to infection.  Physiologically, it stimulates the production of white blood cells for protection against bacteria, and helps the body produce more interferons for increased protection against viruses.   Its main constituents are polysaccharides, betaine, alkalides and echinolone.  The combination of these natural chemicals is the key to the plant’s immune boosting success, which also extends to protection against fungal infections.  Echinacea is a great gargle for sore throats, and can be extremely helpful in the treatment of chronic viral conditions such as ME.

Until next time, stay healthy with exercise, plenty of water and a good balanced diet.