Natural Remedies for Influenza (aka The Flu)

Influenza is more commonly known as “the flu.” There are many different virus strains that cause it. This includes the H1N1 virus.

The flu shares some of the same symptoms as the common cold, but they tend to be much more severe.

With the flu, you can also come down with a high fever and chills. You may feel weak all over, especially in your back, arms, and legs. Sore throat, loss of appetite, dry cough, and a headache are also pretty common.

Influenza usually lasts about one week, but it may take you much longer than that to start feeling completely well again.

With the recent news about swine flu (caused by the H1N1 virus) and the controversy surrounding the H1N1 vaccine, it is a wise idea to learn how to make and use natural remedies for influenza.

Prevention

As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If you’re not sick right now, take every step you can towards improving your overall health. Healthy bodies are much more resistant to all kinds of diseases. Here are some quick prevention tips against the influenza virus:

• Follow the 8 rules for healthy living. They go a very long way towards bringing your body back into balance. They also help you to have a healthy immune system. A strong immune system is a must if you want to be able to fight off harmful viruses and bacteria.


• Don’t forget to wash your hands! Always do this just before you eat and after you’ve been in public places. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there who have no concern for proper hygiene. Washing your hands often will minimize your risk of catching the flu and other unwanted bugs and viruses.


• Have an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy. Keep one in your purse, your car, and your desk at work. That way you can easily clean your hands in situations where you can't get to a sink.


• Clean and disinfect surfaces that you use often e.g., countertops, cutting boards, sinks, taps, keyboards, etc.


• Need to cough or sneeze? Use a tissue! Try to avoid using your hand and be sure to get rid of used tissues as soon as possible.

Natural Flu Remedies:

Are you experiencing the symptoms of influenza? Here are some practical steps you can take to speed up your recovery.

Diet and Nutrition

Water intake – Be sure to drink enough water every day. Staying hydrated is very important. It will help you to get rid of excess mucus.

Fast your fever away – If you develop a fever, avoid eating solid foods until your fever is gone. It may sound counterintuitive, but an empty stomach will allow your body to focus on fighting the virus instead of digestion. Try drinking herbal teas, warm broths, fresh vegetable juices (beet, parsley, celery, garlic, watercress), and fruit juices (orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime) instead.

Stay away from refined sugar! – Refined sugar lowers the ability of your immune system to fight pathogens. This is more important than most people realize, but I cannot emphasize it enough. Choose natural unrefined sweets instead such as dates, raisins, and other dried fruits (that have not been preserved with sulfur dioxide).

NOTE: I highly recommend the recipe book Ani's Raw Food Desserts if you're like me and cannot imagine giving up all sweet treats forever. Ani's desserts are so delicious - I don't miss refined sugar desserts at all. And as a bonus, they're even good for you too! Can't beat that! :)

Herbal Flu Remedies

Helpful herbs for influenza are:

Goldenseal - goldenseal is an antimicrobial herb. It also helps your body get rid of excess mucus.

Echinacea - Echinacea helps to strengthen your immune system. It also helps to fight of viruses and microbes.

Garlic – garlic is a natural antiviral herb. It helps to cleanse your blood and eliminate toxins and wastes from your body.

Sage – has natural antiseptic properties. Hot sage tea will cause you to perspire and throw off some of the toxins. It also helps to soothe your mucus membranes. You can use it as a gargle if you’ve got a sore throat.

Lemon – lemons have natural antiseptic and cleansing properties. They are high in Vitamin C which helps to boost and build your immune system. Squeeze the juice of a whole lemon into a cup of hot water. Drink often. Try gargling with lemon juice if you've got a sore throat.

One great place to buy herbs online is Mountain Rose Herbs. I really like the quality of their herbs.

Hydrotherapy for Influenza

Hot Fomentation – helps to increase your circulation and reduce congestion. It helps your body get rid of toxic wastes. It is an excellent remedy for the flu. (Hot Fomentation page includes step-by-step instructions and a video demonstration).

Contrast Shower – helps to boost your immune system. It helps to increase your white blood cells and flush the virus from your system. If you’ve got a flu coming on, be sure to take a rest following the contrast shower. It will help the remedy be more effective. This remedy is most effective if you do it as soon as you start to feel the symptoms coming on.

Heating Throat Compress - helps to ease the pain of sore, irritated throats.

Other Natural Remedies

Nature’s Penicillin – This is an excellent remedy for influenza. It is made from ingredients that have natural antiseptic and cleansing properties.

Go to Natural Remedies for Common Ailments

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