Herbs for use with swine flu H1N1

By Scott Stuart, ACHS Faculty

While offering no guarantees, vitamin D may help keep the swine flu away because it plays a critical role in enabling the immune system to successfully defeat viruses of all kinds. One 2006 study hit headlines when it concluded that vitamin D is effective in fighting standard influenza strains.

Elderberry syrup, or sambucol, a standardized extract of elderberry, has been shown by repeated scientific studies to fight standard strains of influenza. Elderberry appears to reduce the duration of colds and flu by several days. Other studies have shown elderberry syrup to be effective in fighting H5N1 bird flu, which is one of the core components of the swine flu pandemic's biology. Laboratory trials have confirmed that elderberry extract effectively defeats H5N1 avian flu with up to 99% efficacy.

Another ingredient they offer is selenium. In vitro studies confirmed that selenium, like elderberry syrup, can effectively fight the H5N1 strain of avian flu, making it a potentially important supplement for preventing a swine flu pandemic.

Other herbs they say may help include echinacea, goldenseal, zinc, and vitamin C.

DIGESTION
Some say that the flu “begins in the gut and ends in the gut.” This means that if you have good digestion, you will increase your resistance to this and other flu strains. Take a probiotic daily. Live probiotics are available in natural food stores, and probiotics are now more widely available in grocery stores, such as in yogurt culture and even in chocolate.

HOMEOPATHY
The homeopathic remedy Anas Barbariae is made from the liver of migrating geese. Because they travel the world, they build immunity to many viruses years before humans do. Be sure to get the 2009 version by checking the expiration date. In addition, the remedy Ferrum phos is effective in treating the early stages of the flu when used within the first 24 hours, and the remedy Influenzinum can be taken as a prophylaxis. This remedy is made from the same disease strain as the CDC uses to make each season’s flu vaccine.

LIFESTYLE ADVICE
1. Get Plenty of Sleep. To improve your resistance to any disease, the most important thing you can do is get enough rest. Your body knows how to heal, and it does this best when sleeping. Get adequate rest on a daily basis, and if you begin to feel fatigue during a time of increased stress to your immune system, take naps, get into bed earlier, relax and let your body do what it does best: restore and rebuild.

2. Hydrate. Our bodies are 80% water. Drink plenty of water each day to stay hydrated and to allow the body to flush toxins from the blood and the liver. Drink pure water, not soda or juice, for best results.

3. Exercise. Exercise increases your resistance to disease. It stimulates the cleansing blood flow and increases your natural stress reducing hormones. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Science has shown that walking daily is good for your health and well-being.

4. Spend time outdoors. The healing benefits of nature are yours and all you need to do is step outside. The fresh air cleanses your lungs and the vitamin D from sunshine is great for general health. Even on a rainy day or at night, the fresh air is beneficial.

>> To read the full-length article, go to: http://www.achs.edu/news/news-detail.aspx?nid=189

>> For more information about herbal medicine and holistic health classes, visit: www.achs.edu