Must Have Remedies to Help Fight the Flu

January, the first month of the year. A time of New Years’ resolutions, life changes and clean slates. Every change in season comes with a change in temperature, one which offsets our body's balance and weakens our immune system.

This is the perfect breeding ground for the flu virus. If you have not yet heard, this year is one of the worst flu seasons we have ever seen, with a death rate, as a result of the flu, large enough to be labeled an epidemic. Children and elderly are especially of concern, with their immune systems weaker than the average adult, making them the perfect target for the flu to attack.

To make matters even worse, the specific strain of the circulating flu virus is not covered by the flu vaccine, which means there is no way to prevent it from striking. Many people self medicate with left over antibiotics from previous infections and don’t realize that these medications hold no value in treating viruses. This does nothing but make bacteria stronger and more resistant to the antibiotics we have available.

As a pharmacist, this is something I see all the time and the best way to prevent misuse of antibiotics is to make recommendations for better care. Personally, I am a huge advocate of herbal and homeopathic medicine. Below are several remedies I urge flu patients to consider above all else, especially considering the fact that the flu is self-limiting, with no current cures available.

In the early stages of the flu: make a warming tea from one stick of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and some ground ginger. If feeling feverish, promote sweating by making an infusion of Catmint and Elderflower. To make the infusion, you will need one ounce of the dried herb or two ounces of the fresh herb. Boil 500 ml of water and pour over the herbs. Make sure you use a container with a close-fitting lid and allow the mixture to infuse for ten minutes. Strain through a sieve and drink your flu away. You will want to drink this infusion three times a day.

For achy muscles or body pains, add Boneset to the above infusion. Also, it will greatly benefit you to include raw garlic into your diet. Not only does garlic ward off evil vampires, it also stimulates your immune system and helps you avoid the possibility of any secondary infections, such as bronchitis.

Take a hot bath with epsom salt, adding about two to four tablespoons per bath. You may add a few drops of tea tree, eucalyptus, or lemon oil to the bath for an added effect.

If you experience chills with body pain/aching back and upset stomach, take some Nux Vomica and or Gelsemium. It is also best to restrict the diet until the feverish period has passed to juicing only. Once there is no more fever, you may begin to incorporate fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains into the diet.

You should also take 3,000 mg of vitamin C at the start of any flu-like symptoms and gradually reduce the dose to 500 mg over the next several days .

You will want to avoid all dairy products during this time, as dairy products increase the production of phlegm and mucous. If you have trouble breathing or feel a tightness in your airways, make another infusion of Chammomile, Eyebright, and Lavender. You will, again, need one ounce of the dried herbs or two ounces of the fresh version to be be infused over ten minutes, using 500 ml of boiling water.

The best way to prevent infections is to increase our immune system and take care of our bodies. Eat healthy, exercise daily, and make sure to get an adequate amount of sleep, preferably eight hours per night. Keep stress at a minimum, as stress kills our immune system faster than anything else. Make sure to get adequate amounts of rest while sick with the flu and wash your hands often to prevent spreading to others. Drink plenty of fluids and with the above infusions, you will be back to your old self in no time