If, despite your best intentions, you come down with the flu, there’s plenty you can do to fight it.
And fighting the flu doesn’t mean accepting a handful of dangerous and expensive prescriptions. Try these five safer, natural cures instead.
I’ve used them to cure more cases of the flu than I can count…
1. Get this homeopathic cure Europeans swear by
An eccentric genius named Samuel Hahnemann devised the treatment system of homeopathy over 200 years ago. Yet, the mainstream medical establishment treats it like a new, unproven science. This means, unfortunately, a lot of docs are missing out on Oscillo-coccinum, a fantastic homeopathic remedy.
I first learned of it from an ICU nurse who swore by it. I now recommend it to all my patients. They attest to its excellent record in shortening the duration of their flu symptoms. It’s especially effective when they take Oscillococcinum at the very first telltale signs.
My patients also like how inexpensive it is. You only need a handful of doses that shouldn’t run you more than five or six dollars max.
2. Fight infections with black elderberry
The black elderberry is good for more than making wine. It has a long history of use for treating upper respiratory infections.
In test-tube studies black elderberry has successfully fought against the most common flu viruses. It has also shown activity against the feared H5N1 avian flu virus. I recommend two formulations.
The first is Sambucol (made by Nature’s Way). Sambucol can effectively shorten the duration of your flu. And in several well-designed studies, it alleviated symptoms. (Minor note: it tastes pretty good, unlike some of that vomit-inducing stuff Big Pharma produces.)
The second formulation is called Viral Block, available from New Chapter.
3. Add some spice to your flu fight
Wild Mediterranean oregano has long been reputed to have strong antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antifungal (i.e. yeast) powers—and research is now proving it. The active components of oregano are thymol and carvacrol. It’s powerful stuff for treating acute illness.
I recommend Oregano Force, from New Chapter.
4. Put the Indian “wonder shrub” to work for you
Andrographis, or Indian Echinacea, is popular in India, China, and now Sweden. It’s an immune-system tonic and treatment for bacterial and viral infections.
Historians say andrographis may have helped to slow down the great 1919 Indian flu epidemic. This was part of the infamous Spanish flu epidemic that killed between 20 million and 40 million people. It’s an effective acute remedy for flu infections and is supported by an increasing number of small, positive studies.
Nature’s Way and Medi-Herb both offer quality Andrographis products. The Medi-Herb complex is combined with Echinacea. And it is a good product for general support throughout the flu season.
Look for the Nature’s Way product in grocery stores. The Medi-Herb product can be ordered only through a participating health professional. You can go to www.mediherb.com to locate one.
5. Give the flu an olive branch
Olive-leaf extract has antibacterial and antiviral powers, with plenty of compelling, anecdotal reports supporting its use in combating the flu.
One word of caution, however. Sometimes olive leaf is so effective it causes a Herxheimer reaction. This is when you have a big die-off of viruses (or bacteria). This causes the release of a large number of toxins which can cause flu-like symptoms.
If this happens to you, reduce the dosage and continue on with treatment. I recommend the Olive Leaf product from Ameriden.
For even more tips on fighting cold and flu see 6 tricks to avoid a cold or flu you HAVEN’T heard before
Dr. Alan Inglis
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