Herbs and the new flu!

(NOTE: This information is not intended to diagnose or treat the flu and has not been evaluated by the FDA)

There is a lot of talk today about a potential pandemic outbreak of Swine Flu.
Swine Flu’s scientific name is “Type A H1N1 influenza” and has been associated with its host carrier, pigs or swine. This virus has appeared in many places around the world including the U.S. and is capable of person-to- person transmission. This virus is being compared to the flu pandemic of 1918 (a.k.a. the “Spanish flu”) which killed 50 to 100 million people and sickened 20 to 40% of the world’s population.

The high rate of deaths with the outbreak of Spanish Flu in 1918 has been directly linked to the low level of immunity in the population. Immune compromised was due to poor hygiene, poor diets- therefore micronutrient malnutrition- and vitamin D deficiency. During this same time, the original “junk food” became a staple in the American diet with the introduction of white flour and sugar. Bleached flour was a new concept and the necessity to “enrich” the wheat with nutrients that had been stripped from its source had not been realized yet. As early as 1900, average Americans were consuming 4-5 ounces of white sugar each day. We now know that excess sugar consumption is a major culprit in lowering immune function.

On a positive note, this year’s Swine flu virus has not yet demonstrated that it is going to become a global pandemic as lethal as the 1918 Spanish flu and only a few reported deaths have been directly link to the virus.

We can take a lesson from the Flu Pandemic of 1918 and the age old adage, an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.

Step One: Prevention
Before the flu hits your area AND as a daily habit, practice good hygiene. Universal precautions are in order! Wash your hands often, especially during your daily routines out in public. Soap and water and friction are best (rubbing your hands together with soap before rinsing.) Anti-bacterial gels are okay in a pinch, but these gels are not a good substitute for washing with soap and water.

Know your Vitamin D status. Most Americans have some Vitamin D deficiency as we become less exposed to the sun due to staying indoors for work, driving in cars, etc. If you have low Vitamin D or are deficient, take a good quality Vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D directly supports our bodies’ immune function.

Drink lots of good quality water. Each person should drink about 50% of his or her body weigh in water. Drink water at room temperature throughout the day. Water helps stimulate the detoxification organs of the body and brings oxygen to cells.

Drink Herbal Tea. Try one of these herbal teas or blend a few together. These herbs are good support as anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and nutrient dense.
Astragulus, Sage, Skullcap, Oregano, Thyme, Elder Flower, Holy Basil, Nettle. Drink 2-3 8 ounce cups daily.

Eat plenty of nutrient dense foods. Miso soup, vegetable broths, organic grains and meats. Flavor these foods with raw garlic, cayenne pepper, turmeric and onion for an additional immunity boost.

Treat your environment naturally. For a natural anti-viral/anti-biotic hand wash, mix 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract and 10 drops of tea tree oil in 1 gallon of water. Pour some into a smaller container and carry with you to use throughout the day.

For and environment-friendly antiseptic spray to use on hard surfaces, mix 1/8 cup of vodka, 1o drops of tea tree oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil in 1 gallon of water. Disinfect door knobs, switches, handles, toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched.

Sanitize the air by simmering a large pot of water on the stove with 5 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil or lavender oil and 5 drops of tea tree oil.

Step Two: Boost your immunity.
If you do come down with the flu, then focus on building your immunity.

Rest. The average course of any flu virus is 10 to 14 days. Even though you may feel better after 3 days or so, allow the virus to run its course and your immune system to rebuild itself by resting. Many deaths from the flu occur during a relapse period after someone returns to his her normal routine without the proper rest period. The Center for Disease Control is mandating the closure of public facilities including schools to prevent the spread of the flu and also allow folks to rest and take care of themselves. Good advice!

Continue with the recommendations listed above.

If you have an appetite, eat only organic brown rice and steamed vegetables (especially greens). The simpler diet the better. Rich foods are hard for your body to digest and then your energy is used for digestion rather than fighting pathogens.

Take Additional herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements provide some symptom relief and support immune function:
Herbal tinctures (may be added to teas)
Meadowsweet, Japanese Knotweed or Turmeric. 2 dropperfuls, three times daily.

Vitamin C- 2000 mg daily

Colloidal Silver- 2 squirts three times daily

Sleep Aids/Pain Relief:
Add 10-15 drops of valerian, chamomile, white willow bark, lemon balm or St. John’s Wort tincture to your cup of herbal tea.

Take a warm/hot bath and add 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 10 drops of rosemary essential oil and ¼ cup of sea salt to the water. Note: if you have a high fever, use lukewarm water, if your fever is not too high, hot baths are okay. Remember that fevers are our bodies’ way of heating up to kill pathogens. Very high fevers can be dangerous, so monitoring them and call your doctor if a high fever persists beyond 4 hours.

In summary, the Swine Flu is manageable if we take the proper precautions, fortify our body’s natural defense mechanism, eat a good balance diet and don’t stress about a gloomy pandemic or about life in general.

Be well and take good care of you!


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