Home Remedies: Home Remedies for Flu

Symptoms of the Flu

According to http://www.flu.gov, all types of flu have the same basic symptoms, but some people get worse flu symptoms than others. The general signs to watch for are fatigue, weakness, headache or body aches, chills and / or fever, and a cough that may be accompanied by a sore throat. I've always had a hard time differentiating between common cold symptoms and the flu, but I now understand that the fatigue and weakness are more pronounced with the flu, whereas a runny or stuffy nose is more likely with a cold.

Types of Flu

Some common types of Influenza are the H1N1 virus (aka Swine Flu) and H7N9 virus (aka Avian or Bird Flu) both of which fall under the Influenza A umbrella, and Influenza B includes the Seasonal Flu. Both Influenza A and Influenza B are included in the vaccine of the annual flu shot. The Swine Flu created quite an uproar a few years ago when officials predicted a pandemic, and while technically it was a pandemic and people did die from it, the effects were not as frightening as was portrayed by the media. Nevertheless Influenza should not be taken lightly, as it decimated the population of the world in 1918 during World War I. That strain was called The Spanish Flu.

The Stomach Flu

While symptoms of flu can include vomiting and diarrhea (mostly in children), the ubiquitous "stomach flu symptoms" are usually either caused by food poisoning or the norovirus, which is not related to influenza at all. Food poisoning symptoms can include gastrointestinal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, body aches, fever and chills, but can be identical to those of the norovirus since the norovirus can be transmitted through food. For more information on the norovirus, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus.

Flu Remedies

There are a number of home remedies for the flu, and homeopathic remedies for it as well. All of the remedies listed here are for general flu symptoms, but if you have specific symptoms that are bothersome, please look at the list of other conditions at the bottom of this page. Also, be sure to stay hydrated as dehydration is a potential complication of the flu.

Baking Soda:

Bob's Aluminum-Free Baking Soda

One remedy that is credited with saving lives in the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 is baking soda. If you plan to use this remedy, please only do so if you have normal to low blood pressure, as there is a risk that the sodium in baking soda might raise your blood pressure. The other important precautions are to take it at least an hour before lying down, and on an empty stomach. To use this remedy, mix 1/2 tsp of baking soda in a glass of water 6 times for the first day, 4 times the second day, and twice the third day. After that, continue taking it once every day. The premise of this remedy is that it makes your system alkaline and the flu virus cannot thrive in an alkaline system.

If your blood pressure is high, you can substitute fresh lemon juice for the baking soda. Do not add sweetener.

Elderberries:

Sambucol for Flu

Elderberries have the reputation of being great at treating the flu. There is a homeopathic treatment called Sambucol that comes in pill form and you can buy at the health food store.

If you're not keen on taking Sambucol, then elderberry tea is another viable option for treating the flu. There are ingredients in the tea that reduce inflammation to help with body aches, and others that boost the immune system. To make a tea either use a packaged variety or pour boiling water over the berries or leaves and let them steep about 5 minutes. I would recommend sweetening the tea with either honey or Xylitol (a natural sugar-alcohol that boosts the immune system).

Astragalus Root:

Astragalus Root

Astragalus Root tends to be something of a wonder-herb. It has so many benefits to your body and immune system. When you have the flu, not only will it help your body fight the virus, but it can also help you regain strength after your body has eliminated the virus from your system. Astragalus root is also a home remedy for coughs, sinus infections, and helps to lower blood pressure. It comes in liquid pill form which I prefer, powdered capsules, tablets, and dried in bulk.

Hydrogen peroxide

This was one remedy that I thought was very odd when I first heard of it, but after you think about it for a little while it makes sense. The premise is that most people have antibodies in their eyes, nose and mouth that can fight the flu virus and help prevent them from getting sick; but there is no protection in the ears. There is a theory that most people get the flu by touching a contaminated surface and then later sticking their fingers in their ears; therefore, if you swab your ears with hydrogen peroxide 2 - 3 times daily, you can kill the virus before it takes root in your body.

Oscillococcinum

I have used Oscillococcinum many times for flu and upper respiratory infections. I once heard it referred to as "homeopathic antibiotics". I have personally found it to be very effective if taken when you first start to get sick. The box comes with tiny vials filled with teeny sugary sweet pills. To take the medicine you simply empty the contents of a vial in your mouth as directed on the package. It's kind of expensive, but it is effective too.

Chicken soup

I'm sure you've heard that chicken soup is a good remedy for colds and flu, but did you know that there is actually scientific data to back that up? Chicken soup can help move mucous out of your body and help boost your immune system. It is especially useful if you add garlic and cayenne to it to boost the immune-boosting properties.

Links for Other Conditions:

Home Remedies

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Thursday, November 28, 2013

Home Remedies for Flu

Symptoms of the Flu

Types of Flu

The Stomach Flu

Flu Remedies

Baking Soda:

Elderberries:

Astragalus Root:

Hydrogen peroxide

Oscillococcinum

Chicken soup

Links for Other Conditions:

Rashes and Allergies:

Respiratory Conditions / Colds and Flu

Cardiovascular / Gastric Conditions

Pain

Miscellaneous

Sources and Citations