Swine Flu, Natural Flu Remedies, H1N1

Protect Yourself From Swine Flu

Protect yourself from swine flu and other flu with these natural methods.


Many are concerned, confused, and filled with panic with the recent outbreaks of this illness. Are we safe? Should I run to get a vaccination? What can I do to protect myself and my family?

If these are some of the questions you are asking, read on to find some answers...

What is it?
Although originally called "swine flu" this virus is now referred to as H1N1. Scientists found that certain genes in the virus were similar to genes in influenza viruses in pigs. But further study shows that it is not the same.

However, the name swine flu seems to have stuck even though the correct term is H1N1.

The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to any type of flu.
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Headache
  • Body aches
  • Diarrhea or vomiting

Many people who have mild cases of the virus do not require hospitilization. My sister-in-law is one of them and has just recently come out of her "quarantine" time after a case of swine flu. However, they do develop antibodies protecting themselves further from cases in the future where there may be greater resistance to treatment or more serious symptoms. Those who are young, elderly, pregnant, have heart disease, diabetes, asthma and kidney disease are at a higher risk of developing more serious complications.

The virus is spread through moisture droplets such as from from sneezing and coughing. Ways these droplets can enter into our system is through touching our mouths, our eyes, and our ears. The biggest concerns about swine flu are the complications and secondary infections that can arise. Pneumonia in particular can develop for those who are at a higher risk.

For the latest updates on H1N1 visit these sites...
UK
US
Canada

What can we do?
Although a vaccine is being pushed for H1N1 prevention, I hesistate to jump on the wagon to the nearest health center for a flu shot. History has shown that rushing a vaccine into use is rarely safe and reliable. Rather, we can look at more natural methods.

Prevention is the key to protecting ourselves from swine flu! And I don't mean all kinds of antibacterial hand sanitizers and gallons of bleach either. Bleach is not safe. Antibacterials just hasten the mutation process of viruses creating more resistant strains of viruses.

Natural Flu Remedies

Whole foods and supplements
I can never say enough about whole foods. This will build and strength our immunity to microbes.

Zinc, Vitamin C and D in particular are essential during the flu season. Get plenty of sunshine and eat organic, locally grown foods to keep the intake of these important vitamins up. Read more about Vitamin D at mercola.com

Fish Oil is also very beneficial for our overall health and should be taken on a regular basis to keep our defenses strong.

Avoid sugar
Sugar decreases our immunity for a few hours after consumption making our natural defenses more vulnerable. Definitely stay away from sugar at the first sign of illness. You seriously impare the body's ability to fight off the invading microbes when consuming sugar.

Herbs

Elderberry Syrup is safe for children and for pregnant women. The medicinal properties of elderberry have been recognized since early Greece. And elderberry jams and pies are still a favorite treat.

Children's Composition Glycerite
This is the first thing I pull out when any one in our family starts to come down with a cold or flu. Containing elderflower, yarrow and peppermint, this remedy has been used for years to combat colds and flu.

Astragalus
Studies have shown that astragalus root stimulates the immune system in many ways. It also promotes and maintains respiratory health. Seeing as pneumonia is a common secondary infection of swine flu, astragalus is a good herb to use in prevention.

Cat's Claw
Also known as Uno de Gato, Cat's Claw is esteemed by the natives of Peru for strengthening the immune system. This can be taken if a person is not pregnant or nursing, otherwise the Elderberry is a safer choice.

Hand Sanitizer

Use this natural hand sanitizer recipe from my friend and fellow herbalist, Judith Cobb:

250 ml aloe vera gel
20 drops lavender essential oil
20 dropstea tree essential oil

Silver Shield from Nature's Sunshine Products
Silver Shield is being heralded as the most powerful, virtually nontoxic, natural disinfecting antiobiotic available.

It provides powerful support to the immune system. Helps destroy numerous pathogens including bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi including yeast. Silver Shield can be taken internally or made into a spray or a hand sanitizer. Don't take if pregnant, nursing, on thyroid medication or other antibiotics.

Sanitizer Spray

Use this sanitizer spray for surfaces such as doorknobs, switch plates, countertops, etc.

8 oz water
10 drops Oil of Oregano
4 teaspoons witch hazel

Spray on surfaces such as doorknobs, switch plates, faucet knobs, and in the air.

Oil of Oregano
This is powerful against microbes! I really like to use oil of oregano at the first signs of any kind of an illness. Taking a drop a day in a glass of water also acts as a preventative.

Don't take if pregnant or nursing or for babies under 6 months.

A wonderful book to to explain all the benefits of Oil of Oregano is The Cure is in the Cupboard.

Essential Oils
Certain essential oils contain antiviral properties.

Antiviral essential oils:
Basil
Eucalyptus
Lavender
Lemon
Myrrh
Oregano (really good one!)
Tea tree





Related Articles

Read more great articles on H1N1 and vaccines at Dr Mercola's site.

Read more about Cold Remedies



You can get quality essential oils at Mountain Rose Herbs

Mountain Rose Herbs. A Herbs, Health & Harmony Com






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