Natural Therapies for the Flu

By:  Colleen Jo Gagliardi, ND

During flu season, we all know the typical feeling that we're "coming down with something".  Luckily, there are many

effective natural therapies that can help deal with the flu, should you be one of the 95 million people expected to get the

flu this year in the US.

The flu (from the word influenza), results from being infected by a virus.  There are many different flu viruses, but once

infected, the virus then sets about replicating itself.  Your body's immune system, knowing that it has been invaded,

then tries to oust the invader by making it more difficult for the virus to take hold and replicate itself.  For instance, your

body's immune system will compensate and fight the virus by increasing your body's temperature with a fever (which helps

to kill the virus).  Fevers can create the muscle aches and pains, which make you slow down and rest.  Rest too, helps

your body to fight the flu, because all of your energy can then be used to heal.  During an infection, your body also mobilizes

 your immune system's white blood cells to go after the flu virus to destroy it.  The results of this are the well known flu

symptoms of cough, congestion and runny nose, as your body tries to clear out the invaders.  Most of the symptoms

 experienced during the flu are actually the result of your body trying to eliminate the flu virus from making you sick.  Know

that your body is working overtime to protect you from harm. 

Natural therapies such as herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, homeopathy and nutritional supplements can be easily used

 to enhance your body's natural defenses against the flu.  Introduced below are some general natural therapies that can

be used to treat the flu. 

Herbal Medicines:

Some great herbs that can be located in health food stores that can help stimulate your immune system's function are

Echinacea and Siberian ginseng.  Echinacea is also a great antiviral herb, as is goldenseal, cramp bark, elderberry and

 astragalus.  Additional herbs that are helpful in fighting flu symptoms, and are easily taken in tea form include skullcap,

lemon balm, peppermint, elderberry flowers and yarrow. 

Hydrotherapy:

There are many different hydrotherapy techniques which can be used to stimulate your body's immune system.  One easy

 method that can be done at home is the "Wet Sock Treatment":   Use this therapy before bedtime.  Warm your feet in a

warm footbath for 5-10 minutes.  Soak a pair of cotton or athletic socks in cold water.  When your feet are warmed from the

footbath, wring out the cold socks and put them on.  Then over the cold socks put on a pair of heavy, woolen socks. Get in

 bed, cover yourself up well and sleep all night.  By morning, your socks (and feet) should be warm and dry.  This technique

stimulates the immune system as well as reflexively decreases head congestion.  It is great to use during fevers with head

or chest congestion.  I know the “wet sock treatment” sounds “far-out”, but give it a try!  This treatment should not be used

on infants, elderly people, individuals with peripheral vascular disorders or those with decreased sensation in the feet or legs,

 or those especially sensitive to cold.

Homeopathy:

Some of the homeopathic medicines also easily found in health food stores that are useful for the flu include: Occillococcinum

or Dolivaxil/fludefense.   For both of these homeopathics, follow label directions for dosing.

Vitamins/Minerals

Vitamins A  and C are both antiviral and are immune system stimulants.  Zinc also stimulates the immune system, while

selenium is needed by the immune system for proper functioning.  Many over-the-counter natural remedies contain these

 vitamins and minerals, which can also support your body during a flu infection.  If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your

healthcare provider before taking additional vitamins or minerals.

The basics:

If you get the flu:

§         Eliminate sugar from your diet (including sucrose, fructose, fruit juices and honey) until you are feeling better.   Sugar

 depresses the immune system (even 100 grams of sugar can depress the immune system for up to 5 hours). 

§         Try to eat lightly for the first 24-36 hours that you are ill.  Fresh vegetable juices and broth are great ways to get the

nutrients you need, but don't take a lot of energy to digest.

§         Eliminate milk products while you are ill.  Dairy products tend to congest and increase mucous production.

§         Drink plenty of fluids-herbal teas and water.  Proper hydration helps your entire body to heal.

§         Give yourself some tender loving care when you don't feel well.  Rest.  Give your body the time it needs to heal.  Try and

get as much quality sleep as you can.  Remember that many of the symptoms you are feeling from the flu are actually your

 body's response of trying to heal and get you back up and running.

And, one last thing, if you do get the flu, one thing to remember is this...Just as your body needs regular exercise to keep

itself in shape, your immune system needs regular exercise too. When your immune system is stimulated to function (as when

it defends you against flu viruses), it actually gets stronger, just like a muscle gets stronger with exercise, and a strong, healthy

 immune system is one of your greatest assets for good health.

If you are interested in learning more about natural flu remedies,  the Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic will be offering a

 "Natural Kitchen Wisdom” series, with Dr. Colleen.  Please check the newspaper for class listings.

 Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic
720 North 30 Street
Beautiful downtown Billings, Montana

Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655

ync@180com.net

Dispensary
406·254·9682

dispensary@yncnaturally.com