Natural Treatment for H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms
Herbs and More to Ease Misery from Influenza Virus Infection
There is little to make someone as miserable as an infection of the influenza, or flu, virus – whether that is the H1N1 swine flu, or just the normal seasonal flu. Luckily, nature has provided an entire medicine chest of treasures to help deal with the symptoms of flu.
Fever
One of the best natural remedies for fever is willow bark. Willow bark contains salicin, which is the natural predecessor of aspirin. It is a potent pain reliever and fever reducer; about a half teaspoon of dried willow bark in tea should be enough to reduce most fevers.
Important: Do not give aspirin or its natural alternatives to children under 18 who are running a fever, because of the danger of Reye's syndrome.
Cough
This is often the most annoying, and most lingering, symptom of the flu. A good thing, then, that there is a whole collection of natural remedies for coughs.
Marsh mallow (not to be confused with the candy) and other mallows contain a compound called mucilage, which soothes inflammation in mucous membranes. It is most effective for this taken as an extract. It also helps with sore throat. Interestingly, okra is a member of this family, and so would be a good choice to include in any chicken soup for those suffering flu.
Peppermint is also widely used for cough, as it is very cooling and soothing, and is actually a mild muscle relaxer, which helps reduce the cough reflex.
Slippery elm, like the mallows, contains mucilage. It is one of the few herbs to win an FDA recommendation, which has declared slippery elm "a safe and effective throat and respiratory soother," and it is a cough suppressant as well.
And finally, often mentioned is anise. According to Prescription for Herbal Healing, by Phyllis A. Balch (Avery, 2002), anise "stimulates mucus secretion in the throat and lungs, and relieves unproductive cough."
Sore Throat
Perhaps the most widely recommended natural remedy for sore throat is mullein. Nearly any source for natural flu remedies mentions this herb among their top symptom treatments. According to The Green Pharmacy, by James A. Duke, PhD (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1998), "tea made with mullein flowers provides throat-soothing mucilage and also has an expectorant effect. The plant reportedly contains compounds that inhibit flu viruses."
Also highly recommended, and used for many centuries around the world for sore throat, is licorice. According to the National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine, by Steven Foster and Rebecca L. Johnson (National Geographic Society, 2006), there have been studies with licorice in which it proved as effective in calming cough and relieving throat pain as codeine.
Runny or Stuffy Nose
Once again, mullein is one of the top recommended herbal remedy from nearly every direction. According to Nature's Medicine, is it is "prized for its ability to reduce mucus and as an effective expectorant for breaking up phlegm and relieving bronchial congestion."
Close behind it comes ginger. Prescription for Herbal Healing has this to say: "Ginger stops head and chest congestion, malaise, and chills" as well as a scratchy throat.
One of the few herbs that specifically helps a runny nose instead of general congestion, is watercress. According to The Green Pharmacy, "Commission E suggests using two to three teaspoons of dry watercress to make a tea for treating cold-related runny nose and cough. Or try an ounce of fresh watercress," such as on a salad.
Body Aches and Stiffness, and Headache
Much as for fever, and for the same reasons, willow bark tops the list for body aches.
Ginger is also a good choice, especially if you feel chilled as well. If you feel a hot, a similar choice but cooling is peppermint.
Vomiting or Upset Stomach
Without question, the best stomach calming natural remedy is ginger. Study after study has proven ginger's amazing abilities to calm even the most upset stomach. Peppermint can also be a good choice for this, as it calms the physical muscle spasms.
Fighting the Virus
In addition to treating the symptoms of flu, it is important to fight the virus itself. Many of the herbs named above have immune system boosting qualities, or attack viruses directly. For more information, read Natural Antiviral Alternatives.
Echinacea is easily the most recognized overall flu-fighter. According to The Herbal Drugstore, by Linda B. White, MD, and Steven Foster (Rodale, 2003), "This species is the single best-researched herb for helping the body fight colds and flu once they've begun to invade." It goes on to say that it "can shorten the duration and lessen the severity of cold and flu symptoms."
One honestly good choice is to make fresh chicken soup. Be sure to include lots of immune system boosting foods. As mentioned above, okra is a good addition, as are plenty of garlic and onions. Hot pepper, especially cayenne, is also very good to fight the flu, especially if you are chilled.
And finally, one last herbal remedy: Elderberry. There are many studies showing that those who take elderberry at the onset of symptoms recover in 2-3 days, while the control groups who did not took at least 6 days before they felt well again.
*This article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If there is any question, contact a medical professional.*
For more information, be sure to read What to do if you have H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms.
See also: "Fighting the flu with alternative remedies" from CNN
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