We are knee deep in Flu/cold season and I have some interesting tidbits about the Flu virus and herbs and how they can help with reducing many symptoms.

To discuss some of my favorites……………

At the very first hint of “oh I may be coming down with something” is the very moment you need to activate protocol for recovery.

Front line of attack listed below:

Emerg-C – Is popular in both herbal and Allopathic protocol.

Elderberry Syrup, Elderberry Jam (homemade best), Elderberry just about anything you can find is a great all-time favorite for the natural loving folks.   Kids don’t have much problem with this syrup as it is very palatable.

Oscillococcinum – is a very popular homeopathic remedy. Some even say it will stop the flu completely. I have not used this to date but would give it a try if my elderberry didn’t seem like enough or I need to suggest more power for elderly and young clients

Known to temporarily relieve flu-like symptoms such as body aches, headache, fever, chills and fatigue

Chinese Skullcap, elder (flower or berry), licorice, rhodiola rosea , ginger and are all very good to take at first because they can act against the sticky hemagglutinin which the virus uses to attached to our cells to penetrate the cell and hide from our very own immune system while it is reproducing . (Buhner)

If you are lucky and love Ginger salad dressing like me, you are already boosting yourself. Especially if you make it or get it fresh. Fresh Ginger is wonderful!

A great tincture formula would be Astragalus, Cordyceps and Rhodiola rosea. These are antivirals as well as great adaptogens. Many prefer to use Astragalus as adaptogen to help keep immune system running optimum and stop taking it when they get sick. I think it would depend on circumstances case by case.

Flu Symptoms are basically the things the body does trying to expel the intruder.

Headaches-  

We get headaches from a variety of reasons, it would be important to note and address the potential problem that is causing the headache and treat accordingly.  Stress, fever, coughing etc. There are many herbs that are helpful. Headaches caused from flu and colds/fevers I would suggest mints, ginger, meadowsweet or even white willow and chamomile.   I prefer rosemary aromatherapy for my headaches, and Chamomile tea can help some. It will be personal and you can experiment to find what works best for you and while you are experimenting you will be adding the plenty of fluids you need.

Body Aches-

Body Aches from the flu are usually associated with fever or a lot of coughing. Boneset herb stimulates immune system and helps reduce fevers, helps reduce lung congestion. Best known for its analgesic effect on body aches and pains brought on by fever.

Fever– Using an herb with diaphoretic actions, or febrifuge will potentially help reduce a fever. I sell a fever tincture which works very well. Most of my syrups include herbs that have febrifuge/diaphoretic actions. Yarrow, elder flower, mints, sage etc.

Cough-  Congested or Dry hacking

Coughs come in many forms: dry, hacking, damp, mucus, drainage etc. If you have congestion its best to cough and get it out of the lungs. If it is dry and hacking you may want to get some relief. It is very important to approach the right herbs with the cough symptoms.

For a cough that has mucus and sinus drainage you will prefer an expectorant and decongestant formula. Herbs like Wild cherry bar, pine bark, elecampane, yerba santa and licorice root would be great in a combo or even alone as a strong tea/decoction or make into a syrup.

For a cough that is dry and hacking with no mucus you may prefer demulcent herbs to soothe the throat and help expel mucus in the lungs by stimulating fluid production. These herbs would be Mullein, marshmallow, plantain, pleurisy root and Licorice is also good in this one as well.

Chills- Chills are usually associated with fever. See fevers.

Fatigue- Many of the adaptogen herbs would be helpful to get a boost of energy. Eleuthero , Ginseng and Schisandra to name a few.

Sore Throat– The old age gargle with salt water is helpful. Tea with sage helps me in most cases and combine with demulcent herbs like licorice. Cayenne pepper and ginger can be very productive in pain relief if you can take the extra kick.

Products in our store to ease the symptoms from the flu virus and or colds.

Elderberry syrup – At first sign or tingle of sickness or if around others that are already sick. Start taking Elderberry syrup!

Boost & Berries Syrup – To help continue to boost immune system and give a boost of energy if you are fatigued and run down from the flu.

Elecampane Syrup- This is a really nice herb to help combat congestion and assist in clearing the lungs. (also good for coughs with congestion)

Throat Alleviator Syrup – This will help with pain and inflammation of raw throats.

Boneset Syrup- This is traditionally known for aches & pains associated with fever and other flu symptoms.

Herbal Cough Syrup I – This should help you with flu and cold type coughs. This is an expectorant and decongestant formula. If you have lots of mucus and sinus drainage this is the one for you.

Herbal Cough Syrup II- When you are coughing and nothing comes up and its dry and scratchy this should bring you relief and comfort.

Children’s Composition- This is perfect for helping young children and toddlers get through the discomforts from flu or colds. (This is made with Glycerin and not honey) Long shelf life.

You can order the “SICK PACK” here. Sick pack includes 6 of my syrups to help get you through flu/cold season with some added comfort and relief. SICK PACK SPECIAL PRICE IS $ 50.00 with free shipping.

You will receive one 4 oz bottle of each of the following:

• Elderberry syrup
• Boost & Berries syrup
• Boneset syrup
• Throat Alleviator syrup
• Elecampane plus syrup
• Herbal cough syrup I

If you have any concerns or questions, you may email me and I will do my best to answer in a timely manner.

*****If you are pregnant, please check with your doctor before taking any of these herbs. If you need help with information for your Doctor, I can help with that in short or we can do a consultation if you need in depth information.

*** As always you should check for contraindications with any other medications you may be taking. I can help with that thru an email if you need assistance.

List of medical contraindications listed in individual product information link.

References: (AND GREAT BOOKS TO READ)

• Buhner, Stephen Harrod, HERBAL ANTIVIRALS (2013) North Adams, MA , Storey Publishing
• Howell, Patricia Kyritsi , MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS, (2006) Mountain City, GA, BotanoLogo’s Books.
• Hoffmann, David, MEDICAL HERBALISM, (2003) Rochester, VT Healing Arts Press.
• Horne, Steven & Easley Thomas, THE MODERN HERBAL DISPENSATORY, (2016) Berkeley, CA North Atlantic Books.
• Many of my school books from:
• American College of Health Care Sciences
  Portland, OR
• Gardner, Zoe & McGuffin, Michael, AHPA BOTANICAL SAFETY HANDBOOK,(2013) Boca Raton, FL CRC Press

Disclaimer – The following information is intended for general information purposes only. Individuals should always see their healthcare provider before taking herbs and supplements.