In recent days, I have seen the media rush to alert us to possible shortages of H1N1 swine flu vaccine. We are warned that the H1N1 virus will arrive this winter in pandemic proportions. Many of us are downright confused as to the preventative/treatment approach for ourselves and family members. As a practicing herbalist, I have been asked for my opinion on this provocative topic.
Vaccines are sometimes necessary. The elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and very young children should be protected. Caregivers are necessary and many times they are not enough. Therefore, caregivers and educators should consider getting vaccinated. That being said, the decision to get vaccinated must be carefully weighed. Are there sensible and easy options to protect yourself and your family without getting vaccinated, while the choice remains ours? Sure there are, and one option is to use an herbal approach.
Herbalism, like prevention, is about personal responsibility, responsibility to oneself and to others. If you are sick, please prevent others from being quarantined. Most employers have viewed the H1N1 virus as a serious enough threat to encourage their employees to use their sick days when they feel sick. Some have even allowed employees to take days off even when they have exhausted their sick time.
Prevention in this case and in all other health problems is the most worthwhile consideration. This flu season specifically, strengthening your immune system should be your top concern.
Herbs that strengthen the immune system and can be taken before feeling sick are:
INstragulus (Astragalus Membranaceus) – A powerful immune enhancer. It is best to take it before the cold and flu season arrives, as it increases the body’s resistance.
siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticos) – Has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system.
codonopsis root (Codonopis pilosulae) – For immunodeficiency and frequent infections
schisandra berries (Schizandra chinensis) – Stimulates the body’s immune function
reishi mushroom – (Ganoderma lucidum) – Stimulates the immune system
All of the herbs listed above can be taken as a tea or tincture during this flu season as a preventative.
What to do if you feel sick:
Know your body and recognize the symptoms of the disease. Everyone starts feeling sick in a different way; fatigue, sore throat, headache, nausea, chills, etc. The first hour of onset of a disease is the most important for the treatment of that disease. An herbal approach to treating the flu includes all of the following: eliminating toxins and excessive conditions by increasing sweating, killing germs, and reducing fever, aches, stiffness, and congestion.
Its is achieved by stimulating a natural immune system response.
– At the first symptoms of flu – a diaphoretic remedy such as Osha Root (Ligusticum porteri) that can be taken, will promote sweating and help eliminate toxins. Osha Root was first used by Native Americans to treat colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections. It is a powerful, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic herb. An Osha tea or tincture can be taken in small doses every half hour to an hour.
– If your cold symptoms become inflammatory, take an herbal or antimicrobial antibiotic. – such as Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis) or Echinacea (purple echinacea) in tea or tincture up to 7 days. Both are powerful herbs and should be considered as such.
– If you are congested, have a cough or phlegm present – use an expectorant, astringent and antispasmodic herb. Echinacea can kill germs and dries up phlegm. Echinacea can be a dry herb, so you shouldn’t take it when you have a dry cough. Use a mint herbal steam (peppermint)) and Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globules) to help with congestion. Other herbs that may help are: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), mullein (verbascum tapsus) and wild cherry (Prunus serotina), elecampane (inula elecampane) and thyme(vulgar scam).
– for a sore throat – use a soothing demulcent (an herb that provides hydration) such as marshmallow root (althaea officinalis) and slippery elm (ulmus rubra). Osha can also be taken to reduce inflammation, it will be calming and anesthetic. You can gargle with yarrow, sage (sage officinale) and/or echinacea.
– For ear infections – An ear infection usually starts in the throat and spreads to the inner ear through the Eustachian tube. Use an antimicrobial such as: garlic, echinacea, mullein, or meadowsweet (meadowsweet) for bread.
– For fever use an herb that is febrifuge (reduces fever) and diaphoretic (promotes sweating), such as – ginger, Boneset – soothes aches and pains, peppermint, elderflowers, catnip (especially good for young children), and yarrow.
There is also a lot to be said for the topical use of herbs to prevent the spread of infection. As the story goes, in Toulouse, France, during the time of the plague, four thieves were robbing and robbing the dead, without falling ill from the plague. When they were finally arrested and sentenced to death for their actions, a judge granted them their lives if they revealed the secret of how they were able to handle diseased bodies and remain immune. His secret was a formula of herbs and essential oils with antimicrobial, astringent and antiseptic properties!
Or you can easily make a similar formula to use as a room spray and hand sanitizer to protect yourself and others from getting sick. Use two ounces of distilled water to 1/2 ounce of vodka and add 30-40 drops of any of the following essential oils: sage, thyme, frankincense, pine, lavender, rosemary, or oregano. Shake well and spray on surfaces, in the air and on hands.
Above all, use common sense when you feel sick; avoid colds, raw foods, dairy products, dress warmly and get the rest your body needs. Eat plenty of garlic in your diet, miso soups, and organic vegetable broths. Take care of yourselves and each other this flu season!
“The above information is not intended to diagnose or treat influenza and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration”