Top Flu Busters

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Top Flu Busters JoAnn Guest Jan 22, 2005 19:32 PST

 

By Amy Mayfield

http://www.herbsforhealth.com/index.php?page=article & story=31

 

This fall, the shortage of flu vaccine made headlines nationwide. Even

the most at-risk populations — such as the elderly — faced long lines or

were unable to receive the flu shot.

 

But none of us has to take the threat of illness as a certainty. Keeping

our immune systems strong is the single best way to avoid the flu, its

potentially serious complications, and a host of other illnesses. Here

are some of our favorite herbs, recommended by many of our most trusted

contributors. Used preventively or, with plenty of rest and fluids at

the first sign of illness, they’ll help you stay well all winter long.

 

• Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) is well-known for its immune-boosting

effects. It stimulates the immune system and prevents viruses from

replicating. Start taking echinacea at the first sign of symptoms; take

up to nine 300- to 400-mg capsules daily or 60 drops of tincture three

times daily. Take as needed for cold or flu; for prevention, take

echinacea continuously for two weeks, then discontinue the herb for one

week.

 

• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract is a great-tasting remedy that’s a

rich source of anthocyanins, a group of antioxidants that help protect

the body against disease. For elderberry extract, follow manufacturer’s

directions. If you’d prefer capsules, take up to six 500-mg caps daily.

 

• Garlic (Allium sativum) has potent anti- oxidant properties and is a

good source of immune-boosting selenium. The best way to get garlic’s

benefits is to eat one raw clove a day for prevention; if that’s

difficult for you to digest, try lightly sautéing two or more cloves.

 

Lemon Throat Spray

This diluted lemon spray has powerful antiseptic properties to help beat

a cold or flu.

 

15 drops lemon essential oil

5 drops peppermint essential oil

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup lemon juice

 

Combine ingredients and pour mixture in a spray bottle. Shake well, then

gently spray into your throat several times daily.

 

 

• Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), astragalus (Astragalus

membranaceus), rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) and ashwaganda (Withania

somnifera) are adaptogenic herbs, which help the body adapt to stress

and balance the body’s systems. Taken long term, these safe herbs gently

boost the immune system. Follow manufacturer’s directions for these

herbs; it’s also wise to consult a qualified herbalist for help choosing

the right herb for your particular situation.

 

• Medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), shiitake

(Lentinula edodes) and maitake (Grifola frondosa), contain various

powerful antioxidant, antibacterial and infection-resistant properties.

The mushrooms are available in concentrated extracts — follow package

directions.

 

Kathryn’s Quickie Immune Soup

Eat a couple of steaming bowls of this as soon a cold or flu threatens

and you’ll feel better in no time.

– Kathryn Compton

 

1 small onion, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

Several shiitake mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

1 can chicken broth, organic and free-range if available

3 to 4 cloves garlic, peeled

Fresh ginger, peeled, in whatever

quantity you like

 

Heat oil and brown onion in oil until translucent; add mushrooms and

brown them. Pour in the can of chicken broth. With your garlic press,

squeeze garlic and ginger into broth mixture. Stir well, heat thoroughly

and serve.

 

 

--

 

 

Amy Mayfield is editor of Herbs for Health.

 

Staff Favorites

Although we’re not sure why some of these products work, we turn to them

time and again when illness strikes, or when everyone around us is

getting sick. – The editors

 

• Oscillococcinum (made by Boiron) is a homeopathic remedy that

decreases the duration and intensity of flu symptoms. It also helps

prevent flu if taken at the first sign of illness. Contact: (800)

672-4556; www.boironusa.com.

 

• Esberitox, by Enzymatic Therapy, is a tasty, chewable combination of

two echinacea extracts, plus thuja and baptisia. (800) 783-2286;

www.enzy.com.

 

• Mushroom Immune Defense, by Source Naturals, is a blend of mushroom

mycelia and extracts from 16 of the best-studied species of

health-supportive mushrooms. Powerful medicine to boost your own

defenses and resist any infection that threatens.

www.sourcenaturals.com.

 

• Symfre Tea, made by Wisdom of the Ancients, is an herbal blend that

helps boost immunity and relieve cold and flu symptoms. (800) 899-9908;

www.wisdomherbs.com.

 

• Boost Juice, by Resting in the River, is a powerful and immediate lung

white blood cell stimulant containing osha, lomatium and other herbs.

Especially good for the spastic cough that can follow the first terrible

days of a bad cold or flu. (888) 465-0563; www.restingintheriver.com.

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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