Act Now to Avoid and Beat the Swine Flu and Other Flus

[Guest guest]

Tony asked me to post the following with regard to the swine flu announcement that was made yesterday:

 

 

In light of the recent "accidental" contamination of flu vaccines with bird flu, I found this report to be particularly chilling:

John Brennan, White House homeland-security adviser, said there is "no evidence whatsoever" of bioterrorism, although the government is at a complete loss to explain how a flu that combines genetic material from pigs, birds and humans in "a way researchers have not seen" before could possibly have occurred naturally.

I also personally am greatly concerned about the sweeping powers signed into law requiring forced inoculations in the event of a pandemic, given not only the horrific mix of toxins contained in flu vaccines but also the proven lack of effectiveness for such vaccines and the fact that no vaccine exists that is likely to be even close to effective for this new strain.

The good news is that you do not have to rely on questionable vaccines or mainstream medicines to try to avoid the flu or even to address it if you do acquire the flu. As is true for most conditions, nature has answers aplenty and there are steps you can take to help you avoid the Swine, Bird or any other influenza as well as quickly beat them and recover if you do happen to get the flu.

NOTE: Since it appears that the new hybrid swine flu may be spreading rapidly, taking steps to begin boosting the immune system and taking anti-virals especially important - and I will remind one and all that if the flu contains elements of the avian flu, a strong immune system WITHOUT the antivirals is not enough - in fact it might well work against you. A flu we have never been exposed may use our own immune systems to attack us because we have no natural antibodies. That is what happened with the horrific Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918-19, when the healthiest and most robust were even more susceptible than the weak, very young and aged and strong immune systems literally poured a biochemical cascade of immune cells and immune system bio-chemicals such as interferon, interleukin, monokines and cytokines into the lungs which quickly ate up the lungs.

How to Beat and Avoid the Flu

To beat and avoid the flu, you should first of all do endeavor to do the the things that help protect against virtually all diseases and illnesses: get plenty of rest, exercise, quit smoking, eat a nutritious diet, avoid stress and, above all, to make your body's natural first line of defense, your immune system, strong and robust.

Some of the very best immune boosters are:

· Echinacea (Forget the flawed mainstream studies!)

· Pau d'arco

· Suma

· Astragalus

· Medicinal mushrooms

· Beta glucans

· Aloe vera

· Alkygycerol

· Lactoferrin

· Bovine colostrums

· Glutathione

· Mangosteen

The best immune booster of all in my opinion is oleander. Oleander extract was proven to have six times the immune stimulating activities of the most powerful patented immune stimulators known to man in European studies in 1986-87 - which is no doubt a large reason that it has been so effective against cancer, HIV, hepatitis-C and other conditions.

Note: The raw oleander plant is quite toxic, but that is not the case when it has been properly boiled and strained according to exact instructions. No one should attempt to make their own oleander remedy without knowing what they are doing (See Oleander Soup) and the best bet would be to purchase oleander in supplement form, such as Sutherlandia OPC.

The next thing you should do, is to also take one or more good natural anti-viral agents, ESPECIALLY if the Bird Flu does mutate and begin to spread from human to human, because unlike other illnesses or influenzas, the Bird Flu will use your own immune system to attack you. This is because we have never been exposed to a strain of flu like the Bird Flu and it is likely that biochemical cascade of immune cells and immune system bio-chemicals such as interferon, interleukin, monokines and cytokines will literally pour into the lungs and eat your lungs up. With the Bird Flu, it is essential to also include good natural anti-viral supplements along with immune boosters - and it is a good idea to do that anyway.

The best natural pathogen destroyers are:

· Colloidal Silver

· Garlic

· Olive leaf extract

· Oil of wild mountain oregano

· Grapefruit seed extract

A top quality colloidal silver (like that made by CureZone sponsor Utopia Silver) will usually knock out the flu bug in short order. Be sure to take plenty (two to four ounces twice a day).

The fourth thing you should do is endeavor to stop the spread of airborne viruses during the flu season:

· Protect yourself from others by gargling daily with 1 drop each of the essential oils of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and lemon in a glass of warm water; stir well before each mouthful. Do not swallow.

· Mix a blend of essential oils to use in your diffuser or for use in steam inhalation.

Blend together:

 

ravensare - 3 parts naiouli or eucalyptus - 1 part lemon - 1 part rosewood - 1 part lavender - 1 part

Ravensare and naiouli have antiviral properties, while the other essential oils in the blend act as antiseptics while at the same time providing a wonderful aroma.

· Diffuser Application - Add about 50 drops of the above blend to your diffuser at a time.

· Fumigate the house with oils to help prevent the spread of flu. Put 2-3 drops on a radiator to evaporate or add 10 drops of essential oils to a small plant spray filled with water. Spray the room frequently.

Another option is the famous Vinegar of the Four Thieves Formula

During the time of the Black Plague a family of perfumers robbed the dead. As perfumers they knew well the antiseptic essential oils, and they infused them in vinegar and rubbed them on their bodies; by doing so they protected themselves from certain death. The doctors of the time used the same herbs and essential oils to to protect themselves while tending so many who were contagious. They wore big cloaks over their heads that reached down well below their shoulders. Attached to the cloak over the nose and mouth was a 10 inch long canoe-like shaped beak full of antiseptic herbs and essential oils.

Here is the famous Vinegar of The Four Thieves recipe; it is sometimes called Grave Robber's Blend. Use it wherever you would normally use disinfectants.

Place a small handful each of dried lavender, rosemary, sage, rue and mint in a large jar, and cover completely with organic apple cider vinegar. Cover tightly and set for six weeks. Strain into a spray bottle. Whereas no home can be made to be sterile, spray the powerfully antiseptic Vinegar of Four Thieves recipe in areas of concern, such as on cutting boards and door knobs, always making sure to avoid your eyes.

Note: These two sprays are not technically disinfectants (disinfectants have to be registered with the EPA as pesticides), but sprays with anti-bacterial properties.

Other Anti-Flu Measures and Information to Consider:

Hydrotherapy for Flu:

· Promote sweating by taking hot baths, hot foot-baths and other heat therapies. Keep the feet warm at all times during sickness and as a preventive measure. Low body temperature decreases resistance to viruses and bacteria, while heat burns up and destroys the virus.

· To warm feet, soak them for five to ten minutes in a hot mustard bath. Dissolve I tbsp. mustard powder in 4 cups of hot water.

· A hot bath followed by a cold mitten friction rub, two to four times a day, loosens congestion, improves circulation and strengthens the immune system, speeding healing from the flu.

· To do a cold mitten friction rub, proceed as follows: Dip a small towel or washcloth into cold (50° to 60°F) water. Curl one hand into a fist and wrap the cloth around it. Use your fist to rub your other arm in a vigorous circular motion, beginning with the fingers and finishing at the shoulder. Dip the cloth in the cold water again and repeat. Your skin should be pink. Dry your arm with a towel using the same vigorous circular movement.

· Repeat the process on your other arm and on your legs, feet, chest and abdomen.

Juice Therapy for Flu:

· Apple and dark grape juices are often recommended for those fighting the flu. They have properties that work against congestion and runny nose. Dark grape juice is rich in tannins, substances that have been shown to kill viruses under laboratory conditions.

· Dilute the juices if they are too sweet. Drink them at room temperature. Pear, cranberry and, especially, pomegranate juices are also helpful for combating flu.

Naturopathy for Flu:

· Hot Bath

· Add 30-60 ml (2-4 tbsp) of Epsom Salts to hot water and take a hot bath. After the bath go straight to bed.

· Vitamins - As soon as the symptoms of flu start, take high levels of Vitamin C to boost the immune system, around 3,000-4,000 mg to start with, reducing over 3 -4 days to 500 mg until you feel completely better.

· Diet - Drink fruit juices until the fever has passed.

· Now eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

· Cold Compress -

· If very hot and sweaty, try applying a cool compress to the chest and trunk.

Aromatherapy for Flu/Colds:

· Steam Inhalation - Mix a blend of essential oils to use in your diffuser or for use in steam inhalation.

Blend together:

o ravensare - 3 parts

o naiouli or eucalyptus - 1 part

o lemon - 1 part

o rosewood - 1 part

o lavender - 1 part

Add six to eight drops of the above blend to a bowl of just-boiled water. Place a towel over your head and inhale. Repeat this treatment two or three times a day, if necessary.

· Several oils have considerable anti- viral activity, and help to boost the immune system. For maximum effectiveness, it is important that you use them at the earliest sign of influenza or in some cases before contracting cold/flu to boost your immune system as a preventative.

· Essential oils of basil, eucalyptus, peppermint, and pine help to ease nasal congestion. Choose one to three of these oils and use them as inhalants or in steam inhalation treatments.

· For chest congestion, a steam inhalation treatment made with basil, pine, and/ or tea tree oil can help to clear mucus and ease breathing. Rubbing a massage oil prepared with these oils over the chest may also be helpful.

· An aromatherapy bath prepared with elemi, myrrh, pine, and/ or tea tree oil can help to soothe achy feeling all over your body that accompanies flu. Use a lukewarm bath for fever, a hot bath for chills.

· For chills:

o Add 3 drops of rosemary and 3 drops of ginger or black pepper essential oils to your bath.

o Mix 5 drops of ravensare and 15 drops of rosewood in ½ ounce of carrier oil such as olive or almond. This makes an energizing massage oil blend.

· Other Essential Oils Useful for Flu:

o Tea Tree oil

o Eucalyptus oil

o Lemon oil

o Lavender oil

· If you come down with the flu, add 10 to 20 drops of tea tree to hot water and take a hot bath. This may help your immune system fight the viral infection and ease your symptoms. Use a pure, unadulterated form of tea tree oil; adulterated forms can be irritating to the skin.

· To help alleviate and disinfect dry air passages, add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of hot water or vaporizer and leave in bedroom overnight. A small handkerchief sprinkled with a few drops of the oil and left under the pillow may help as well.

Caution: Do Not Overdo this. Prolonged inhalation of essential oils can cause an enlarged liver.

· If you have a congested nose or chest, add a few drops of essential oils of eucalyptus globulus (E. globulus) or peppermint (Mentha piperita) to a steam vaporizer.

· Caution: If you are asthmatic, be cautious the first time you try this; if you have not been exposed to essential oils before, inhaling the vapor may actually precipitate an attack.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Flu:

Ayurvedic practitioners recommend the following strategies to combat flu:

· At the first sign of the flu, switch to a bland diet. Eat soft-cooked rice (rice that has a very soft, moist texture created by a longer cooking time with more water) with a pinch of cumin, ginger powder and turmeric for seasoning. In India, broken rice is used for this purpose with generous amount of water so that we will get a soup in the end. The ginger and cumin heat up your body, so you can sweat out toxins. Turmeric has antibiotic and antiseptic qualities. You can also add few cloves of garlic cut into small pieces to the mixture as garlic is very good for flu.

· To ease the congestion that can accompany the flu:

o ½ teaspoon sitopaladi powder

o ½ teaspoon sudarshan

o ½ teaspoon of honey

Mix the ingredients well. Take a teaspoonful of this mixture every few hours. Your symptoms will disappear quickly.

· For Severe Flu Symptoms - Take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses. A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

· Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.

Herbal Remedies for the Flu:

Herbal remedies cannot cure a cold or flu. But they can bring relief of symptoms, stimulate the immune system and speed recovery. We will describe several herbal remedies useful for colds and flu. Later we will describe important herbs for treating flu.

· Corn starch, water and lemon. Mix together in a cup. One cup should be enough.

· Water, lemons, cinnamon sticks and honey. Put a gallon of water in a large pot on the stove. Add four lemons cut in quarters and two sticks of cinnamon. Bring water to a full boil and then let steep for five or more minutes. Drink one cup several times a day if you are able to stay home and rest and one or two cups at night, otherwise just drink at night. Best taken at the beginning of flu symptoms. This remedy should help you sweat out the flu, help ease any sore throat you may have and also keep you hydrated.

· Tea, lemon, orange juice and brandy. Works like a charm. Just make a cup of tea, squeeze half a lemon and half an orange into the tea and put two teaspoons of brandy and you should feel much better soon.

· One garlic clove and a sharp knife. Cut raw garlic as thin as possible and put the garlic slices on your tongue. Do not chew, just place on the tongue and then swallow. Best when taken at the first signs of flu symptoms

· Eucalyptus, burnt sugar, lemon and water. Boil the water and add eucalyptus, burnt sugar, lemon juice and/or lemon rind, and continue to boil for five minutes. Drink the tea hot, preferably just before going to bed.

· Colloidal silver. A half teaspoon of colloidal silver for children and a teaspoon for adults can be swallowed to ease or eliminate flu symptoms. If you take colloidal silver regularly, you may never get the flu.

· At the first sign of a flu, put a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide into each ear, one ear at a time. Keep the solution in for 10 minutes or until the bubbling stops. Your temperature should start dropping within minutes, and your flu should be gone within 12 to 14 hours.

· Goldenseal tea. Use goldenseal tea bags (not pills or capsules) to make tea. Drink a cup before bed (sweeten with honey or Stevia if desired).

· Herbal Fever Remedy

o 1 ounce dried Elder Flowers

o 1 ounce dried Peppermint Leaves

o ½ pint distilled water

Mix the herbs. Place in a quart saucepan. Pour 1/2 pints of distilled boiling water over it. Cover and allow to steep in a hot place for 10 to 15 minutes (do not boil). When ready, strain into another saucepan. Sweeten with honey if desired. This remedy drops high temperature associated with flu quite effectively. In some cases, the temperature has been reduced from 104 to 99 degrees within two hours!! According to Dr. Dr. Edward E. Shook, well known herbalist, "there is no remedy for colds and fevers of any description equal to this simple life-saving formula."

· Psyllium - Boneset Flu Remedy: This remedy is useful for flu as well as for backaches and headaches.

· Peppermint-Rosemary-Elder Flu Remedy: This remedy is good for colds with flu Symptoms.

· Echinacea and goldenseal stimulate the immune sys tem. Goldenseal also helps to soothe mucous membranes. Add 10-15 drops of a combination of echinacea and goldenseal to herbal teas at the first sign of a sniffle to boost the immune system. Take one dose of an echinacea and goldenseal combination remedy supplying 250 to 500 milligrams of echinacea and 150 to 300 milligrams of goldenseal three times daily for five days.

· An infusion of boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) may relieve aches and fever and clear congestion: Simmer 1 cup boiling water with 2 tsp of the herb for 10 to 15 minutes; drink a cupful every hour, as hot as you can stand it.

· A comforting herbal tea may be made from an infusion of equal measures of elderflowers, peppermint and hyssop. Caution: Take only small doses of hyssop (no more than 1-2g three times daily).

· To combat chills, try taking 30 drops of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) or elder (Sambucus nigra) flower tincture every four hours until your chills are gone.

· Use a warming tea made of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Cayenne (Capsicum minimum) and ground Ginger (Zingiber officinalis).

· To help yourself rest and relax, take a cup of chamomile tea twice a day.

· Use inhalations of chamomile, eucalyptus or thyme. These help loosen mucus and heal the throat, nasal passages and bronchial tubes.

· Horsetail inhalations reduce swelling of mucous membranes.

· At the first sign of the flu, begin taking the Chinese botanical formula Yin Qiao. (This remedy usually is not helpful after the third day of symptoms.) Take two or three tablets three times a day, up to twelve tablets in a twenty- four-hour period, during the acute phase of the flu. After the symptoms start to ease, reduce the dosage to one tablet three times daily for one week.

· In a 1995 Israeli study, elderberry extract was found to reduce both the severity of symptoms and the duration of flu (two to three days in the treated group versus six days in the placebo group). Choose an extract standardized to contain 5 percent total flavonoids and take 500 milligrams twice daily.

· Garlic helps to detoxify the body. Take 500 milligrams (or one clove) three times a day for up to five days.

· Take ginger tea. Ginger tea is antiviral and helps break up the mucus and congestion. Ginger tea is excellent if the stomach is affected. To make the tea, boil 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat and steep for 10 minutes. Take a cup as needed.

· Onion or nasturtium inhalations disinfect.

· Ginkgo biloba leaf inhalations kill bacteria and heal the cells of the damaged mucous membranes almost immediately.

· Inhale steam for fifteen minutes three times daily in acute stage. When the condition is improving, inhale steam in the evening before retiring for a week or so to help heat the bronchial passages.

· When feeling more feverish, induce sweating by taking infusions of Catmint (Nepeta cataria) and/or Elderflower (Sambucus nigra).

· To help alleviate and disinfect dry air passages, add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of hot water or vaporizer and leave in bedroom overnight. A small handkerchief sprinkled with a few drops of the oil and left under the pillow may help as well.

· At the onset of a flu, drink lindenflower tea with 2 drops of lemon balm oil, thyme tea with honey, rose hip tea or acerola juice. When you start to sweat, quickly go to bed and continue sweating for one hour. Change clothes, rub body dry and try to steep. This therapy often stops the flu before it becomes full blown.

· Gargle regularly with sage tea to disinfect mouth, and use sage inhalations to reduce inflammation.

· Wash body with an infusion of thyme or juniper needles.

· If you are suffering from muscular aching, use an infusion of Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) alone, or in combination with Catmint (Nepeta cataria) and/or Elderflower (Sambucus nigra).

· Chinese Herbal Formula for Flu - Gan Mao Dan (Common Cold and Flu Pills)

This remedy expels Wind-Heat, reduces fever, relieves chest congestion, and stops cough.

Symptoms:

· Cough

· Fatigue

· Fever with slight chills

· Headache

· Nausea

· Red eyes

· Runny nose

· Skin rash

· Sore throat

Ingredients: Lonicera Flower (Flos Lonicerae), Forsythia Fruit (Fructus Forsythiae), Gardenia Fruit (Fructus Gardeniae), Phragmites Rhizome (Rhi- zoma Phragmites), Red Peony Root (Radix Paeonia Rubra), Wooly Grass Rhizome (Rhizoma Imperatae Cylindricae), Soja Seed (Semen Sojae Praeparatum), Mentha Herb (Herba Menthae), Morus Leaf (Herba Mori), Schizonepeta Herb (Herba Schizonepetae), Aster Root (Radix Asteris Tatarici), Platycodon Root (Radix Platycodi), Citrus Peel (pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)

Dosage: 20 pills twice a day.

Important Herbs for Flu

· Echinacea - Echinacea has been a traditional favorite for colds and flu. Double blind studies in Germany have shown that infections with flu-like symptoms clear more rapidly when taking echinacea.1 Echinacea appears to work by stimulating the immune system. Taking 3–5 ml of tincture or 300 mg of dried root powder three times per day is usually recommended.

· Elderberry:

· Elderberry is another herb that has been used in treating flu. This herb contains two compounds that are active against flu viruses. It also prevents the virus from invading respiratory tract cells.

· A patented Israeli drug (Sambucol) that contains elderberry is active against various

· strains of viruses. In a clinical trial testing Sambucol, twenty percent of flu sufferers who used it showed significant relief of fever, muscle aches and other symptoms within 24 hours, and another 73 percent felt better after the second day. In three days, 90 percent were reported completely cured. In a similar group that received an inactive treatment (a placebo), only 26 percent were improved in two days, and it took most of them six days to feel well again.

· Sambucol also stimulates the immune system and has shown some activity in preliminary trials against other viruses, such as Epstein-Barr, herpes and even HIV.

· In a small double blind trial, patients with influenza2 were found to recover three times faster when they took one capsule of elderberry extract four times daily compared to patients taking placebo.

· You can take the medication or take the herb by making a tea from the herb.

· Make elderberry-flower tea by steeping 3 to 5 g of dried flowers in one cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Take 1 cup of this tea 3 times daily.

· Elderberry flower is generally regarded as safe. Side effects are rare and consist primarily of occasional mild gastrointestinal distress or allergic reactions. Its safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not established.

· Astragalus - Astragalus root has been used to enhance immunity for thousands of years in China. This herb is considered by herbal practitioners to be a tonic that strengthens the body's resistance to disease. Astragalus can stimulate practically all of the processes of your immune system. It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and speeds their growth into active immune cells. Astragalus also may help boost levels of interferon, one of your body's potent fighters against viruses. This, in turn, can help prevent or shorten the duration of colds and flu. Astragalus alson boosts the production of white blood cells called macrophages, whose function is to destroy invading viruses and bacteria. As soon as you discover the flu, take one 500- milligram capsule of astragalus four times a day until symptoms disappear. Then take one capsule twice a day for seven days to prevent a relapse.

· Garlic - Garlic is known to kill influenza virus in test tubes.3 It also stimulates the immune system and wards off complications such as bronchitis. Garlic contains several helpful compounds, including allicin, one of the plant kingdom's most potent, broad-spectrum antibiotics. This herb's aromatic compounds are readily released from the lungs and respiratory tract, putting garlic's active ingredients right where they can be most effective against cold viruses. Holistic practitioners often recommend taking several cloves of raw garlic per day during an infection. You can also take aged garlic extract, or consume products such as hot garlic bread or toast.

· Asian ginseng (eleuthero) - Asian ginseng have immune-enhancing properties, which play a potential role in preventing infection with influenza. Boneset has been shown in test tube and other studies to stimulate immune cell function. This may explain boneset's traditional use to help fight off minor viral infections, such as the flu.

· Wild Indigo - Wild indigo contains polysaccharides and proteins that are believed to stimulate the immune system. It is used traditionally to fight the flu5 in combination with herbs such as echinacea, goldenseal, or thuja.

· Forsythia and honeysuckle - These herbs are used by Oriental Medicine practitioners to treat colds, flu and other viruses. They have real antiviral benefits. At the inception of cold or flu, mix honeysuckle and forsythia with lemon balm tea (lemon balm also has antiviral properties.) Take this tea before going to bed.

· Mullein - A tea made with mullein flowers provides throat-soothing mucilage and also has an expectorant effect. Herbalists think that this plant contains compounds that inhibit flu viruses. You can also make a tea with mullein leaf.

· Other Herbs:

o Bayberry

o Boneset

o Calendula

o Ginger

o Goldenseal

o Lemon balm

o Oregon grape

o Thyme

Nutrition for Flu:

· If you don't feel like eating, do not force yourself. For a day or two, consume only liquids-water, juices, teas, and soups. Digesting liquids requires a lot less energy than digesting foods. This means that your body has more energy to fight the flu.

· Consume easily digested foods such as juices, lemonade (hot or cold), herbal teas, applesauce, and lots of nourishing broth and homemade soups. Miso and chicken soup are good choices.

· Take mushrooms soup. Mushrooms of choice includes shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms. They are shown in studies to boost the body's immune response.

· Getting plenty of fluids, including soups, is particularly important. Drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid daily. Fluids help to thin secretions, making it easier for the body to clear them, and also help to prevent constipation and flush toxins from the body.

· Sick People Soup - Here is a great soup to take when you are down with cold and flu. It comes from Rosita Arvigo, author of "Rainforest Home & Herbal Remedies."

o 1/2 head cabbage, chopped

o 1 onion, chopped

o 1 head garlic, chopped

o 3 carrots, sliced

o 3 pieces celery, diced

o 6 Tbsp ginger, grated

o ¼ c miso (soybean paste)

o 2 qts water

o juice of 1 lemon or lime

Boil the vegetables in the water until tender (about thirty minutes), then add ginger and garlic and allow to boil another five minutes. Remove from heat. Take a bit of the hot soup from the pot and mix with the miso to form a thick liquid. Add to the soup and serve. Squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice into the bowl. For added health boosts, add sliced agaricus, reishi, shitake or maitake mushrooms to the boiling vegetables and sprinkle crushed garlic on the soup before serving.

· When there is fever, take liquids only.

· Recommended liquids: Warm broth, vegetable juices and herb teas.

· Avoid dairy products and sugar. They increase and thicken mucus. Avoid a milky drink at night if you have chest problems, since this can contribute to congestion of the chest by morning.

· Red beet juice makes the flu virus inactive.

· Condensed grape juice strengthens the heart muscles.

· Parsley, celery, watercress, garlic, lemon, carrot and coconut juices are nourishing and help to cleanse and promote healing.

· Drink fruit juices after diluting. Limit the intake of sugars.

· Increase the proportion of vitamin C-rich foods in the diet, such as tomatoes, raw green peppers, carrots, strawberries and citrus fruit. This vitamin is easily destroyed by the process of oxidation, so do not leave peeled, chopped fruit or vegetables to stand for a long time before eating. Overcooking also leads to loss of vitamin C, especially if fruit or vegetables are boiled. Vegetables and fruit are best eaten raw, and if vegetables must be cooked, steam them, which preserves essential nutrients.

· Eat fresh, raw fruit and vegetables, whole grains, garlic, pulses, beans, small helpings of fish, nuts and seeds. These foods appear to increase resistance to infection and improve vitality.

· Use unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil as a salad dressing. Flax seed oil is an excellent source of the omega-3 essential fatty acid and also contains the omega-6 essential fatty acid. These fats help strengthen cell membranes, thereby speeding healing and strengthening resistance to infection. In the body.

· Eat sea plants or algae. These can re-mineralize the body after overexposure to processed foods. Spirulina, alfalfa, chlorella or seaweeds can be added to soups or juices in powder or capsule form.

· Garlic can also help ward off a cold by inhibiting the growth of staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria.

· Avoid food and drinks that put extra strain on the liver. The liver is responsible for efficient detoxification of the body. The foods to avoid include convenience foods containing substantial amounts of chemicals such as colorings and preservatives, and alcohol, which also depletes the body of vitamin C.

Nutritional Supplements for the Flu:

· Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Bioflavonoids - Vitamin C is well-known for treating and preventing colds. Studies show that vitamin C can shorten the duration of common colds and flu and even prevent them. Taken in large enough doses, vitamin C can boost your immune system by pumping enough fuel into white blood cells to destroy invading viruses and bacteria. Vitamin C increases interferon levels and has interferon-like properties itself. It acts as a natural antihistamine that helps dry up watery eyes and reduce nasal and chest congestion. It is also a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent the damage that your body endures when viruses or bacteria attack your immune system. Dockworkers given 100 mg of vitamin C each day for ten months caught influenza 28% less than their coworkers not taking vitamins. Moreover, the average infection was 10% shorter in those taking vitamin C.1 Other studies have reported that vitamin C in high doses (2 grams every hour for twelve hours) can lead to rapid improvement of influenza infections.2, 3

· At the first sign of cold or flu symptoms, take 500 milligrams of vitamin C with bioflavonoids or rose hips four to six times a day. The bioflavonoids and rose hips strengthen the vitamin C's infection-fighting power by 35 percent, according to experts. Start taking Vitamin C as soon as you can. There are no adverse effects from taking high dosages of vitamin C. If you experience diarrhea, reduce the dosage of Vitamin C. Use bioflavonoids along with vitamin C for their synergistic effect.

· Vitamin A is a nutrient vital to the mucous membranes throughout the respiratory system during a cold or flu. It is known as the anti-infection vitamin. It battles viruses and bacteria in two ways. By keeping the cells healthy all along your respiratory tract, it provides a barrier that resists microorganisms. If some invading microorganisms manage to breach the barrier, you want to have antibodies and lymphocytes ready to destroy them. Vitamin A helps your body provide those reinforcements.

· As soon as you notice cold or flu symptoms, take 100,000 international units (IU) of vitamin A daily for three days, then reduce the dosage to 25,000 IU for one week or until symptoms disappear.

Caution: These are very high doses, please check with your doctor before taking this much.

· Beta-carotene, Vitamin A's precursor, is rich in antioxidant power and antiviral properties. It bolsters immunity and protects the thymus gland. It also protects you from viruses by enhancing mucous membrane secretions. By producing the secretions, the beta-carotene prevents the virus from invading your body. If you feel a cold or flu coming on, take 100,000 IU of beta-carotene for 10 to 14 days, then cut the dosage to 50,000 IU a day to prevent future respiratory infections.

· Zinc - Zinc supplementation is recommended for immune system support. Zinc lozenges soothe a sore throat and help fend off a cold before it takes hold. Zinc stimulates the immune system by generating new white blood cells and whipping them into shape to battle viruses. If you have too little zinc, your production of white blood cells may drop, and that can increase your risk of catching a cold, flu, or other upper respiratory infection. In one study, children who got 10 milligrams of zinc daily for 60 days were much less likely to get respiratory infections than children getting less. In fact, the children who got enough zinc were 70 percent less likely to have fevers, 48 percent less likely to have coughs, and 28 percent less likely to have mucus buildup.

· Take 5 to 10 milligrams of zinc five times daily for five days to one week. Take zinc with food to prevent stomach upset. Be careful not to consume too much zinc. Doctors recommend taking no more than 15 milligrams of zinc a day. Zinc gluconate in lozenge form has been found to shorten the duration of cold symptoms. In a study, participants who sucked on one zinc gluconate lozenge (containing about 13 milligrams of zinc) every two hours while awake got rid of their coughs, nasal congestion, sore throat, and headaches three to four days sooner than those who didn't get any supplementation. Don't take them for longer than one week, because they can weaken your immune system.

· Garlic - Garlic is very beneficial especially at the beginning of a cold of flu. It warms the body and acts as an antiviral and antibacterial.

· Thymus glandular extract boosts immune function by increasing the number and activity of infection-fighting white blood cells. Take 250 to 500 milligrams twice a day. This is especially important for people over forty, as thymus function declines with age.

· Recommended dosages:

o Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg every few hours throughout the day, up to bowel tolerance

o Zinc lozenges, with 3 mg copper, every few hours, up to 70 mg daily during a cold and 30 mg daily as a preventive.

o Garlic, 2 capsules three times daily

o Vitamin A, 25,000 IU daily (avoid during pregnancy)

 

[Guest guest]

I'm not an expert, maybe we need Marc's or Tony's advice, I don't think you should do oleander while having swine flu the reason being is oleander boosting the immune system and its your own immune system killing you during swine flu, so oleander would only enhance that effect but pure undiluted oregano taken the right way WILL kill the virus based on lab tests done."luvusam1" Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:44:57 GMT<oleander soup >Re: Act Now to Avoid and Beat the Swine Flu and Other F lus Is there an anti-viral, inexpensive in a capsule form that I can take and give my children that is affordable? I understand oleander is ideal, but what if I don't feel comfortable trying to make it right now and need something right away? I am sorry if this is a redundant question, I just want to be prepared. Thank you.Wendy Morris __________Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your business.

[Guest guest]

Jon Barron just wrote an article that raw garlic cloves is better because it doesn't kill the good bacteria like oregano does.

 

Tammatha

 

-

overloaded

oleander soup

Monday, April 27, 2009 10:37 AM

Re: Act Now to Avoid and Beat the Swine Flu and Other Flus

 

 

I'm not an expert, maybe we need Marc's or Tony's advice, I don't think you should do oleander while having swine flu the reason being is oleander boosting the immune system and its your own immune system killing you during swine flu, so oleander would only enhance that effect but pure undiluted oregano taken the right way WILL kill the virus based on lab tests done.

 

 

"luvusam1 (AT) juno (DOT) com" Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:44:57 GMT<oleander soup >Re: Act Now to Avoid and Beat the Swine Flu and Other F lus

 

 

Is there an anti-viral, inexpensive in a capsule form that I can take and give my children that is affordable? I understand oleander is id! eal, but what if I don't feel comfortable trying to make it right now and need something right away? I am sorry if this is a redundant question, I just want to be prepared. Thank you.

Wendy Morris__________Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your business.

[Guest guest]

Astragulas is great!

 

Tammatha

 

-

luvusam1

oleander soup

Monday, April 27, 2009 9:44 AM

Re: Act Now to Avoid and Beat the Swine Flu and Other Flus

 

 

Is there an anti-viral, inexpensive in a capsule form that I can take and give my children that is affordable? I understand oleander is ideal, but what if I don't feel comfortable trying to make it right now and need something right away? I am sorry if this is a redundant question, I just want to be prepared. Thank you.

Wendy Morris__________ Compete with the big boys. Click here to find products to benefit your business.

[Guest guest]

I hadn't planned on posting on this but given the current scare I will mention that Pokeweed contains a potent antiviral called Pokeweed Antiviral Protein (PAP). Pokeweed is found throughout most of the US but is best known in the South and Midwest. It has long been eaten in the South. Care must be taken in preparing Poke because, like Oleander, it contains some toxins. A traditional recipe is:

 

"People prepare poke salet by many different methods. One classic way consists of gathering young poke greens and washing thoroughly. Boil the greens with a little salt till tender. Pour off water. In new water, add salt and pepper and cook again. Pour off water. The third time, add new water and such seasonings as chopped onion and bacon grease or pieces of pork. You can also add a little sugar to cut the bitterness. Garnish with a hard-boiled egg and crumbled bacon. You may also serve atop a bed of scrambled eggs, or just scramble it in with the eggs."

The multiple water changing's remove the toxins.

Some dip the leaves in a corn flour batter and fry them.

Sources of both information and Pokeweed leaves:

 

http://www.racehorseherbal.com/Herb_Exchange/herb_exchange.html

 

http://www.wildpantry.com/wildgreens.htm

 

It is very cheap if you can gather your own.

 

- Steve

 

 

 

oleander soup oleander soup On Behalf Of luvusam1Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 9:45 AMoleander soup Subject: Re: Act Now to Avoid and Beat the Swine Flu and Other Flus

Is there an anti-viral, inexpensive in a capsule form that I can take and give my children that is affordable? I understand oleander is ideal, but what if I don't feel comfortable trying to make it right now and need something right away? I am sorry if this is a redundant question, I just want to be prepared. Thank you.

Wendy Morris

[Guest guest]

,

 

All very good stuff!

And, as a herbalist, really like seeing those in there too.

I must add that food based enzymes, taken between meals, are extremely effective against flu(s).

Enzymes attack the protein walls of the flu and wipe them out every time.

I'm living proof!

Haven't had a cold or the flu since 1975.

Enjoy in good health!

 

Rich

 

 

 

May <luellamay129

oleander soup

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:32 pm

Act Now to Avoid and Beat the Swine Flu and Other Flus

 

 

 

 

Tony asked me to post the following with regard to the swine flu announcement that was made yesterday:

 

 

In light of the recent "accidental" contamination of flu vaccines with bird flu, I found this report to be particularly chilling:

John Brennan, White House homeland-security adviser, said there is "no evidence whatsoever" of bioterrorism, although the government is at a complete loss to explain how a flu that combines genetic material from pigs, birds and humans in "a way researchers have not seen" before could possibly have occurred naturally.

I also personally am greatly concerned about the sweeping powers signed into law requiring forced inoculations in the ev

ent of a pandemic, given not only the horrific mix of toxins contained in flu vaccines but also the proven lack of effectiveness for such vaccines and the fact that no vaccine exists that is likely to be even close to effective for this new strain.

The good news is that you do not have to rely on questionable vaccines or mainstream medicines to try to avoid the flu or even to address it if you do acquire the flu. As is true for most conditions, nature has answers aplenty and there are steps you can take to help you avoid the Swine, Bird or any other influenza as well as quickly beat them and recover if you do happen to get the flu.

NOTE: Since it appears that the new hybrid swine flu may be spreading rapidly, taking steps to begin boosting the immune system and taking anti-virals especially important - and I will remind one and all that if the flu contains elements of the avian flu, a strong immune system WITHOUT the antivirals is not enough - in fact it might well work against you. A flu we have never been exposed may use our own immune systems to attack us because we have no natural antibodies. That is what happened with the horrific Span

ish Flu pandemic in 1918-19, when the healthiest and most robust were even more susceptible than the weak, very young and aged and strong immune systems literally poured a biochemical cascade of immune cells and immune system bio-chemicals such as interferon, interleukin, monokines and cytokines into the lungs which quickly ate up the lungs.

How to Beat and Avoid the Flu

To beat and avoid the flu, you should first of all do endeavor to do the the things that help protect against virtually all diseases and illnesses: get plenty of rest, exercise, quit smoking, eat a nutritious diet, avoid stress and, above all, to make your body's natural first line of defense, your immune system, strong and robust.

Some of the very best immune boosters are:

· Echinacea (Forget the flawed mainstream studies!)

· Pau d'arco

· Suma

· Astragalus

· Medicinal mushrooms

· Beta glucans

· Aloe vera

· Alkygycerol

· Lactoferrin

· Bovine colostrums

· Glutathione

· Mangosteen

The best immune booster of all in my opinion is oleander. Oleander extract was proven to have six times the immune stimulating activities of the most powerful patented immune stimulators known to man in European studies in 1986-87 - which is no doubt a large reason that it has been so effective against cancer, HIV, hepatitis-C and other conditions.

Note: The raw oleander plant is quite toxic, but that is not the case when it has been properly boiled and strained according to exact instructions. No one should attempt to make their own oleander remedy without knowing what they are doing (See Oleander Soup) and the best bet would be to purchase oleander in supplement form, such as Sutherlandia OPC.

The next thing you should do, is to also take one or more good=2

0natural anti-viral agents, ESPECIALLY if the Bird Flu does mutate and begin to spread from human to human, because unlike other illnesses or influenzas, the Bird Flu will use your own immune system to attack you. This is because we have never been exposed to a strain of flu like the Bird Flu and it is likely that biochemical cascade of immune cells and immune system bio-chemicals such as interferon, interleukin, monokines and cytokines will literally pour into the lungs and eat your lungs up. With the Bird Flu, it is essential to also include good natural anti-viral supplements along with immune boosters - and it is a good idea to do that anyway.

The best natural pathogen destroyers are:

· Colloidal Silver

· Garlic

· &nb

sp; Olive leaf extract

· Oil of wild mountain oregano

· Grapefruit seed extract

A top quality colloidal silver (like that made by CureZone sponsor Utopia Silver) will usually knock out the flu bug in short order. Be sure to take plenty (two to four ounces twice a day).

The fourth thing you should do is endeavor to stop the spread of airborne viruses during the flu season:

· Protect yourself from others by gargling daily with 1 drop each of the essential oils of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and lemon in a glass of warm water; stir well before each mouthful. Do not swallow.

· Mix a blend of essential oils to use in your diffuser or for use in steam inhalation.

Blend together:

 

ravensare - 3 parts naiouli or eucalyptus - 1 part lemon - 1 part rosewood - 1 part lavender - 1 part

Ravensare and naiouli have antiviral properties, while the other essential oils in the blend act as antiseptics while at the same time providing a wonderful aroma.

· Diffuser Application - Add about 50 drops of the above blend to your diffuser at a time.

· Fumigate the house with oils to help prevent the spread of flu. Put 2-3 drops on a radiator to evaporate or add 10 drops of essential oils to a small plant spray filled with water. Spray the room frequently.

Another option is the famous Vinegar of the Four Thieves Formula

During the time of the Black20Plague a family of perfumers robbed the dead. As perfumers they knew well the antiseptic essential oils, and they infused them in vinegar and rubbed them on their bodies; by doing so they protected themselves from certain death. The doctors of the time used the same herbs and essential oils to to protect themselves while tending so many who were contagious. They wore big cloaks over their heads that reached down well below their shoulders. Attached to the cloak over the nose and mouth was a 10 inch long canoe-like shaped beak full of antiseptic herbs and essential oils.

Here is the famous Vinegar of The Four Thieves recipe; it is sometimes called Grave Robber's Blend. Use it wherever you would normally use disinfectants.

Place a small handful each of dried lavender, rosemary, sage, rue and mint in a large jar, and cover completely with organic apple cider vinegar. Cover tightly and set for six weeks. Strain into a spray bottle. Whereas no home can be made to be sterile, spray the powerfully antiseptic Vinegar of Four Thieves recipe in areas of concern, such as on cutting boards and door knobs, always making sure to avoid your eyes.

Note: These two sprays are not technically disinfectants (disinfectants have to be registered with the=2

0EPA as pesticides), but sprays with anti-bacterial properties.

Other Anti-Flu Measures and Information to Consider:

Hydrotherapy for Flu:

· Promote sweating by taking hot baths, hot foot-baths and other heat therapies. Keep the feet warm at all times during sickness and as a preventive measure. Low body temperature decreases resistance to viruses and bacteria, while heat burns up and destroys the virus.

· To warm feet, soak them for five to ten minutes in a hot mustard bath. Dissolve I tbsp. mustard powder in 4 cups of hot water.

· A hot bath followed by a cold mitten friction rub, two to four times a day, loosens congestion, improves circulation and strengthens the immune system, speeding healing from the flu.

· To do a cold mitten friction rub, proceed as follows: Dip a small towel or washcloth into cold (50° to 60°F) water. Curl one hand into a fist and wrap the cloth around it. Use your fist to rub your other arm in a vigorous circular motion, beginning with the fingers and finishing at the shoulder. Dip the cloth in the cold water again and repeat. Your skin should be pink. Dry your arm with a towel using the same vigorous circular movement.

· Repeat the process on your other arm and on your legs, feet, chest and abdomen.

Juice Therapy for Flu:=0

A

· Apple and dark grape juices are often recommended for those fighting the flu. They have properties that work against congestion and runny nose. Dark grape juice is rich in tannins, substances that have been shown to kill viruses under laboratory conditions.

· Dilute the juices if they are too sweet. Drink them at room temperature. Pear, cranberry and, especially, pomegranate juices are also helpful for combating flu.

Naturopathy for Flu:

· Hot Bath

· Add 30-60 ml (2-4 tbsp) of Epsom Salts to hot water and take a hot bath. After the bath go straight to bed.

· Vitamins - As soon as the symptoms of flu start, take high levels of Vitamin C to boost the immune system, around 3,000-4,000 mg to start with, reducing over 3 -4 days to 500 mg until you feel completely better.

· Diet - Drink fruit juices until the fever has passed.

· Now eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

· Cold Compress -

· If very hot and sweaty, try applying a cool compress to the chest and trunk.

Aromatherapy for Flu/Colds:

· Steam Inhalation - Mix a blend of essential oils to use in your diffuser or for use in steam inhalation.

Blend together:

o ravensare - 3 parts

o naiouli or eucalyptus - 1 part

o lemon - 1 part

o rosewood - 1 part

o lavender - 1 part

Add six to eight drops of the above blend to a bowl of just-boiled water. Place a towel over your head and inhale. Repeat this treatment two or three times a day, if necess

ary.

· Several oils have considerable anti- viral activity, and help to boost the immune system. For maximum effectiveness, it is important that you use them at the earliest sign of influenza or in some cases before contracting cold/flu to boost your immune system as a preventative.

· Essential oils of basil, eucalyptus, peppermint, and pine help to ease nasal congestion. Choose one to three of these oils and use them as inhalants or in steam inhalation treatments.

· For chest congestion, a steam inhalation treatment made with basil, pine, and/ or tea tree oil can help to clear mucus and ease breathing. Rubbing a massage oil prepared with these oils over the chest may also be helpful.

· An aromatherapy bath prepared with elemi, myrrh, pine, and/ or tea tree oil can help to soothe achy feeling all over your body that accompanies flu. Use a lukewarm bath for fever, a hot bath for chills.

· For chills:

o Add 3 drops of rosemary and 3 drops of ginger or black pepper essential oils to your bath.

o Mix 5 drops of ravensare and 15 drops of rosewood in ½ ounce of carrier oil such as olive or almond. This makes an e

nergizing massage oil blend.

· Other Essential Oils Useful for Flu:

o Tea Tree oil

o Eucalyptus oil

o Lemon oil

o Lavender oil

· &n=bsp; If you come down with the flu, add 10 to 20 drops of tea tree to hot water and take a hot bath. This may help your immune system fight the viral infection and ease your symptoms. Use a pure, unadulterated form of tea tree oil; adulterated forms can be irritating to the skin.

· To help alleviate and disinfect dry air passages, add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of hot water or vaporizer and leave in bedroom overnight. A small handkerchief sprinkled with a few drops of the oil and left under the pillow may help as well.

Caution: Do Not Overdo this. Prolonged inhalation of essential oils can cause an enlarged liver.

· If you have a congested nose or chest, add a few drops of essential oils of eucalyptus globulus (E. globulus) or peppermint (Mentha piperita) to a steam vaporizer.

· Caution: If you are asthmatic, be cautious the first time you try this; if you have not been exposed to essential oils before, inhaling the vapor may actually precipitate an attack.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Flu:

Ayurvedic practitioners recommend the following strategies to combat flu:

· At the first sign of the flu, switch to a bland diet. Eat soft-cooked rice (rice tha

t has a very soft, moist texture created by a longer cooking time with more water) with a pinch of cumin, ginger powder and turmeric for seasoning. In India, broken rice is used for this purpose with generous amount of water so that we will get a soup in the end. The ginger and cumin heat up your body, so you can sweat out toxins. Turmeric has antibiotic and antiseptic qualities. You can also add few cloves of garlic cut into small pieces to the mixture as garlic is very good for flu.

· To ease the congestion that can accompany the flu:

o ½ teaspoon sitopaladi powder

o ½ teaspoon sudarshan

o ½ teaspoon of honey

Mix the ingredients well. Take a teaspoonful of this mixture every few hours. Your symptoms will disappear quickly.

· For Severe Flu Symptoms - Take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses. A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

· Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacter

ia and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.

Herbal Remedies for the Flu:

Herbal remedies cannot cure a cold or flu. But they can bring relief of symptoms, stimulate the immune system and speed recovery. We will describe several herbal remedies useful for colds and flu. Later we will describe important herbs for treating flu.

· Corn starch, water and lemon. Mix together in a cup. One cup should be enough.

· Water, lemons, cinnamon sticks and honey. Put a gallon of water in a large pot on t

he stove. Add four lemons cut in quarters and two sticks of cinnamon. Bring water to a full boil and then let steep for five or more minutes. Drink one cup several times a day if you are able to stay home and rest and one or two cups at night, otherwise just drink at night. Best taken at the beginning of flu symptoms. This remedy should help you sweat out the flu, help ease any sore throat you may have and also keep you hydrated.

· Tea, lemon, orange juice and brandy. Works like a charm. Just make a cup of tea, squeeze half a lemon and half an orange into the tea and put two teaspoons of brandy and you should feel much better soon.

· One garlic clove and a sharp knife. Cut raw garlic as thin as possible and put the garlic slices on your tongue. Do not chew, just place on the tongue and then swallow. Best when taken at the first signs of flu symptoms

· Eucalyptus, burnt sugar, lemon and water. Boil the water and add eucalyptus, burnt sugar, lemon juice and/or lemon rind, and continue to boil for five minutes. Drink the tea hot, preferably just before going to bed.

· Colloidal silver. A half teaspoon of colloidal silver for children and a teaspoon for adults can be swallowed to ease or eliminate flu symptoms. If you take colloidal silver regularly, you may never get the flu.

· At the first sign of a flu, put a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide into each ear, one ear at a time. Keep the solution in for 10 minutes or until the bubbling stops. Your temperature should start dropping within minutes, and

your flu should be gone within 12 to 14 hours.

· Goldenseal tea. Use goldenseal tea bags (not pills or capsules) to make tea. Drink a cup before bed (sweeten with honey or Stevia if desired).

· Herbal Fever Remedy

o 1 ounce dried Elder Flowers

o 1 ounce dried Peppermint Leaves

o ½ pint distilled water

Mix the herbs. Place in a quart saucepan. Pour 1/2 pints of distilled boiling water over it. Cover and allow to steep in a hot place for 10 to 15 minutes (do not boil). When ready, strain into another saucepan. Sweeten with honey if desired. This remedy drops high temperature associated with flu quite effectively. In some cases, the temperature has been reduced from 104 to 99 degrees within two hours!! According to Dr. Dr. Edward E. Shook, well known herbalist, "there is no remedy for colds and fevers of any description equal to this simple life-saving formula."

· Psyllium - Boneset Flu Remedy: This remedy is useful for flu as well as for backaches and headaches.

·

Peppermint-Rosemary-Elder Flu Remedy: This remedy is good for colds with flu Symptoms.

· Echinacea and goldenseal stimulate the immune sys tem. Goldenseal also helps to soothe mucous membranes. Add 10-15 drops of a combination of echinacea and goldenseal to herbal teas at the first sign of a sniffle to boost the immune system. Take one dose of an echinacea and goldenseal combination remedy supplying 250 to 500 milligrams of echinacea and 150 to 300 milligrams of goldenseal three times daily for five days.

· An infusion of boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) may relieve aches and fever and clear congestion: Simmer 1 cup boiling water with 2 tsp of the herb for 10 to 15 minutes; drink a cupful every hour, as hot as you can stand it.

· A comforting herbal tea may be made from an infusion of equal measures of elderflowers, peppermint and hyssop. Caution: Take only small doses of hyssop (no more than 1-2g three times daily).

· To combat chills, try taking 30 drops of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) or elder (Sambucus nigra) flower tincture every four hours until your chills are gone.

· Use a warming tea made of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Cayenne (Capsicum minimum) and ground Ginger (Zingiber officinalis).

· To help yourself rest and relax, take a cup of chamomile tea twice a day.

· Use inhalations of chamomile, eucalyptus or thyme. These help loosen mucus and heal the throat, nasal passages and bronchial tubes.

· Horsetail inhalations reduce swelling of mucous membranes.

· At the first sign of the flu, begin taking the Chinese botanical formula Yin Qiao. (This remedy usually is not helpful after the third day of symptoms.) Take two or three tablets three times a day, up to twelve tablets in a twenty- four-hour period, during the acute phase of the flu. After the symptoms start to ease, reduce the dosage to one tablet three times daily for one week.

· In a 1995 Israeli study, elderberry extract was found to reduce both the severity of symptoms and the duration of flu (two to three days in the treated group versus six days in the placebo group). Choose an extract standardized to contain 5 percent total flavonoids and take 500 milligrams twice daily.

· Garlic helps to detoxify the body. Take 500 milligrams (or one clove) three times a day for up to five days.

· Take ginger tea. Ginger tea is antiviral and helps break up the mucus and congestion. Ginger tea is excellent if the stomach is affected. To make the tea, boil 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes, then remove f

rom the heat and steep for 10 minutes. Take a cup as needed.

· Onion or nasturtium inhalations disinfect.

· Ginkgo biloba leaf inhalations kill bacteria and heal the cells of the damaged mucous membranes almost immediately.

· Inhale steam for fifteen minutes three times daily in acute stage. When the condition is improving, inhale steam in the evening before retiring for a week or so to help heat the bronchial passages.

· When feeling more feverish, induce sweating by taking infusions of Catmint (Nepeta cataria) and/or Elderflower (Sambucus nigra).

· To help alleviate and disinfect dry air passages, add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of hot water or vaporizer and leave in bedroom overnight. A small handkerchief sprinkled with a few drops of the oil and left under the pillow may help as well.

· At the onset of a flu, drink lindenflower tea with 2 drops of lemon balm oil, thyme tea with honey, rose hip tea or acerola juice. When you start to sweat, quickly go to bed and continue sweating for one hour. Change clothes, rub body dry and try to steep. This therapy often stops the flu before it becomes full blown.

· &nbs

p; Gargle regularly with sage tea to disinfect mouth, and use sage inhalations to reduce inflammation.

· Wash body with an infusion of thyme or juniper needles.

· If you are suffering from muscular aching, use an infusion of Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) alone, or in combination with Catmint (Nepeta cataria) and/or Elderflower (Sambucus nigra).

· Chinese Herbal Formula for Flu - Gan Mao Dan (Common Cold and Flu Pills)

This=2

0remedy expels Wind-Heat, reduces fever, relieves chest congestion, and stops cough.

Symptoms:

· Cough

· Fatigue

· Fever with slight chills

· Headache

· Nausea

· Red eyes

· Runny nose

· Skin rash

· Sore throat

Ingredients: Lonicera Flower (Flos Lonicerae), Forsythia Fruit (Fructus Forsythiae), Gardenia Fruit (Fructus Gardeniae), Phragmites Rhizome (Rhi- zoma Phragmites), Red Peony Root (Radix Paeonia Rubra), Wooly Grass Rhizome (Rhizoma Imperatae Cylindricae), Soja Seed (Semen Sojae Praeparatum), Mentha Herb (Herba Menthae), Morus Leaf (Herba Mori), Schizonepeta Herb (Herba Schizonepetae), Aster Root (Radix Asteris Tatarici), Platycodon Root (Radix Platycodi), Citrus Peel (pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)

Dosage: 20 pills twice a day.

Important Herbs for Flu/ FONT>

· Echinacea - Echinacea has been a traditional favorite for colds and flu. Double blind studies in Germany have shown that infections with flu-like symptoms clear more rapidly when taking echinacea.1 Echinacea appears to work by stimulating the immune system. Taking 3–5 ml of tincture or 300 mg of dried root powder three times per day is usually recommended.

· Elderberry:

· Elderberry is another herb that has been used in treating flu. This herb contains two compounds that are active against flu viruses. It also prevents the virus from invading respiratory tract cells.

· SPAN style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'"> A patented Israeli drug (Sambucol) that contains elderberry is active against various

· strains of viruses. In a clinical trial testing Sambucol, twenty percent of flu sufferers who used it showed significant relief of fever, muscle aches and other symptoms within 24 hours, and another 73 percent felt better after the second day. In three days, 90 percent were reported completely cured. In a similar group that received an inactive treatment (a placebo), only 26 percent were improved in two days, and it took most of them six days to feel well again.

· Sambucol also stimulates the immune system and has shown some activity in preliminary trials against other viruses, such as Epstein-Barr, herpes and even HIV.

· In a small double blind trial, patients with influenza2 were found to recover three times faster when they took one capsule of elderberry extract four times daily compared to patients taking placebo.

· You can take the medication or take the herb by making a tea from the herb.

· Make elderberry-flower tea by steeping 3 to 5 g of dried flowers in one cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Take 1 cup of this tea 3 times daily.

· Elderberry flower is generally regarded as safe. Side effects are rare and consist primarily of occasional mild gastrointestinal distress or allergic reactions. Its safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not established.

· Astragalus - Astragalus root has been used to enhance immunity for thousands of years in China. This herb is considered by herbal practitioners to be a tonic that strengthens the body's resistance to disease. Astragalus can stimulate practically all of the processes of your immune system. It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and speeds their growth into active immune cells. Astragalus also may help boost levels of interferon, one of your body's potent fighters against viruses. This, in turn, can help prevent or shorten the duration of colds and flu. Astragalus alson boosts the production of white blood cells called macrophages, whose function is to destroy invading viruses and bacteria. As soon as you discover the flu, take one 500- milligram capsule of astragalus four times a day until symptoms disappear. Then take one capsule twice a day for seven days to prevent a relapse.

· Garlic - Garlic is known to kill influenza virus in test tubes.3 It also stimulates the immune system and wards off complications such as bronchitis. Garlic contains several helpful compounds, including allicin, one of the plant kingdom's most potent, broad-spectrum antibiotics. This herb's aromatic compounds are readily released from the lungs and respiratory tract, putting garlic's active ingredients right where they can be most effective against cold viruses. Holistic practitioners often recommend taking several cloves of raw garlic per day during an infection. You can also take aged garlic extract, or consume products such as hot garlic bread or toast.

· Asian ginseng (eleuthero) - Asian ginseng have immune-enhancing properties, which play a potential role in preventing infection with influenza. Boneset has been shown in test tube and other studies to stimulate immune cell function. This may explain boneset's traditional use to help fight off minor viral infections, such as the flu.

· Wild Indigo - Wild indigo contains polysaccharides and proteins that are believed to stimulate the immune system. It is used traditionally to fight the flu5 in combination with herbs such as echinacea, goldenseal, or thuja.

· Forsythia and honeysuckle - These herbs are used by Oriental Medicine practitioners to treat colds, flu and other viruses. They have real antiviral benefits. At the inception of cold or flu, mix honeysuckle and forsythia with lemon balm tea (lemon balm also has antiviral properties.) Take this tea before going to bed.

· Mullein - A tea made with mullein flowers provides throat-soothing mucilage and also has an expectorant effect. Herbalists think that this plant contains compounds

that inhibit flu viruses. You can also make a tea with mullein leaf.

· Other Herbs:

o Bayberry

o Boneset

o Calendula

o Ginger

o Goldenseal

o Lemon balm

o Oregon grape

o Thyme

Nutrition for Flu:

· If you don't feel like eating, do not force yourself. For a day or two, consume only liquids-water, juices, teas, and soups. Digesting liquids requires a lot less energy than digesting foods. This means that your body has more energy to fight the flu.

· Consume easily digested foods such as juices, lemonade (hot or cold), herbal teas, applesauce, and lots of nourishing broth and homemade soups. Miso and chicken soup are good choices.

· Take mushrooms soup. Mushrooms of choice includes shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms. They are shown in studies to boost the body's immune response.

· &nbs

p; Getting plenty of fluids, including soups, is particularly important. Drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid daily. Fluids help to thin secretions, making it easier for the body to clear them, and also help to prevent constipation and flush toxins from the body.

· Sick People Soup - Here is a great soup to take when you are down with cold and flu. It comes from Rosita Arvigo, author of "Rainforest Home & Herbal Remedies."

o 1/2 head cabbage, chopped

o 1 onion, chopped

o 1 head garlic, chopped

o 3 carrots, sliced

o 3 pieces celery, diced

o 6 Tbsp ginger, grated

o ¼ c miso (soybean paste)

 

o 2 qts water

o juice of 1 lemon or lime

Boil the vegetables in the water until tender (about thirty minutes), then add ginger and garlic and allow to boil another five minutes. Remove from heat. Take a bit of the hot soup from the pot and mix with the miso to form a thick liquid. Add to the soup and serve. Squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice into the bowl. For added health boosts, add sliced agaricus, reishi, shitake or maitake mushrooms to the boiling vegetables and sprinkle crushed garlic on the soup before serving.

· When there is fever, take liquids only.

· Recommended liquids: Warm broth, vegetable juices and herb teas.

· Avoid dairy products and sugar. They increase and thicken mucus. Avoid a milky drink at night if you have chest problems, since this can contribute to congestion of the chest by morning.

· Red beet juice makes the flu virus inactive.

· Condensed grape juice strengthens the heart muscles.

· Parsley, celery, watercress, garlic, lemon, carrot and coconut juices are nourishing and help to cleanse and promote healing.

· Drink fruit juices after diluting. Limit the intake of sugars.

· Increase the proportion of vitamin C-rich foods in the diet, such as tomatoes, raw green peppers, carrots, strawberries and citrus fruit. This vitamin is easily destroyed by the process of oxidation, so do not leave peeled, chopped fruit or vegetables to stand for a long time before eating. Overcooking also leads to loss of vitamin C, especially if fruit or vegetables are boiled. Vegetables and fruit are best eaten raw, and if vegetables must be cooked, steam them, which preserves essential nutrient

s.

· Eat fresh, raw fruit and vegetables, whole grains, garlic, pulses, beans, small helpings of fish, nuts and seeds. These foods appear to increase resistance to infection and improve vitality.

· Use unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil as a salad dressing. Flax seed oil is an excellent source of the omega-3 essential fatty acid and also contains the omega-6 essential fatty acid. These fats help strengthen cell membranes, thereby speeding healing and strengthening resistance to infection. In the body.

· Eat sea plants or algae. These can re-mineralize the body after overexposure to processed foods. Spirulina, alfalfa, chlorella or seaweeds can be added to soups or ju

ices in powder or capsule form.

· Garlic can also help ward off a cold by inhibiting the growth of staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria.

· Avoid food and drinks that put extra strain on the liver. The liver is responsible for efficient detoxification of the body. The foods to avoid include convenience foods containing substantial amounts of chemicals such as colorings and preservatives, and alcohol, which also depletes the body of vitamin C.

Nutritional Supplements for the Flu:

· Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Bioflavonoids -

Vitamin C is well-known for treating and preventing colds. Studies show that vitamin C can shorten the duration of common colds and flu and even prevent them. Taken in large enough doses, vitamin C can boost your immune system by pumping enough fuel into white blood cells to destroy invading viruses and bacteria. Vitamin C increases interferon levels and has interferon-like properties itself. It acts as a natural antihistamine that helps dry up watery eyes and reduce nasal and chest congestion. It is also a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent the damage that your body endures when viruses or bacteria attack your immune system. Dockworkers given 100 mg of vitamin C each day for ten months caught influenza 28% less than their coworkers not taking vitamins. Moreover, the average infection was 10% shorter in those taking vitamin C.1 Other studies have reported that vitamin C in high doses (2 grams every hour for twelve hours) can lead to rapid improvement of influenza infections.2, 3

· At the first sign of cold or flu symptoms, take 500 milligrams of vitamin C with bioflavonoids or rose hips four to six times a day. The bioflavonoids and rose hips strengthen the vitamin C's infection-fighting power by 35 perc

ent, according to experts. Start taking Vitamin C as soon as you can. There are no adverse effects from taking high dosages of vitamin C. If you experience diarrhea, reduce the dosage of Vitamin C. Use bioflavonoids along with vitamin C for their synergistic effect.

· Vitamin A is a nutrient vital to the mucous membranes throughout the respiratory system during a cold or flu. It is known as the anti-infection vitamin. It battles viruses and bacteria in two ways. By keeping the cells healthy all along your respiratory tract, it provides a barrier that resists microorganisms. If some invading microorganisms manage to breach the barrier, you want to have antibodies and lymphocytes ready to destroy them. Vitamin A helps your body provide those reinforcements.

· As soon as you notice cold or flu symptoms, take 100,000 international units (IU) of vitamin A daily for three days, then reduce the dosage to 25,000 IU for one week or until symptoms disap

pear.

Caution: These are very high doses, please check with your doctor before taking this much.

· Beta-carotene, Vitamin A's precursor, is rich in antioxidant power and antiviral properties. It bolsters immunity and protects the thymus gland. It also protects you from viruses by enhancing mucous membrane secretions. By producing the secretions, the be=ta-carotene prevents the virus from invading your body. If you feel a cold or flu coming on, take 100,000 IU of beta-carotene for 10 to 14 days, then cut the dosage to 50,000 IU a day to prevent future respiratory infections.

· Zinc - Zinc supplementation is recommended for immune system support. Zinc lozenges soothe a sore throat and help fend off a cold before it takes hold. Zinc stimulates the immune system by generating new white blood cells20and whipping them into shape to battle viruses. If you have too little zinc, your production of white blood cells may drop, and that can increase your risk of catching a cold, flu, or other upper respiratory infection. In one study, children who got 10 milligrams of zinc daily for 60 days were much less likely to get respiratory infections than children getting less. In fact, the children who got enough zinc were 70 percent less likely to have fevers, 48 percent less likely to have coughs, and 28 percent less likely to have mucus buildup.

· Take 5 to 10 milligrams of zinc five times daily for five days to one week. Take zinc with food to prevent stomach upset. Be careful not to consume too much zinc. Doctors recommend taking no more than 15 milligrams of zinc a day. Zinc gluconate in lozenge form has been found to shorten the duration of cold symptoms. In a study, participants who sucked on one zinc gluconate lozenge (containing about 13 milligrams of zinc) every two hours while awake got rid of their coughs, nasal congestion, sore throat, and headaches three to four days sooner than those who didn't get any supplementation. Don't take them for longer than one week, because they can weaken your imm

une system.

· Garlic - Garlic is very beneficial especially at the beginning of a cold of flu. It warms the body and acts as an antiviral and antibacterial.

· Thymus glandular extract boosts immune function by increasing the number and activity of infection-fighting white blood cells. Take 250 to 500 milligrams twice a day. This is especially important for people over forty, as thymus function declines with age.

· Recommended dosages:

o Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg every few hours throughout the day, up to bowel tolerance

o Zinc lozenges, with 3 mg copper, every few hours, up to 70 mg daily during a cold and 30 mg daily as a preventive.

o Garlic, 2 capsules three times daily

o Vitamin A, 25,000 IU daily (avoid during pregnancy)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can't afford a new spring wardrobe? Go shopping in your closet instead!

[Guest guest]

We have been

inundated with emails and calls today about the swine flu. I have already done one radio interview

today. Below is some information

that I posted on my blog that some may find helpful.

 

Your immune

system is your basic defense against all illness and disease. When it is

functioning properly, disease cannot get a strong-hold on the body. It does not

mean that you will never get sick. It means that if your body takes on an

invader the immune system will recognize it quickly and work on eliminating the

invader quickly. Your down-time will be extremely less and your body will

recover at a faster rate.

 

Right now, my concern is not so much with the actual flu

but the condition of most people’s body. Most are toxic, acidic,

dehydrated, oxygen-deficient, poor lymphatic system drainage and clogged with

years and years of built-up, old fecal matter. Add to this the fact that

between 40-50% of all Americans are taking at least one or more prescription

meds. These situations keep the immune system from functioning at an optimum

rate.

 

God gave us our immune system to help

the body fight off disease/infection, etc.

It is the philosophy of conventional medicine that the immune system can

be manipulated in order to fight disease.

For instance, chemotherapy literally kills the one thing that God put in

our body to fight disease. Yet, we

are taught to believe that in this instance it is ok to kill the immune

system. Personally, I think the

idea about the flu attacking " seemingly " healthy people is junk

science. What exactly is their

definition of “healthy people”. How do they know the person was healthy? Did they do a history? Was the person

vaccinated, on any type of meds, have allergies, on chemical overload? These situations do not make a healthy

individual. It's another instance

of the medical community using a " lingo " that they know most people

will take in an entirely different manner than which it is meant. This is done all the time with cancer

patients.

 

Immune System Calculator - To rate your immune system function http://www.glyconutrients-center.org/immune-calculator.php

 

Things

that have an effect on the proper functioning of the immune system:

 

1) Vaccinations

2) Prescription meds

3) Stress/ Worry/Negative Emotions (This is one reason we

see more sickness during the Christmas season as stress rates are at all-time

highs.) With our nation in the

middle of financial and economical woes, a tremendous amount of the population

is stressed and worried to the nth degree.

4) Allergies

5) Hydrogenated oils

5) Chemical laden food and drink

6) Water that contains fluoride; chlorinated water

10) Not enough sunshine

11) High blood pressure (many have this but don't know it)

12) Diabetes (many are close)

13) Overweight

14) Candida over-growth (probably 70-80% of the population)

15) Gut issues

16) Constipation

17) Sugar addiction

 

If one doesn't do anything else, at least research Vitamin

D-3. We have a lot of articles up

at http://www.oasisadvancedwellness.com/learning/vitamin-d3-articles.html The top two things that I recommend to begin

now are emulsified Vitamin D-3 and Vitamin C (tapioca derived is best), very practical

since the cost is very low.

Eliminating sugar will also go a long way toward health as well as

eating organic and healthy. Most people’s

immune systems would be affected in a very positive way if they included two

freshly juiced organic vegetable juices every day. Just two! Most viruses enter through the ears,

mouth or nose. Keep your sinuses

and digestive tract (liver included) clean. If your immune system is compromised and

you must be in crowds or around lots of people, there are small personal air

ionizers that you can wear around your neck. Most are over $80. If one works in an office where the air

is re-circulated then I would highly suggest either a personal air ionizer or a

small ionizer for the office. These

are also available for your car for those that carpool or chauffeur children

around to different activities.

While I acknowledge the healing value of “touch”, for now,

forego shaking hands and hugging --

a smile, nod or wave is appropriate. For those who must be around people in an

open setting: get some natural

hand-cleaner (made with essential oils) or spray and use often. Keep hands away from the eyes, ears and

mouth. If someone close to you

sneezes or coughs, spray them with the spray ---- just kidding! ;o)

And, should you develop symptoms, don’t panic – but do stay

home! No one wants to be exposed by

“office martyrs” who feel the need to be at work or school, no

matter what.

 

Try not to continually listen to the media reports. Many are glued to TV and

radio right now. If a situation has the slightest potential to get worse, media

hype grows exponentially. This

causes unnecessary fear and emotional conflict which brings the immune system

down. If you must focus on

something, focus on getting your body healthy. Don’t allow fear to take hold –

good decisions are never made as a result of fear and people who fear can be

controlled very easily. Get out and

walk in the sunshine, work on your garden, purchase a new book to read, or

begin a new project.

 

Be Well

Dr.L

Oasis of Health

& Wellness Blog

[Guest guest]

Hi Wendy,

 

One of the cheapest anti-everything you can get is garlic. I know, kids mostly don't like garlic, but you can crush garlic and mix it with honey to help disguise the taste. Spread it on crackers. You can always add some cinnamon or ginger ( both anti-viral too) or something like that to help with the strong taste for kids. Adults too :-) If you can get local raw honey, that too is anti-everything and quite healthy for anyone, so you should wind up with a really powerful, low cost, tasty anti-viral, bacterial and fungal.

 

Samala,

Renee

 

 

----

 

Is there an anti-viral, inexpensive in a capsule form that I can take and give my children that is affordable? I understand oleander is ideal, but what if I don't feel comfortable trying to make it right now and need something right away? I am sorry if this is a redundant question, I just want to be prepared. Thank you.