Natural Support for Relieving Flu Symptoms

It’s that time of year that everyone dreads….flu season. Individuals who are most at risk include individuals with a weakened immune  system and individuals with poor diet and nutrition. Also at higher risk are young children and adults over 65.

Adrenal-Fatigue

So what exactly is the flu?

Its a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Signs and symptoms of the flu can include:

body aches

cough

diarrhea

fatigue

fever

headaches

muscle aches

runny nose

vomiting

washing hands

Prevention tips

Ideally when you start to come down with the flu it is key to avoid all sugar, processed foods and artificial sweeteners. Sugar  suppresses your immune system, not what you need when you’re fighting  the flu. in addition, following some basic health habits can help to avoid illness, as well as prevent the spreading of germs.

  1. Avoid contact with individuals who have the flu.
  2. If you are in contact with people who have the flu, wear a mask and gloves.
  3. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  4. If you’ve been exposed, rest and boost your immune system.
  5. Avoid sugar and dairy.
  6. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
  7. Stay well hydrated with water, or coconut water which is high in electrolytes.
  8. Don’t share bath or hand towels.

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Natural Help for the flu

Many of these remedies offer relief from flu symptoms and you likely have them at home in your pantry or medicine cabinet.

  1. Rest-It may seem obvious, but many people push themselves, when they should be home resting
  2. Hydration– Water  will help to flush the virus from your system. Try to drink half your weight in ounces of water daily.
  3. Simple foods-Foods that are easy to digest such as bone broths, herbal teas, green juices will nourish your body and not stress your system.
  4. Fresh air-If you’re coughing and sneezing your house is a harbor of germs. Open the windows to let in some fresh air. (You can always leave that particular room while it airs out).
  5.  Probiotics will give your gut bacteria an added boost.
  6. Essential Oils– Adding frankincense or peppermint to a carrier oil and rubbing on your feet or the back of your neck can offer immune support.
  7.  Zinc-This antiviral will give your immune system a boost.
  8. Oregano Oil-Another potent antiviral oregano oil is available in capsules and tinctures.
  9.  Elderberry-This delicious berry can be enjoyed in many forms including syrups, gummies for the kids. It can help with bronchial inflammation, boost the immune system and relieve sinus pain.
  10. Echinacea-This anti inflammatory is available in multiple forms including capsules, teas, tinctures. Research has shown this to be as effective as Tamiflu in fighting respiratory infections.
  11. Vitamin C-Boosts white blood cells and immune system.
  12. Vitamin D-Low vitamin D levels are linked with higher incidence of colds, flu and respiratory infections.

homeopathy

Homeopathic Remedies

Gelsemium : When fatigue and a generalized heavy, weak feeling pervade the person, even leading to trembling of individual parts and to having heavy, half-open eyelids, this remedy may help. These people tend to have little or no thirst, can experience chills up and down their spine, and have a headache in the back part of their head.

Bryonia : People who have marked body aches during the flu that are aggravated by any type of motion may be helped by this remedy. Generally, these people also have a headache in the front part of their head that is also aggravated by motion. They have dry, even chapped lips, a dry cough, and a great thirst for cold water. Despite being warm, they are averse to warm rooms. People with the flu who are very irritable and insist upon being left alone tend to benefit from this remedy.

Eupatorium perfoliatum : People with the flu who experience aches in the muscles and pains in the bones and/or in their eyes often benefit from this remedy. Another characteristic symptom of people who might find benefit in this remedy is chills that occur in the morning, especially 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. These people desire cold drinks, even during a chill and even though it may elicit a chill response, and they feel better lying on whatever part of their body is aching.

Rhus toxicodendron : This remedy has been found useful for people with muscle aches that are aggravated by initial motion but relieved by continued motion. These people are often very restless, especially at night in bed, tend to have a sore throat and are very thirsty but only for sips of water at a time. If a cold sore develops during the flu, some people may want to consider this medicine.

Oscillococcinum : This remedy helps to relieve flu symptoms like body aches, chills,fatigue, fever and headache.

Additional related homeopathics & their uses:

Kali bichromium -Helpful for thick nasal discharge

Kali iodatum -Frontal sinus pain

Kali muriaticum -Nasal congestion with white nasal discharge.

Kali sulphuricum -Yellow nasal discharge

Mezereum -Nasal congestion

Pulsatilla -Thick yellow nasal discharge.

 

Always trust yourself and visit your doctor as soon as you need to. This is especially important if you are pregnant, have a chronic health condition , have a high fever or difficulty breathing.

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My Health Maven offers information on a wholistic approach to healthy lifestyle choices.