Face up to swine flu
Find out about the herbs that can help you build up your immunity
Panic over swine flu could lead to millions of people taking anti-viral drugs they have shunned for a lifetime. But it does not have to be this way as there is a natural way to fight the virus.
Swine flu is a mild-to-moderate condition for most people. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself against bacterial and viral infections is to boost your immunity. And there are some well-researched, effective natural remedies which will help you to do just that.
Garlic, echinacea, propolis and garden thyme, for example, have been successfully used for generations to fight ‘flu-like’ infections. They can be taken on their own or in combination to enhance their effects.
Immune boosters
Garlic is a powerful, natural anti-viral food and medicine as well as a natural antibiotic with anti-viral properties. Its volatile oils end up in the respiratory system via the blood stream and help to clear any infection.
The plant echinacea and the honey bee product propolis will stimulate your body cells into producing plenty of cold and flu virus-fighting interferon – proteins that help protect against infection. Both herbs can be used as preventatives and as remedies to speed up recovery. They can be taken by anybody, at any age, are safe and have been extensively researched in many countries.
Garden thyme is an effective remedy for respiratory complaints and helps to prevent secondary infections.
Other tactics
You should also follow a diet high in fruit and vegetables to promote a well-functioning immune system. And if you do get swine flu you should avoid Paracetamol, or any temperature-suppressing medication - a temperature is an important anti-viral and anti-bacterial tool and will help you to sweat out infection. Finally plenty of water and fruit juice as well as rest will do wonders to help you recover and result in a stronger immune system in the long term
By Luzia Barclay, Registered Medical Herbalist, www.herbsforhealing.org.uk
Herbal Helpers
- Garlic
- Echinacea
- Thyme
- Pelargonium
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