Garlic

Are you still thinking about getting the flu shot this season? According to research published in The Lancet, getting the flu from a flu shot is not only possible, but probable. Over the course of 12 flu seasons, researchers analyzed studies and found that 41% of study participants contracted the flu after being given the most commonly administered flu shot. So what should you take away from these statistics? Have a plan B.

Herbs as Medicine

Herbs have been used medicinally for centuries. Even in the last century herbs were being used by physicians to treat influenza. In 1918, the flu pandemic known as the “Spanish flu” broke out across the globe and killed 20 to 60 million people. At the time, advances in modern medicine were just being discovered, and many physicians still relied on herbs and other natural therapies to treat sick individuals. According to the written material published by these herb-wielding physicians of the early 1900’s, patients suffering from the Spanish flu who were treated with herbs had above average survival and recovery rates. There is now a renewed interest in the medicinal properties of herbs and, again, there are many physicians who are using herbal protocol to prevent and treat seasonal flu symptoms. The best part is that herbs are readily available and don’t require a prescription.

Elderberry

This herb yields amazing results when it comes to fighting the flu. Israeli researchers published a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine that confirmed that elderberry extracts inhibited the growth of influenza. In fact, when study participants took 500 mg. twice a day, 90% recovered within three days.

People in the ancient world have always held garlic and other members of the allium family in high regard because of their medicinal attributes. In more recent news, garlic is garnering some positive attention because of the antibacterial and antiviral properties of its main chemical component, allicin. Studies done at the University of Maryland Medical Center confirm that consuming garlic helped to prevent the onset of the flu and also helped hasten recovery times of those individuals who already had the flu.

Olive Leaf Extract

Another ancient remedy of note is olive leaf extract. With its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal capacity, olive leaf extract is a broad spectrum herbal medicine used to treat a number of ailments including influenza. Interestingly, some European physicians are now using olive leaf extract instead of traditional antibiotics to treat their patients. Many naturopathic practitioners recommend taking olive leaf extract for several months before flu season begins in order to strengthen the immune system.

Echinacea

Hailing from the purple coneflower native to North America, echinacea has been part of Native American herbal medicine for centuries. University of Maryland Medical Center studies confirm that echinacea does, indeed, ease flu symptoms by relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the immune system.

Ginger

Long coveted for its pungent culinary offerings, ginger has an extensively history of medicinal use by Asian, Arabic, and Indian cultures. As well as being a go-to therapy for anything related to stomach discomfort, ginger also soothes flu symptoms such as a sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, and body aches. Ginger is best taken as a tea.

Remember that even natural medicine can interfere with both prescription and over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol. Always consult your physician before starting an herbal protocol for the flu.

Sources:

Herbs and other dietary supplements: current regulations and recommendations for use to maintain health in the management of the common cold or other related infectious respiratory illnesses. – Journal of Pharmaceutical Practices

Garlic is one of the world’s oldest medicines and is an incredibly potent spice that can ward off a variety of illnesses and diseases. It has amazingly high levels of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C and B-6 and minerals such as selenium, calcium, copper, and iron.

Garlic also contains very strong antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, and anti-viral properties. One raw crushed clove of garlic contains the antibiotic equivalent of 100,000 units of penicillin and has been proven to be more effective than both penicillin and tetracycline in suppressing certain types of disease carrying agents. Garlic contains a compound called allicin which has been shown to help significantly lower cholesterol and blood pressure by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme within the liver cells and blocking platelet clot formation in the blood vessels.

Garlic is also very good for the digestive tract and has a strong ability to eliminate toxic matter from the lymphatic system. Garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties make it vital for autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, lupus, fibromyalgia, lyme disease, bursitis, shingles, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

It is also particularly beneficial for ear infections, candida, bronchitis, respiratory infections, food poisoning, herpes, coronary artery disease, stroke, colds, flus, urinary tract infections, and weak immune systems. Garlic can help eliminate lead and other heavy metals from the body. It is also a good remedy for removing parasites and worms from the colon.

Garlic can be juiced with vegetables for a powerful immune boosting drink. When feeling under the weather consider eating 1-4 cloves of raw garlic a day by adding it to guacamole, soups, hummus, or crushed on toast with a little olive oil. If the flavor of garlic does not appeal to you, odor-free garlic capsules can be a great alternative and a way to still get the health benefits of this natural wonder.

Garlic supplements can be found online or at your local health food store.

Tag: Garlic

Powerful Herbs That Fight Flu