There are options that can help you through this flu season without a vaccine and its possible side effects. Most important is to keep your immune system healthy to keep you from catching the flu bug at all. Herbs protect your cells naturally, making viral infection less likely if you are exposed. If you do catch the flu (or even common cold) herbs can lessen the symptoms and duration of the illness, naturally and with no side effects.
Two herbs that should be on your first line of defense are ginger and garlic. Add these in daily to keep your immune system vital and strong.
- Ginger is a strong antioxidant, a natural antibiotic, and it kills the cold virus, while also helping with chills and fever. It provides a protective, defensive layer for your body.
- Garlic is a Superfood. The active ingredient in garlic, allicin, is an excellent anti-microbial (it kills bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites). It’s available in capsule form if you don’t wish to eat it raw or to cook with it (although garlic cooking is one of my favorite smells!).
Other herbs that are beneficial to your immune system:
- Elderberry is a natural flu preventative, containing antioxidants and strong flavonoids. These protect your cells from viruses and strengthen your immune system. Elderberry Juice is high in Vitamin C (also a flu preventative) and contains proteins that inhibit the ability of flu viruses to infect your cells.
- Cinnamon is another anti-microbial agent. While boosting your immune system, it also fights for you and helps from catching the flu in the first place.
- Astragalus root is high in phytochemicals. These are plant chemicals (such as saponins and isoflavonoids) with disease-prevention properties, and benefits your immune system, causing an increased activity in your cells.
- Ginseng has long been known to help the body resist stress and enhance its overall function. This increases your ability to resist viruses such as influenza and helps your body perform better in high flu season.
These are common herbs used by your acupuncture physician in many herbal formulas to hep bring you through the cold and flu season healthy and well. For home remedies, these herbs can be easily found in the grocery store or your natural health food store. Use them daily alone or in combination to keep you naturally healthy!
