Are you ready for flu season?

by Jenny Boice  

This year, more than ever, people are worried about getting the flu.  People want healthy alternatives for preventing the flu but aren’t sure what to do.  Here are some natural approaches to flu prevention and treatment to help you get started.  If you start boosting your immune system now, your body will thank you later!  

As we all know, there is no “cure” for the flu.  Once you have the flu, at best you can help your body manage the cycles necessary for recovery.  Sleep is the most important thing you can do to help your body rejuvenate.  Resist the urge to mask your symptoms and keep going.  Allow your body the time it needs to heal.  Eat foods that are easily digested, warm and nutritious.  Soups are ideal for this process.  

You can also take herbs to shorten the duration of the cold or flu and decreases the severity of symptoms.  For cold and flu - Astragalus, Echinacea and Elderberry are our best allies.  All of these herbs work to strengthen the immune system.  In my family, when we start getting sick, we start taking a teaspoon of Elderberry tincture every 1-2 hours for a couple of days.  I usually take a tablespoon before bed the first night.  About 8 times out of 10, I feel better the next morning.  Regardless, I keep taking a teaspoon at least three times per day until I feel I am out of the woods.  The key is to start taking it as soon as you think you are coming down with something.   I know others that use Astragalus and Echinacea tinctures in the same way.  These herbs are just as beneficial. 

My family has always used Elderberry for the flu but the last time I started feeling sick, I wanted to try Astragalus and Echinacea for myself so I made a quart of herbal infusion using two tablespoons of Echinacea, two Astragalus Root Slices and a pinch of Chamomile Flowers.  I drank the infusion before bed and made another infusion and stored it in the refrigerator for the following day.  I went to bed with achy muscles feeling as though I wouldn't be able to get out of bed by morning.  I woke up and couldn't believe the difference.  I felt 100% better.  I wasn't totally out of the woods but it was amazing.  I drank the other infusion the following day and I never did get sick.  Again, the key is to start taking them at first onset.  Astragalus is contraindicated with fever.

Of course, the best way to deal with the flu is to prevent it all together.   Be sure to get enough rest.  If you are run down, your immune system is weaker and you are more prone to catching the cold or flu.  Some say getting sick is the body’s way of forcing you to slow down and rest.  Dress warm, eat warm foods and drink warm drinks.  This will help maintain your body heat so your body doesn’t have to work so hard.  Keep stress to a minimum.  Our lives tend to be full of stress these days.  Try some relaxation techniques while drifting off to sleep.  Exercise is another stress reliever.  Wash your hands frequently, especially after being in public.  Many germs are passed by people sneezing then touching doors, gas pumps, etc.  Keep some hand sanitizer in your car.  Eating a good diet is also important.  We need to make sure our bodies are properly fueled. 

Astragalus and Echinacea are not only helpful once you have the flu but can help boost your immune system as a preventative as well.  Astragalus is known as an adaptogen, which means it helps your body adapt to stress and has a balancing effect on bodily functions, such as supporting digestive functions, helping to balance blood pressure and improving circulation. Astragalus is a very popular herb used in Chinese herbalism for supporting immune resistance.  Astragalus helps fortify and strengthen the entire body so you're more resistant to viruses and infections.  It also increases your energy which is always an added bonus!  Astragalus has been used in Asia to prevent cold and flu for more than 1,000 years.   

Echinacea is an immune system stimulant and strengthener.  It boosts the immune system to help prevent cold, flu, allergies and minor upper respiratory infections.  Echinacea was used by North America's Native Indians to treat fevers and by early settlers to North America for treating colds and the flu.  Both herbs are great to have on hand and to take regularly throughout the winter.  You can make tea with them, cook with them, throw them in your soup, or take them in tincture form.   

I hope this article gives you some ideas for how to stay healthy this winter.  Check out our website for some great winter recipes and immune building tonics. It’s a good idea to start boosting your immune system 2-3 months prior to winter so start now!  Do as much as you can to support your immune system and it will support you in return! 

Disclaimer:  This article is for educational purposes only.  This article is not meant to treat or diagnose.  You should consult your health care provider before taking herbal formulas. 

Jenny is the owner of Divine Creationz.  She is a Clinical Master Herbalist.  She provides personal health consultations.  She specializes in making individualized herbal formulas.  Jenny is also a certified Reconnective Healing practitioner.  Jenny has been doing energy work for 3.5 years.  www.DivineCreationz.com

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