Possible Prevention of Swine Flu

(Please note that Swine flu can cause serious illness. If you suspect you have swine flu or you have been diagnosed with swine flu, you should follow the advice of your physician. The alternative remedies discussed in this articles below are simply meant to complement conventional treatment.)

Hello to all the deaf readers!! I am known as DJDeafJoey from Deaf Video TV as you have seen my video about anything else including health benefits. I have done my researches on the holistic, organic and various herbal remedies and its benefits from other sources such as the internet, books and also words from my dear friend, ever since I became 50 years old in 2003. So I decide to write this notes about the holstic and healthy way to prevent the possible swine flu or any other kind of influenza types. By the way, Swine flu viruses do not infect humans, however, recent human infections have been diagnosed in the United States and abroad this recent month from Mexico, the suspected point of origin. There are 2 out of the 4 anti-viral drugs used to treat influenza viruses that have been effective in treating this new strain of swine flu. Herbal remedies, although they can not cure the flu, can stimulate the immune system to better combat the effects of the flu while relieving symptoms and speeding recovery. There are a handful of herbs that are well known for their anti-viral and immune-boosting properties.

Echinacea is considered by many to be the best overall herbal remedy against viruses. By helping to destroy the virus and boost the immune system, it allows your body to effectively eliminate the virus in a shorter time span, resulting in less severe symptoms and decreased rate of complications and/or secondary infections. Echinacea works best as a preventative measure and with the possibility of a swine flu pandemic, it may be a good idea to stock up on this herbal remedy.

In a possible pandemic swine flu scenario, there are likely to be shortages of Tamiflu and Relenza, the 2 anti-viral medications that have been proven to be effective in treating the swine flu. Treatment with herbal remedies may become a necessity if the swine flu does in fact emerge into a pandemic. Black elderberry extract has shown promising results in treating influenza viruses. A small study published years ago showed that 93% of flu patients given Sambucol, a black elderberry extract available at health food stores, were entirely symptom-free within 2 days while those taking a placebo took an average of 6 days to recover. In folk medicine, flowers from the black elder bush were used to calm symptoms associated with colds, flu and sinus problems. Unlike Echinacea, Elderberry is not affective at preventing flu and will only aid in treating the flu symptoms in infected individuals.

While the world anxiously waits to see which directions this swine flu will take, it is never too soon to begin preventative measures. Increase your daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables to boost antioxidant intake. Get plenty of rest to improve internal healing systems and engage in aerobic exercise which will strengthen respiratory function. Stop by your local health food store and pick up a few bottles of Sambucol and Echinacea. It’s better to have these items on hand should the need arise to use them.

Protect yourself against swine flu and the impact of its symptoms with alternative approaches. Along with the recommended precautions, such as staying out of crowds as much as possible, washing your hands often, staying home if you are feeling ill, there are natural remedies you can try.

Boost your immune systemOne of the best ways to protect yourself against swine flu is to maintain a healthy immune system.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Probiotics: A healthy immune system depends on a nutritious diet and a digestive system that functions well. Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the health of the intestinal tract, which is directly associated with immune system health. A suggested dose of probiotics is 5 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) with each meal. The probiotic supplement should contain at least five different species of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. casei, Bifidobacterium longum, and B. bifidum.

• Echinacea: Some experts say this herb can stimulate the immune system. A recent Canadian study found that Echinacea promoted the activity of key factors in the immune system, including macrophages. Suggested dose is 15 drops of Echinacea extract added to herbal tea as a preventive measure. If you begin to experience flu symptoms, take 300 mg of Echinacea three times daily until symptoms disappear.

• Garlic: Research shows that garlic stimulates the infection-fighting white cells and enhances antibody production. Garlic also is an antioxidant. These benefits are usually credited to garlic’s sulfur-containing compounds, sulfides and allicin. A suggested dose is 250 mg twice daily of a supplement containing extract of allium sativum standardized to 0.6 percent allicin.• Zinc: This mineral increases the production of disease-fighting white cells and also helps these cells release more antibodies. A recommended daily dose is 15 to 25 mg. Fight flu symptoms if symptoms have already taken hold, here are some natural treatments.

• Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum): An infusion may relieve fever, clear congestion, and ease aches. Simmer 1 cup boiling water with 2 teaspoons of dried boneset for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink one cup several times a day.

• Ginger: Ginger has antiviral properties, and when you use it as a tea, it also helps break up mucus and congestion. To make the tea, boil 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger in 16 ounces of water for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes. Drink several cups per day as needed.

• Tea tree oil: To relieve congestion and disinfect dry air passages, add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of hot water or vaporizer and place it next to your bed overnight.

• Sage tea: Gargle several times daily with sage tea to disinfect your mouth.

You can find the natural remedies mentioned in this article at many natural food stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies that offer those types of holistic foods. I usually purchase the organic foods from my local Whole Foods and Mother Kitchens groceries only in Orange County, CA. You may also even place your herbal remedies from the internet, I always use the most reliable internet store called VitaCost.

Have a safe and great weekend! Take care in peace!