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Thursday, December 18, 2008

A Guide to Natural Flu Relief

The influenza virus or flu is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is spread from person to person in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

There are 3 types of flu
● Type A viruses can infect people, birds, pigs, horses, seals, whales, and other animals, such as the avian flu or bird flu.
● Type B viruses infect people and result in smaller outbreaks. People infected with type B virus are often hospitalized with higher death rates.
● Type C viruses cause mild illness in humans without the onset of an epidemic or pandemic.

Most people are familiar with the symptoms of the flu, but they can be mistaken for a severe cold. The flu infection is far more serious and can cause severe health complications. There are many viral infections that can cause flu-like symptoms, so it is best to visit your doctor so other possibilities can be ruled out before obtaining treatment.

The flu virus attacks the body’s cells and mutates into different forms which is why people who have received the flu shot may still get ill with the flu. The influenza virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person such as by inhaling droplets when they have coughed or sneezed. It can also be spread by handling objects such as doorknobs and telephone receivers that an infected person has been in contact with.

If you have the flu, get plenty of bed rest and drink lots of fluids. Most people recover from the flu in one to two weeks. Conventional doctors often recommend flu vaccines for high-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, those with chronic diseases, weak immune systems, or professionals working with high-risk groups.

Many people are not aware that there are several natural flu relief and holistic treatments that are also extremely effective at fighting symptoms. Orally administered, homeopathic flu vaccines may be used by all ages and can help to prevent influenza infection, without the side effects and complications sometimes experienced by the conventional flu vaccine. Herbal and homeopathic remedies concentrate on the primary cause, without side effects or compromising the immune system as it can with antibiotic use.

Herbs useful for natural flu relief are;

• Hypoxis rooperi (African Potato): It enhances the human immune system at all levels regardless of the type of disease.
• Astragalus membranaceus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, often in combination with other herbs to strengthen the body against disease. It contains antioxidants which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals which are byproducts of cellular energy. Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system, for preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, to lower blood pressure, to treat diabetes, and to protect the liver.
• Echinacea is another herb well-known as nature’s antibiotic for natural flu relief used for the onset of flu symptoms, preventing or shortening the length of infection, and supporting the immune system.
• Yarrow: Traditional uses also include the treatment of fevers and colds, and relief of stomach and intestinal upset.
• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): Peppermint is widely used for cold and flu symptoms. This is because peppermint and its main active agent, menthol, are effective decongestants. Peppermint is soothing and calming for sore throats and dry coughs as well.
• Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum: Oscillococcinum by Boiron, is a homeopathic for flu like symptoms
• Zincum Gluconicum: Zincum Gluconicum nasal gel shortens duration and reduces symptom severity of the common cold in healthy adults, when started within 24-48 hours of the onset of illness.

Natural flu relief herbal and homeopathic remedies have been proven to be extremely beneficial in treating influenza without drying out the mucus membranes as is the case with conventional decongestants and without robbing the body of good bacteria as it does with conventional antibiotics. Using a natural cold and flu remedy will not only help you to address the underlying cause of influenza, but ensure that you maintain the best possible health and well-being.

Helpful tips for natural flu prevention:
● Wash your hands frequently, especially underneath your fingernails
● Eat immune-enhancing foods that are chemical-free and organically grown
● Eating a cup of natural organic yogurt daily can reduce your susceptibility to flu infections
● Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze
● Drink eight glasses of water daily to cleanse your body’s system
● Increase your supplement intake with Vitamin C and cod liver oil
● Strive to obtain consistent, adequate sleep and regular exercise help to ward off infections
● Reduce stress by practicing relaxation techniques, exercising, or listening to music
● Avoid sharing personal items such as food or utensils with someone who has the flu
● Limit your alcohol consumption, as alcohol dehydrates the body and leaves you more prone to infection

If you are feeling sick and tired of putting chemicals and dyes from harmful products into your body when your immune system is already taxed, you can obtain products for natural flu relief and natural flu prevention that work to soothe and work with your body's natural system of healing.

Rebecca Shelly is a health enthusiast who has been researching natural remedies for various health conditions for many years. Find out more about some of the most effective treatments for natural flu prevention on her site, Natural Flu Relief . You can receive a free E Book entitled Natural Help for the Flu

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