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Simple natural solutions show promise against swine/avian flu
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flickr.com, photo by Marshall Astor
A flu “pandemic” has been expected for some time in the U.S. and preparations were underway years ago when the avian flu arose in China and other Asian nations. The U.S. and other countries are well-prepared. After all, with so many international travelers, it was bound to be brought across borders, so precautions need to be taken, but panic is not necessary. Some people theorize that this strain is actually manufactured (i.e., bio warfare). Whether that is true or not, this strain of flu is obviously a concern.
The general public knows to wear facemasks in areas where contact with the flu virus is most likely, such as airports, subways in infected cities, etc. Seeking help as soon as symptoms present themselves is another good idea. After all, Tamiflu seems to help in the early stages. However, did you know that Tamiflu is made from the Chinese spice star anise? Yes, it is naturally based!
When the first outbreaks of avian and swine flu hit Asia, research was immediate and many Asian cultures seek help among natural remedies and supplements. There has been very promising research that indicates the cytokines that communicate the virus to mutate and spread or not, are the key. Cytokines, according to Wikipedia, are “a category of signaling molecules that are used extensively in cellular communication.” They are critical in immune responses. The trick is to avoid triggering the virus to respond and multiply.
Serious research in Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan and other areas have shown that the flu is reduced if you take Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Dosages of Vitamin C need to be at 1000mg or better, three times a day (that's 3000+ mg) knocks down the virus and helps prevent it. Vitamin E should be the regular dietary dosage.
Drink that green tea! You hear it often enough that the anti-oxidants in green tea are essential for protecting the body. The same is true for this type of flu. Of particular use is the catechin extract of the tea that the body needs as an anti-bacterial and anti-viral supplement.
If you do take the Tamiflu vaccine, it has been noted in Japan and China that the vaccine’s effectiveness can be boosted with ginseng extract taken as a tea or drink. Many health food stores, international farmers markets, and whole foods stores have the ginseng extract drink. Take it with a combination of astragalus for an additional immune booster! Make ginseng a daily routine for general energy boosts, too.
Star anise (Illicium verum) is most effective. It is the base for Tamiflu and there is a shortage of this Chinese spice due to the use of it in vaccines. However, you can find it in some Asian markets and farmer’s markets. Make sure it is the Chinese variety and not the Japanese one. They’re similar, but the Japanese one has no effect against the flu.
This type of flu is also affected by nano silver supplements. There has been research for some time on this subject and very promising results have been reported. It seems to kill pathogens on infected test patients effectively. Nano silver as a supplement is sold in the U.S. and is currently under attack for regulation by the FDA to limit public access to it. Nano silver should be used carefully and avoid taking more than is recommended. More is not better in regards to most supplements!
The herb St. Johnswort is strongly anti-viral, but can interact with prescription medicines and reduce their effectiveness.
Scullcap is a mildly sedative herb with a strong anti-viral action as is Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa). Cat’s claw decreases the cytokine TNF-a that makes up the avian flu virus. It has no known side effects, but isn’t for pregnant or nursing women or very young children.
Foods that fight this strain of flu are turmeric (the orange spice in curry), organic, fresh apple juice, fresh garlic, resveratrol in supplement form is best, but can be ingested through grapes, mulberries, peanuts, raisins and grapes.
Tea tree oil in a steam or vaporizer is also a germ killer. Inhale steam from it to help kill the virus in the nostrils and lungs.
What to avoid? Do not take Echinacea, spirulina, bananas, honey, chocolate, dairy, or any mucous producing herb or foods. It makes matters worse. Even though Echinacea is indicated for most flu viruses, this strain actually thrives from Echinacea! So, do not take it in this case.
There are many good sources for recent research about natural remedies and these flu strains. Keep up with announcements at www.MedHelp.org or www.Healthfreedomusa.org.
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