Monday, October 6, 2014

Flu Shot & Alternatives

Nature’s Rx February 2009


Dear Jonathan, I recently heard on the news that everyone should get a flu shot and that the standard treatment is not working.  I hear a lot of people say they got the flu after taking the shots.  What do you recommend?      Ed- Agawam.
Dear Ed, I recommend you do what is best for you.   Talk with your doctor. I am not here to say don’t get a shot.  There are many people who are at great risk due to other illnesses, compromised immune systems, the young, the elderly, etc.  And they must do what is most beneficial for their health and well being.  Some people would not think of skipping their flu shots and there are others who would not get a shot if you paid them.  That is their choice. Many people have jobs and activities that put them in contact with sick people, be it retail work or a typical office environment. People will also not take care of themselves with enough rest and let themselves get run down which is a perfect opening for the flu bug.
 I have always thought the best way to avoid getting the flu is to keep your immune system functioning at peak levels. Remember, even getting the flu shot is not a guarantee you won’t get the flu.   In the natural realm there are some very effective products that can keep you as healthy as you can be and increase your chances of not getting the flu.

One of the best items in the well being arsenal is Elderberry (Sambucus nigra). Researchers in Israel found compounds in the elderberry that help to blunt the protein “spikes” of the flu virus which prevents the virus from penetrating the cell wall and turn your cells into virus factories. Add to that good ol’ vitamin C and you have a great combination. The vitamin C helps to strengthen the cell walls, so the C builds a tougher barrier; the elderberry blunts the spike, and good bye virus!

Zinc is a healing nutrient that is required for a robust immune system. Zinc lozenges are especially good as the zinc coats your throat and disrupts the virus’s ability to reproduce. This little trick was discovered by accident when a doctor couldn’t get a person to swallow her zinc tablets and suggested she suck on it. As it turned out she reported her sore throat had disappeared and the doctor was inspired to do further investigation.
Echinacea (angustifolia) is a traditional herb for colds and flu. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and works as an immune system modulator.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) is a well known herb used to help relieve fever, chills and achiness. It is often taken in combination with Echinacea.
Homeopathically, you may have heard of Oscillococcinum. This is a combination that many people swear by. These are usually found in three dose packages. Follow the instructions and you can knock out the flu before it has a chance to get you.
 There are a variety of medicinal mushrooms which can work well to guard against the flu. You can take these mushrooms individually, in prepared formulas or add them to your diet. Being of Polish extraction, I love a good hearty mushroom soup in the winter and when I can add medicinal mushrooms to the recipe that is just the icing on the cake!
Look for Agaricus blazei, Ice Man polypore, Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Maitake (Grifola frondosa), Shitake (Lentinula edodes), Pearl Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) or Cordyceps, (Cordyseps sinensis). These mushrooms have very powerful anti viral and immune enhancing activities.
One of the best products I have ever come across is call ACF (Acute Cold and Flu) formula by Buried Treasure. It is a liquid combination containing just about every cold or flu fighter you can think of, and it does the trick.
  There are dozens of other herbal and nutritional supplements available, too numerous to name for this article, but if you can start with any combination of the aforementioned items, you will be that much farther ahead in the game.

I know we have been focused on the flu, but colds are still knocking people for a loop. All of the items I have written about also fight colds. Besides, when you are coming down with something you do not know if it is a cold or flu, so why not use a combination of herbs that are anti viral, anti bacterial and immune enhancing?  So whether you get a flu shot or not, there are many natural l ways of protecting yourself and your loved ones.



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