Herbs, Supplements May Fight Swine Flu Pandemic

In 2019, we may look a decade into our past and laugh about today's panic regarding the recent outbreak of swine flu-bird flu hybrid. While I earnestly hope that fears of a flu pandemic are overreactions, it seems to be more likely than not that the swine flu will spread to epidemic or pandemic proportions. Amid confessions from the Centers for Disease Control that containment of the virus is "highly unlikely", many families are scrambling to do whatever possible to prevent the infection from spreading to them and their loved ones.

I am an herbalist and nutritionist, and my pantry is stockpiled with antiviral herbs and vitamin compounds. Many of the same people who made fun of me three years ago are now calling me, frantically asking for advice about which herbs and supplements they can buy to keep the swine flu pandemic from striking their families. While I can offer no guarantees, I hope--and have reason to believe--that the following nutritional supplements may help to stop, slow, or weaken the swine flu/avian flu virus.

Vitamin D

Many Americans, especially young children, are alarmingly deficient in vitamin D. In addition to being absolutely essential for the proper function of the bones and central nervous system, vitamin D plays a critical role in enabling the immune system to successfully defeat viruses of all kinds. One 2006 study hit headlines when it concluded that vitamin D is extremely effective in fighting standard influenza strains.

During 2006, I noticed an extreme spike in the sales of vitamin D supplements in the store I was managing, but I was not surprised when health trends shifted and my clients instead switched to "trendier" supplements. Now, as swine flu rears its ugly head with all the markings of a pandemic, it is more important than ever that Americans drastically increase their intake of this critical vitamin.

Elderberry Syrup

Sambucol, a standardized extract of elderberry, has been shown by repeated scientific studies to fight standard strains of influenza. As I discuss in a recent article, elderberry has natural compounds-- which are safe for children and even infants-- that appear to reduce the duration of colds and flu by several days. This means Sambucol is a must-have for surviving pandemic flu.

More importantly, studies of elderberry syrup's efficacy have specifically focused on H5N1 bird flu, one of the core components of the swine flu pandemic's biology. Laboratory trials have confirmed that elderberry extract effectively defeats H5N1 avian flu with up to 99% efficacy. If it has nearly this rate of effectiveness in combating the similar strain of swine flu, Sambucol may prevent fatalities during a swine flu pandemic.

Selenium

Because it is a trace mineral, and only relatively small amounts are needed for selenium to accomplish its biological role, many people are unaware that it is as important as more popular immune-stimulating supplements in preventing serious illnesses. In vitro studies have confirmed that selenium, like elderberry syrup, can effectively fight the H5N1 strain of avian flu, making it a potentially important supplement for preventing a swine flu pandemic.

Other immune-stimulating herbs and compounds, including the "classic" immune-boosters echinacea, goldenseal, zinc, and vitamin C, may also be effective in preventing illness during an epidemic. No single supplement or combination of supplements is likely to completely eradicate swine flu, avian flu, or any other form of flu pandemic. However, with a balanced diet, common-sense precautions, and a combination of herbal and nutritional supplements, you may be able to protect yourself and your loved ones during a catastrophe.

Sources:

CDC Release- Swine Flu. Accessed 25 April 2009.

Cannell JJ et al (2006). "Epidemic influenza and vitamin D". Epidemiol. Infect.134 (6): 1129-40.

H. Friel et al. A nutritional supplement formula for influenza A (H5N1) infection in humans☆ Medical Hypotheses, Volume 67, Issue 3, Pages 578-587