Naural Remedies for Swine Flu

We all probably know someone who has been infected with the h1n1 virus, formally known as swine flu. What we might not know is what to do if it infects us or someone we love. Though most cases have been fairly mild, excepting those in young children, the elderly, and pregnant women, doctors are on edge with the expectation that this bug might mutate into a strain of virus that is less stoppable and more destructive. Because of this, greater health precautions and preventative measures should be taken by all who want to have a healthy and happy flu season.

The symptoms have been broadcasted throughout the media: coughing, aching throat, fever, runny nose, headache, body aches, chills and fatigue; these are the normal flu symptoms, but in the case of h1n1, these symptoms usually coincide with diarrhea and vomiting. The medical field has the common list of remedies to all those stricken with the swine flu or the common flu: get as much rest as possible, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter flu medicines if needed. For those with swine flu, it has also been recommended that the entire household stay quarantined in the house for at least a week to make sure no other family member is contaminated. The advice of doctors should be heeded by all who are inflicted with these viruses. However, we are each our own health advocate, and for those who want to be thorough, it is important to be educated on natural remedies that will help prevent the swine flu, as well as deliver a speedier recovery for those who are already sick.

One of the most important herbs for fighting this disease is olive leaf, which contains oleuropein, a chemical known for its ability to break down elenolic acid in the body. Elenolic acid has a powerful anti-bacterial effect. It interferes with the production of critical amino acids that are essential for viruses to reproduce by attaching to the cell's membrane to stop the virus from mulitplying and spreading. By taking high quality olive leaf from a good source, you can stop a virus in its tracks.

If you take abnormally high doses of olive leaf, it might be so detoxifying that your body doesn't know how to react, responding in flu-like symptoms (the very thing you are trying to banish) or allergic attacks. It is important you take the olive leaf in accordance with the directions and/or a doctor's orders.

Other flu-fighting tactics include taking supplements that will help boost your immune system, such as elderberry. The elderberry contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants called flavnoids that activate immune cells that help the body to fight off viruses. Not only that, but the elderberry containes lectins that help stop the replications of a virus, much like olive leaf. Elderberry is something that can be taken every day and used as a preventative measure against the flu. You can buy it in juice or capsule form, whichever is easiest to take.

Other more common methods of staying healthy is to take garlic every day, either by capsule or simply eating it raw (which very potently promises bad breath, but is also more effective than the capsule). Garlic has been long thought to not only fight bacterial infections and the flu, but also to be an effective natural antibiotic.

And finally, the most obvious of all: Vitamin C serves as a popular immune system nutrient and a potent free-radical fighter, just two of its many other life-enhancing attributes. It has been shown to prevent many illnesses, and can be taken every day to enhance one's health and well being.

This swine flu epidemic has left thousands hospitilized and hundreds dead: don't be another statistic. There are things you can do to shield yourself and those you love from suffering. Don't let the fact that most cases are mild desensitize you to the danger this virus poses to the world, especially if it mutates. Instead, do something about it. You can take steps that will keep you healthy and chase away this easily spread bug. Don't spend your winter in bed with aches, pains, nausea and vomiting. These natural remedies are easy to come by, affordable, and best of all, they work. You can and must take initiative when it comes to your health care; here is your opportunity to kiss your fear of swine flu goodbye.