The Influenza Virus
The Influenza virus is a viral infection that affects the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and is spread from person to person through sneezes, coughs and casual contact. There are usually certain times of the year when this ailment is more prevalent. It would be wrong to suggest that any herbal remedy could cure this serious ailment, but what can be done is to better equip the body's defenses to cope with any contraction of the disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of the influenza virus may change from one person to another, but in general, patients suffer from chills, headache, fever, fatigue, achiness and a lack of appetite, as well as a distinct lack of function of the taste-buds. Sometimes nausea and vomiting also occur. Normally, the symptoms will run their course over three or four days, but be prepared for them to last a full week.
Causes
Influenza is caused by a virus. There are several viruses that cause these symptoms and they mutate every year.
Cautions
Complications can occur. See your doctor if symptoms worsen and turn to pneumonia, bronchitis or sinus and ear infections.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Anise – this herb can be taken as a tea to stimulate mucus secretion in the throat and lungs.
- Boneset – this herb is a natural expectorant. Take as an infusion to relieve aches, fever and congestion. Add 2 teaspoons of the herb to a cup of boiling water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink a cup every hour as hot as you can bear for the best results.
- Catnip – this herb makes a very soothing tea that not only relieves fever and upset stomach, but is very relaxing as well.
- Black Mustard - take a poultice to treat influenza.
- Echinacea – this herb is a natural antibiotic. It stimulates the immune system and helps relieve the symptoms of flu. Take as a tincture or as a capsule according to the directions on the label.
- Elderberry – this herb shortens the duration of the flu and helps prevent infection. Make an herbal tea from the elderflowers and add a little peppermint and hyssop.
- Cayenne – add this herb to soup or fresh orange juice to increase the mucus flow and relieve congestion that accompanies this ailment. A tea can also be made from this herb to warm the body from chills.
- Ephedra – this herb is a good remedy for opening the bronchial passages. Use it with care, as it is a potent herb.
- Garlic – this herb has a strong antibacterial quality that helps fight and prevent infections. It can be eaten raw or taken in capsules.
- Cinnamon - an infusion of dried cinnamon bark will help influenza.
- Ginger – chop the root and steep it in boiling water for 20 minutes to make an infusion to soothe the throat, ease upset stomach and relieve congestion. Ginger is antiviral and is very useful for the flu.
- Mullein – this tall herb is a natural expectorant and can be used to soothe sore throats.
- Goldenseal – this herb stimulates the immune system and soothes the mucous membranes. Add 10 to 15 drops to herbal tea at the first sign of an influenza virus infection to get a jump on the impending infection.
- Yarrow – this herb is good for treating chills. Take 30 drops of the tincture every four hours until chills have gone.
- Chamomile – drink this tea as needed to help induce rest and relaxation. Inhale the steam from chamomile to help clear mucus from the nasal passages and the bronchial tubes.
- Sage – gargle with sage tea to disinfect the mouth and inhale the steam to help reduce inflammation.
- Andrographis - helps with symptoms of respiratory infections like the influenza virus and can be taken to prevent the occurrence of such infections.