Okay, so you tried to protect your family from the flu, but your prevention techniques did not work. Now you have a family of 4 all sniffling, aching, feverish, and pathetic as ever… what do you do now?
First off, all of your prevention efforts are not lost. The increased vitamins and minerals, herbal and diet approaches have set your immune system up to fight the good fight. You will be able to handle the infection more efficiently now. Hopefully, reducing the amount of time you are sick.
Keep in mind you can apply any of the prevention techniques I mentioned in my previous blog, A Naturopathic Approach to Preventing the Flu. But when that is not strong enough, there are quite a few natural, home remedies you can try to knock the flu out in no time. Consider trying a few of the the following remedies to support your immune system while using antiviral approaches to stop the viral replication quick.
Hydrotherapy: the therapeutic use of water.
Wet sock treatment: this technique uses cold temperatures on the feet to stimulate the body to produce a low grade fever. Doing this at the onset of symptoms can knock the virus out before it proliferates took much.
Soak a pair of cotton socks in water and freeze them. When you feel any symptoms of illness come on, place the frozen socks on your feet. Then put some wool socks over them. Sleep through the night with the socks on. When you wake, they should be warm.
Do not perform if you have diabetes, Raynauds, or neuropathy in your feet.
Humidifier: using cool air humidifiers are great for dry and wet coughs alike. The wet air breaks up mucous but also helps prevent the spread of the virus through the air. Recent studies have shown the flu virus travels significantly more with indoor humidity less than 30-40%. [1]
Steam inhalation: Great for opening airways, breaking up thick mucous and using herbs to directly treat pathogens in the respiratory tract.
Boil water in a medium size sauce pot, with fresh herbs or essential oils, 2-10 drops as you tolerate. The best herbs to use are eucalyptus, thyme, and peppermint.
Place the pot onto a protected surface and use a towel to cover both your head and pot. Keep the steam in as much as possible and be careful not to burn yourself. Take several deep inhalations through the session. Take breaks when needed.
Repeat 2-3 times per day, 10-15 minute sessions.
Nasal rinses: Continue using your net pot throughout the day, and alternate with a broad-spectrum nasal spray such as this.
Herbal medicine
Echinacea is best used short-term for the duration of your illness and a few days after. it is supporting your immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells, and also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Adults can take 3 dropperful of a tincture two times a day. Children can use a glycerite at half the adult dose. It is safe in 2nd and 3rd trimester pregnancy, as well as lactation.
Elderberry is also recommended for the treatment phase. Just increase your syrup dose to 1-2 tablespoons at least 4 times a day or switch to concentrate capsules. This is also safe in pregnancy, lactation and children.
Anthocyanins are flavonoids that give certain fruits their dark, fish color and antioxidant effects. Although I would not recommend drinking a glass of red wine during your illness, I would recommend taking an anthocyanin extract. The brand I use is from Bill Mitchell. You must find a doctor in your area who carries it. if you can’t get your hands on it, be sure to use elderberry as a replacement.
Yarrow and Elderflower are both helpful with reducing the negative effects of a fever.
My source of local elderberry syrup also has a a tea with yarrow, lemon balm, elderflower, elderberry, and echinacea. If you can, find a local source such as this.
Fasting
When the body’s temperature gets above 99.1 F, your body starts to shunt blood away from the gastrointestinal tract and as a result, temporarily slows your digestion. Since the digestion is slowed down, any food you eat will cause more energy and effort to break down, which takes aways from your healing. In addition, it puts a strain on the liver which is already working overtime to clear other components from the infection and protein breakdown, which can possibly increase the level of toxicity.
So when you begin to feel a fever, stop eating. Stick to liquids such as bone broths, juices, water, and soups for the remainder of the illness.
For high fevers and body aches:
Fevers in general are a great sign that your immune system is at work! It is never a good idea to continuously suppress a fever, unless it is rising too high too fast. However, sometimes the fever gets so high that you are uncomfortable. When you’d like to lower the fever naturally for temporary relief, consider rubbing peppermint essential oil around the navel. In extreme cases you can rub a diluted oil over the extremities, making sure to avoid the face.
You can also try homeopathy. When the fever spikes suddenly and gets very high, consider Belladonna. When the fever is slowly rising and is the only symptom at first, consider Ferrum phos. In addition, you can try Oscillococcinum for fever and body aches, which is now found on the shelves of most natural food stores.
So you can see, there are so many ways to prevent and treat the flu naturally. Some remedies will work and others may not, depending on you, your constitution, and your vital force. Always honor how you feel and how you respond to each remedy.
This is not medical advice, please consult your doctor before trying any new treatments.
Resources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/leahbinder/2019/10/17/harvard-researcher-says-this-inexpensive-action-will-lower-hospital-infection-rates-and-protect-us-for-the-flu-season/#66ba3cde1824
