8 Flu Natural Remedies

Flu season is now well underway throughout the World, with the final months of 2018 and first month of 2019 already seeing the annual resurgence of flu cases. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned another pandemic could happen any time now. So, how do we go about building up our immune systems to combat flu and other related inflections?
Luckily, there are natural remedies that can help, but first lets have a look at what the classic signs and symptoms of flu are.
​Signs and symptoms of flu may include:

• fever
• cough
• runny nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue
• vomiting
• diarrhoea

Conventional flu treatment includes antiviral drugs and vaccines. I do not recommend you get a flu shot as a preventative measure for the flu. These vaccines can cause side effects and often contain dangerous chemicals and preservatives. On rare occasions, they may even cause severe allergic reactions and hospitalisation. (1)
So how do you get rid of or reduce your flu symptoms in 24 hours without conventional medicine? Here are some natural flu remedies you can use to find relief from your symptoms.
Remedies:
1. Vitamin C (1,000 mg 3–4x daily)
Vitamin C helps with immune system function and boosts white blood cells. Take 1,000-4000 milligrams of vitamin C daily to ward off a cold or flu. You can go even higher if you are experiencing severe symptoms. Side effects of too much vitamin C is a runny stomach (bowel tolerance), if that happens you cut back a little on your dosage. 
2. Vitamin D (2,000 IU daily)
Vitamin D is produced in the body by sunlight. Research shows that low vitamin D levels are linked to higher rates of cold, flu and respiratory infections. It has also been shown that the current recommended daily amounts of vitamin D are far too low, and that 2,000 rather than 200-400 units per day is a better choice, this will not only help prevent colds and flu, but will also help you get over the symptoms much quicker.
3. Echinacea (1,000 mg 2–3x daily)
This herb can help your body fight off infections, but it is best to take it at the first sign of illness. Researchers have found that echinacea effectively treats respiratory tract infections in the short and long-term, and doesn’t cause the same resistance as a popular flu medication. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce the bronchial symptoms of cold and flu. (2)
4. Elderberry (10 mL daily)
It is believed that this herb can deactivate the flu virus and naturally boost immunity. The flowers and berries of elderberry are said to boost the immune system, treat flu and relieve sinus pain. 
5. Zinc (50–100 mg daily)
Zinc supports immune function and has an antiviral effect. It works best when taken at the First sign of illness. Zinc also lessens the symptoms of the cold virus but excessive amounts aren’t good for you. Take 50–100 milligrams (do not exceed 100mg) of zinc daily to ward off or treat cold and flu symptoms. (3)
6. Essential Oils for Flu
Rubbing peppermint and frankincense essential oil into the neck and bottoms of the feet naturally supports the immune system. Also, clove oil can protect the body against infection and can speed recovery from colds and flu.
7. Probiotics
Restoring the beneficial bacteria in your gut can help boost your immune system considerably.
8. Get Fresh Air
Indoor winter environments can be a source of concentrated toxins and germs, especially when windows are kept closed. The dry air we inhale as we heat our homes during the winter makes airways more reactive and sensitive to viruses. 
Foods for flu recovery:
Eat whole fruits and vegetables. Include soups with bone broth, cooked vegetables or herbal teas to help with digestion. Don’t force yourself to eat. Adequate hydration is the key to flushing out the virus from your system. 
​
In conclusion, no one wants to come down with a cold or the flu at anytime. When you take the above steps you’ll not only beat colds and the flu, you will also be protecting your body from other more serious chronic diseases that could really compromise your health down the road.
You should also keep in mind that if you or a loved one experience complications from flu, such as pneumonia, or have a high fever that won’t go down, see your healthcare provider right away. If you catch flu and you have a chronic condition, such as asthma, or you are pregnant, see your doctor.
If you are doing all of the above and you are still run down and continuously sick, you may have a depressed immune system which makes you more prone to catching flu. This could be due to a nutrient deficiency, stress, lack of sleep and exposure to toxins that open you up to attack from seasonal infections. With Health Kinesiology (muscle testing) and yes/no questions it is possible to find out what exactly is having a negative effect on your immune system. Once the specific issue/s have been identified, a treatment plan can be put in place to rebalance the body and energy system, then in conjunction with the above natural remedies you will be well on your way to vibrance and health.

References:
1.(https://www.naturalhealth365.com/flu-shot-vaccine-side-effects-2802.html?fbclid=IwAR0-TwHRijbiBJ8XZcSVSfAgZiw06PbMezoWZ7DCxVWb3Cwi4jTI8Hbk8YQ)
2.(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23263637)
3. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27055821)