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Natural Herbs and Herbal Remedies for Flu Relief
 While herbal remedies or herbs cannot cure a cold or flu, there are many natural herbal remedies that are used to alleviate the associated symptoms. In addition, medicinal herbs can stimulate the immune system and may help bring about a more rapid recovery. A number of studies have shown that there are many herbs traditionally used in treating flu that are quite effective. As more and more people are turning to natural remedies, and well-designed studies support the effectiveness of many traditional herbal treatments, many commercial preparations now incorporate herbs into their product. All things considered, prevention is the best defense against flu, and proper nutrition is the foundation that provides the body with a strong basis for the use of tonic and restorative herbs.
There are four general groups of herbs that are traditionally used for the treatment of flu.
The first group consists of herbs that stimulate the immune system. These are best used during the onset of symptoms, and include boneset, echinacea and Asian ginseng.
The second group of herbs is characterized by its diaphoretic action; these herbs promote a mild fever and sweating. Fever is a sign that the immune system is working, and is the body’s defense against infection. Elder, boneset and yarrow are three herbs highly regarded for their diaphoretic action.
The third group includes herbs that have been studied for their anti-microbial action. Herbs that are highly valued for their anti-microbial and anti-viral properties include goldenseal, myrrh, and usnea.
Finally, there are a number of herbal remedies for the symptoms of cold and flu. These herbs are anti-inflammatory, or have tannins that are astringent (contract inflamed tissue). Some are high in mucilage and so are soothing and anti-inflammatory, these are useful in treating sore throat. Examples of this last category are red sage, marshmallow and red raspberry.
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 FluGo™ by Native Remedies
This homeopathic remedy contains selected ingredients which help to relieve symptoms of the flu or cold like cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat and fatigue. It supports the immune system and assists the body in its task of fighting invading germs.
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Medicinal Herbs for Flu Treatment
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia; E. pallida; E. Purpurea)
Echinacea is perhaps the most widely known medicinal herb used to rid the body of both viral and bacterial infections. Double blind studies have shown that it is effective treatment for symptoms of colds and flu when taken as a tincture of the root, as a tea, or in capsules. Its actions are anti-microbial and alterative (gradually restoring the healthy function of the body).
Echinacea is best taken at the onset of symptoms, for a total of seven to ten days. Double blind trials indicate that it is not effective to take echinacea on a regular basis. The normal dose is to take five or six cups of the tea for the first day of the onset of symptoms, and reduce the amount by a cup per day over five days. In tincture form, take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day. Echinacea is often used in combination with other herbs. A tincture combining E. angustifolia root, wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) and homeopathic arnica (Arnica montana) is a natural remedy for the symptoms of colds and flu.
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)
Andrographis is a shrub found throughout Southeast Asia, China and India, and is sometimes referred to as “King of Bitters” or “Indian Echinacea”. The leaves and roots have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. Studies have shown that the bitter constituents in andrographis have immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and analgesic actions.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis)
Goldenseal root has been used traditionally for a long time as an herbal remedy for flu and it is considered one of the most useful herbs available. Its actions are tonic, astringent, anti-catarrhal, laxative, muscular stimulant, oxytocic, and bitter. It is valuable as a treatment for disorders affecting mucous membranes such as sinus and lung congestion, swollen lymph glands and fever. It soothes irritated mucous membranes and is used as an herbal treatment for sore throat. Goldenseal tincture or tea is often used as a treatment for sore throat. The active components in goldenseal include the alkaloids hydrastine, berberine, and canadine. Berberine activates macrophages (the white blood cells that fight bacteria, fungi, viruses and tumor cells).
Goldenseal should only be taken for short periods of time, and is most often used in combination with other herbs. The standard dose is 4-6 grams three times per day in capsule or tablet form. Because goldenseal is threatened in the wild due to over-harvesting, substitutes containing the alkaloid berberine, such as Oregon grape, barberry, or Chinese goldthread (Coptis chinensis), should be used whenever possible.
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Boneset is considered by some herbalists to be the best remedy for the symptoms associated with the flu. Its actions are diaphoretic (aids the skin in the elimination of toxins and promotes perspiration), aperient (mild laxative), tonic, anti-spasmodic, and relaxes the mucous membranes. The dried aerial parts are used for medicinal purposes. It is used to stimulate the immune system, to help reduce fevers and to help clear congestion. It is one of the most effective herbs for the treatment of body aches and pains from fever or rheumatism.
The recommended dose is an infusion made by pouring a cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb, steeped (not boiled) for 10-15 minutes. During fevers or the flu, it should be taken every half hour. As a tincture, take 2-4 ml three times a day. Boneset may be used as a treatment for flu in combination with yarrow, elder flowers, cayenne or ginger.
Elder (Sambucus nigra)
The flowers and berries of the elder are a traditional diaphoretic remedy to help promote sweating to during a cold or to break a fever. The flowers are used as an herbal treatment for congestion of the upper respiratory tract. The active constituents of the flowers are flavonoids, including rutin, isoquercitrine and kampherol, and the hydrocyanic glycoside sambunigrine. The primary actions of the flowers are diaphoretic, and anti-catarrhal.
The recommended dose is to make an infusion by pouring a cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoonfuls of dried or fresh blossoms and steep for ten minutes. This tea should be taken three times a day. As a tincture, take 2-4 ml of the flower tincture three times a day. For flu, it may be combined with boneset. For fevers, it may be combined with yarrow, peppermint or hyssop.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
The aerial parts of yarrow are considered to be one of the most important herbs for the treatment of fever and flu. Its actions are diaphoretic, hypotensive, astringent, diuretic, and antiseptic. Its constituents are flavonoids, tannins, and a bitter alkaloid.
The recommended dose is as an infusion prepared by pouring a cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and steeping for 10-15 minutes. The tea should be drunk three times daily; when taken for fever, it should be drunk hourly. As a tincture, take 2-4 ml three times a day. Yarrow is often taken in combination with elderflower, boneset, peppermint, and with cayenne and ginger.
Other natural herbs that have been used for treatment of flu.
| Herbal or Natural Supplements for Flu Relief
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The Use of Herbs and Herbal Supplements for the Treatment of Flu
Always consult your physician when using natural remedies as a treatment for serious illnesses. Remember that herbs cannot cure the flu, and herbs may still produce side effects or may carry some element of risk (although side-effects and risks are generally less common and less serious than in synthetic drugs). The use of herbs for flu should be carefully researched to clearly understand any precautions and contraindications. An important consideration is that some herbs will interact with other medications; for this reason alone it is very important to talk to your doctor first about taking any herbal medicine. Always inform him or her of any medications, vitamins or herbs that you are taking. Carefully research and select a reputable source for your herbs, and read the labels for ingredients, instructions and warnings.
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"Health is not simply the absence of sickness !"
Hannah Green
May You Grow and Prosper.
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