Flu prevention and treatment

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Danielle Geist
Posts: 66
Joined: Wed Aug 27, 2008 2:38 pm
Location: Brooklyn

Flu prevention and treatment

Post by Danielle Geist »

With this swine flu buzz all over, I want to stress that if you are feeling flu symptoms, you should make sure to see a doctor. Otherwise, this had been passed onto me and I wanted to share it. I am not a professional or anything, so feel free to correct or add additional advice:

Herbal Pandemic Preparedness
Sources: Farmacy Herbs, Karlo Berger, American Red Cross.

Prevention:
If the flu hits your area the best practice is prevention

Tea:
Sage, Skullcap, Oregano, Thyme, Elder Flower, Holy Basil, Nettle. 2-3 cups daily
Tincture:
Echinacea 2x daily; 2 dropperful (One week on, one week off) Astragulus Tea (3 cups) or Tincture( 2 dropperful 3x daily)
Food;
Miso, raw garlic, veggie broths, Cayenne pepper, Turmeric, organic
veggies and grains. Stay away from processed foods, food coloring and sugar and alcohol (sugars in the body feed bacteria and viruses) & coffee (it dehydrates the body and depletes you of vitamins and minerals that help fight off pathogens).
Anti-Viral/ Anti-biotic Hand Wash:
10 drops grapefruit seed extract/ 10 drops tea tree essential oil extract in 1 gallon water
Antiseptic Spray for surfaces:
Vodka, Water, Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Essential oil. Disinfect door knobs
switches , handles, toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched.
Air Sanitizer:
Simmer water on low heat in a pot with 5 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil or
5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil or Lavender Essential Oil
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Rich Menashe
Posts: 222
Joined: Sun Oct 22, 2006 1:07 pm

makes you wonder

Post by Rich Menashe »

Dr. Mercola has a great website for those of you that don't subsrcibe-
There is some good antiviral as well as historical information in the article-
Vitamin D seems to be the new vitamin C.
Taking adequate amounts helps to boost the immune system-
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/29/Swine-Flu.aspx
be safe-
play nice-
rich
ellenr
Posts: 176
Joined: Fri Nov 03, 2006 8:30 pm

Immune system

Post by ellenr »

Normally when something is going around, I tend to my immune system. But in the case of this flu - possibly - the reason why many people between the ages of 20 and 40 are stricken, rather than the older or the younger as in 'regular' flu, is bec. this flu causes a cytokine storm - when something causes the immune system to go into overdrive and causes organ failure, particularly lungs, which experts believe happened in the 1918 flu.

I stress "possibly" because there is no scientific consensus that this cytokine storm happens with this H1N1 flu. Just a theory.

But it makes me feel vulnerable - gee - maybe I should get a flu shot and that will lower my immune system and so I'll be safer. :)

It's interesting that MRSA also esp targets people in the 20-40 age range. [altho a friend of mine close to 60 yr old has it]. But it does affect people in the 'prime of life' disproportionately, apparently thru the mechanism of the cytokine storm.
ellenr
Posts: 176
Joined: Fri Nov 03, 2006 8:30 pm

the flu and immune system - remedies

Post by ellenr »

Hi,
This is some information I found re preventing/treating the flu while not causing a cytokine storm.
The info comes from a site which sells alternative treatments...
So...fyi only -
ellen

Folk Medicines and Herbs to use and avoid with Bird Flu and Swine Flu - Tamiflu and Relenza Alternatives

Below is a list of foods that are said to contain substances that are natural antivirals, immune boosters or they decrease cytokines TNF-a and IL-6.

The natural foods and herbs below have been proven to be highly effective anitivirals, which may assist the body in fighting the Bird Flu and the Swine Flu. They also are not known to contribute to the cytokine storm, which may be the cause of many fatalities. Some of the herbs are also know to supress the cytokine storm (cytokines TNF-a and IL-6), which are know to cause inflamation and complications in influenza infections.

Please also be mindful of the herbs and foods listed at the bottom of this page that are know to increase the production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6 and mucous, which could further complicate symptoms of the Swine Flu and Bird Flu, especially in people with strong immune systems. These foods should be avoided at all costs.

Garlic (allicin) - Very effective antiviral. Best if fresh (raw) and crushed. Must be consumed within 1 hour of crushing. Dosage is initially 2 to 3 cloves per day but later reduce until no body odour occurs. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 9049657).

Vitamin C - Boosts the immune system and is an antiviral by blocking the enzyme neuraminadase. Viruses need neuraminadase to reproduce. There are anecdotal stories of people taking large amounts of Vitamin C (children ½) surviving the Spanish Flu. Research shows that it may reduce the production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. A study on 470 people involved giving the test group 1000 mg hourly for 6 hours and then 1000 mg 3 times daily after reporting flu symptoms. Symptoms decreased by 85%. (Pubmed PMID 10543583, 634178, 16169205, 12876306)

Green Tea (possible Tamiflu/Relenza alternative)- Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine (catechins) TNF-a. Inhibits neuraminidase. May have antiviral activity that is equal to other antivirals such as Tamiflu ( Pubmed PMID 16137775 )

St Johns Wort (Hypericum) - Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine IL-6. Hypericum is an extract from St John’s Wort. There have been some very successful field trials in commercial flocks infected with H5N1 in Vietnam. (Pubmed PMID 7857513, 11518071, 11362353, 7857513)

Vitamin E - Immune booster. Also decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 10929076) Experiments involved using mice. Very suitable for immune compromised people, especially the elderly. Effects enhanced when taken with Vitamin C.

Apple Juice - Antiviral. Fresh apple juice including the pulp and skin has greater antiviral activity than heated commercial apple juice. More research is needed. Effectiveness on H5N1 is unknown (Pubmed PMID 32832, 12452634)

Recommended product: Freshly squeezed apple juice or apples or normal 100% apple juice from the supermarket (organic unfiltered preferred)

Resveratrol - Antiviral. In addition to inhibiting neuraminidase, Resveratrol also sends a message to cells to stop manufacturing viruses. This is a proven antiviral found naturally in red wine, peanuts, mulberries, Japanese Knotwood root (richest source), raisins and red grapes.
Resveratrol supplements are relatively inexpensive, are more stable than wine and is available in liquid form for absorption in the mouth. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 1583880, 12817628, 15985724)

Scuttellaria (Skullcap)- Antiviral. A herb used as a tea. It has no side effects and is also a mild tranquilliser. Research suggests neuraminidase, which is a substance needed by the H5N1 Bird Flu virus to reproduce, may be inhibited.

Cranberry Juice - Early research shows that it may be an antiviral, making viruses less able to invade or multiply. Effectiveness on H5N1 is unknown (Pubmed PMID 15781126)

Cats Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)- Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. Also boosts immune system. The number of white blood cells was significantly increased during treatment. No toxicity was noted. (www.uspharmacist.com id 844)
(Pubmed 10962207) Active constituents can be found in the leaves, bark, vine, and roots. Water extraction from bark used.
Children and pregnant women are to avoid. Has a potentially damaging effect on the DNA of proliferating cells (cancers, foetuses, growing children)

Curcumin (Tumeric Spice) - Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. This is the yellow compound in turmeric spice. Research shows that this may be very good for preventing a cytokine storm although this is not proven (www.pdrhealth.com). Must be taken with food or gastritis or peptic ulcers may occur. Pregnant women and feeding mothers should avoid this. The medicinal properties of curcurnin cannot be utilised when used alone due to rapid metabolism in the liver and intestinal wall. When combined with Piperine found in black pepper the absorption is increased with no adverse effects.(www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/pip_0322)
Obtainable from health stores in tablets, liquid, capsules already combined with piperine. Dosage is 500mg to 4000mg daily.

Astragalus root (Astragali Radix) - Boosts immune system (Pubmed PMID 15588652)

Tea tree Steam Inhalation - Reduces the cytokine TNF-a. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover head with a towel and inhale for 5 to 10 minutes. Relieves congestion and fights infection. Its effectiveness is unknown. (Pubmed PMID 11131302)

Elderberry juice (Sambucal) - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. This substance is very effective against the common flu but may not be desirable for the H5N1 Bird Flu virus. Increases in these cytokines may trigger a lethal cytokine storm. (Isr Med Journal2002 Nov;4:944-6)

DANGER - AVOID TAKING

Micro Algae (Chlorella and Spirulina) - Increases production of cytokine TNF-a (Pubmed PMID 11731916)
Honey - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6 (Pubmed PMID 12824009)
Chocolate - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6 (Pubmed PMID 12885154, PMID 10917928)
Echinacea - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. Although it is often used for normal flu, research shows that it may increase the chance of cytokine storms for H5N1 (Pubmed PMID 15556647, 9568541)
Kimchi - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6 (Pubmed PMID 15630182)
Dairy products & Bananas - These foods increase mucous production.
==
above from:
http://www.bird-flu-influenza.com/avian ... rences.htm
==
Another site:
http://scienceblogs.com/aetiology/
ellenr
Posts: 176
Joined: Fri Nov 03, 2006 8:30 pm

Vitamin D and Elderberry

Post by ellenr »

Also found this re Vitamin D-
"In order to counter the swine flu and the potential of the cytokine storm one must have optimal amounts of vitamin D either from sun or supplementation. The rationale is that optimal D causes the immune system to produce high amounts of antimicrobial peptides which fight the virus by producing pores in the capsid membrane of the virus. Vitamin D also influences the helper-T cells which produce the inflammatory cytokines by limiting their production of the cytokines. Vitamin D also helps regulate better antibody secretion. So go with Vitamin D."

Elderberry:
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

"Used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, improve vision, boost the immune system, improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsilitis. Elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995.

Elderberries have been a folk remedy for centuries in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, hence the medicinal benefits of elderberries are being investigated and rediscovered. Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, to improve vision, to boost the immune system, to improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsilitis. Bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. People with the flu who took elderberry juice reported less severe symptoms and felt better much faster than those who did not. Elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 19951 "

http://scienceblogs.com/aetiology/2009/ ... health.php
User avatar
Rich Menashe
Posts: 222
Joined: Sun Oct 22, 2006 1:07 pm

more flu and the immune system from my chiroparctor friend

Post by Rich Menashe »

What do Swine Flu and Vitamin D have in Common?

May 6, 2009

Dear Friend,


There's a lot of talk about the upcoming pandemic of Swine flu. How will you protect yourself?

Two Things to Consider

Flu viruses have circulated the globe throughout history and have caused many deaths. There are two things to consider with any infectious bug:

1. How strong is the bug?
2. How strong are you?

There's nothing you can do about how strong the bug is ... but there is a lot you can do about how strong you are! One of the best is to reduce the negative effect of stress on your body.

To change your stress into fuel to power your life, check out this FREE audio file "Smile Into Your Distress"
http://drlindaberry.com/FreeAudio.php

How to Protect Yourself

Dana Ullman, MPH (www.homeopathic.com) warns us not to suppress fever if you do have the flu. That's your body's natural artillery to fight the bad bug. And since they won't be effective against the flu, he also suggests avoiding antibiotics.

And through Dana we hear from Dr. Peter Fisher, the Queen of England's homeopath. Dr Fisher tells us that the highly publicized anti-flu drug Tamiflu (generic name: oseltamivir) is not effective against the swine flu.

Don't take Tamiflu

According to the CDC, over 99% of H1N1 isolates (this species of swine flu virus) are resistant to Tamiflu! Check out Flu View from the CDC web site for recent updates. Flu View Click on "Antiviral Drugs 2008-09" on the left side bar, then click on the podcast regarding resistantce of swine flu to antivirals.

How Strong are You?

Along with "Smile Into Your Distress" http://drlindaberry.com/FreeAudio.php you can also amp up the ability of your immune system to make a good fight. Did you know that Vitamin D is an immune system booster?

The bad news is that worldwide, the average adult is Vitamin D deficient. Food sources that give you enough are from oily fish consumed in large amounts such as the traditional Eskimo diet. Not even the Intuits are eating that kind of diet anymore.

Vitamin D from the Sun

Sun exposure is another way to get Vitamin D. But in most of North America, you only get enough sun to make Vitamin D May through September ... if you're in the sun for a minimum of 15 minutes, mid-day, with your face, arms, and legs exposed, without sunscreen on!

That's a lot of if's. Here's more. Fifteen minutes is only enough if you're skin is white. If you're a person of color you need a lot more than that to get your adequate dose of Vitamin D. And as you get older your skin doesn't make vitamin D as well as it used to.

What's your level of Vitamin D?

To find out if you have enough vitamin D to boost your immune system go to Grass Roots Health, a public health promotion organization.For only $30 you can find out if you're in the optimal range of 40 - 60 ng/ml.

Most people who don't take Vitamin D are somewhere between 10 - 30 ng/ml. Supplementing with 2,000 - 4,000 IU's of vitamin D3 daily is what you'll need to do to be in the optimal range to boost your ability to ward off swine flu.

Get rid of pain with Vitamin D3

Incidently taking Vitamin D3, if you're deficient, will also help you get rid of fibromyalgia, bone, joint, and muscle pain. That's an awesome side effect of taking a supplement like Vitamin D3 don't you think?

Thanks for taking the time to protect your health. The action steps you take decrease the possibility of a pandemic outbreak of swine flu!

PS If you haven't already, get "Smile Into Your Distress" http://drlindaberry.com/FreeAudio.php to turn your stress into fuel to power your life and ward off swine flu!
Yours in Health,





Dr. Linda

"Want to feel good in your body again?"
Chiropractic - Nutrition - Trauma Healing
author of: Internal Cleansing
www.DrLindaBerry.com
drlinda@drlindaberry.com
415-847-3755
MW ~ Albany, CA
TTH ~ San Rafael, CA




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