a - b -c - d - e -f - g - h - i - j - k - l - m - n
o - p - q - r - s - t - u - v - w - x - y - z

Influenza

An infection of the respiratory tract, Flu is caused by one of a group of viruses.

It produces symptoms similar to that of a common cold but worse: high temperature, sweating and shivering, muscle aches, fatigue and feelings of heaviness, a dry sore throat, painful breathing and headaches.

Flu usually lasts around a week but may persist if a secondary bacterial infection develops.

Fighting the infection puts the body under stress and a bout of Flu may leave sufferers feeling tired and run down for weeks afterwards.

Tip: to stave off the virus, take 4 tablespoons of Sambucol (elderberry extract) per day. This has been shown to dismantle viruses, and shorten the time span of a bout of Flu.

Complementary Medicine

'Flu is more severe than a cold and more debilitating. Generally you know you've got flu if you're running a fever, have a headache, aching muscles, feel weak and cannot get out of bed.

Supplements and Diet

Vitamin C Take high levels of Vitamin C from the onset - 500mg-1000mg every 4 hours, until symptoms subside.
Sambucol (Elderberry) tincture or lozenges. Elderberry extract has been shown to dismantle the flu virus and considerably shortens the duration of its course. Dosage: take in either tincture or lozenge form - lozenges: take x 6 a day until symptoms subside (3-4 days).
Restrict the diet - stick to water and diluted fruit juices, and warm teas. Once fever has passed move onto fruit, vegetable soups, and steamed vegetables.
Antioxidants The Vitamins A, C, E, Selenium and Zinc are an important group of Antioxidants that help to maintain a strong immune system. You can find them naturally in many fresh fruit and vegetables. Whilst suffering from a cold: supplement with a good quality antioxidant daily.
Stay in bed.

Herbal Therapy

Echinacea. This seems to be the no.1 immune boosting herb for keeping winter ailments such as colds and flu at bay. Dosage: 5 drops of tincture in water 2-3 times daily or up to 6 capsules daily while you feel unwell.
Ginger. Good for reducing temperature by inducing sweating, also and chest congestion. Dosage: peel and grate a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root. Steep for 5 minutes in boiling water and drink with fresh lemon juice and honey to taste.
Garlic helps to strengthen the immune system and maintain healthy immune function. Take around 6mg daily of garlic oil in perles or odourless capsules, or one clove of garlic per day.
Tea Tree Oil. This is good for sore throats and blocked noses. Use as a gargle. Dosage: put 11/2 tablespoons of tea tree oil in a cup of water and gargle when necessary. You can also put a few drops on a handkerchief and inhale as necessary to clear nose.
Mullein. Useful for coughs, chest congestion and catarrh. Dosage: take 5 drops of tincture in water every 4 hours.
In early stages of the 'flu drink a warming tea made with: Cinnamon with some Cayenne (1/2 teaspoon) or fresh Ginger added.
If more feverish, provoke sweating by an infusion (tea) of: Catmint and/or Elderflower.
Deep muscular aches are relieved by: an infusion of Boneset - either on its own or with Catmint and/or Elderflower.

To buy any of the supplements mentioned go to the CHC Shop

Also See:

For treatment of Flu use one of the following:

Ayurveda, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutritional Therapy, Naturopathy.

You are recommended to seek advice of a qualified health practitioner. To find a qualified practitioner in your area look in the Practitioner Directory.

Privacy Statement | Terms & Conditions | Telephone: 020 7243 1968 | Email: cyberspace.healthclinic@virgin.net
Url: http://www.cyberspacehealthclinic.co.uk | Designed & Developed by SP Internet Consultancy Ltd