September, the beginning of fall, brings with it breezy summer evenings and milder climate, but it is also the flu season, which is an annual dilemma. Young and old rush to clinics to take the flu shot. But, should all of us have the vaccine? Is everyone eligible?
From the point of view of natural medicine, contracting a cold or the flu once in a while invigorates the immune defenses and builds natural immunity against the virus in the future. Even if viruses are programmed to mutate and change shape, the immune system develops some mechanism against that very strain, attenuating its acuteness. Catching a cold virus is a way of testing one’s immunity, making it naturally more resistant to future colds. With a flu virus, the body also gets a chance to detoxify.
However, the flu vaccine is a necessity for certain categories, especially the elderly, poeple who have low immunity and people whose jobs expose them to germs and viruses such as in hospitals and schools.
Fortunately for those who are young and healthy, there are natural ways of boosting the immune system and fighting the flu. These come in the form of vitamins, minerals, herbs, essential oils, whole foods and a healthy lifestyle.
We all know that vitamin C, in adequate doses, boosts the immune system by stimulating the production of infection-fighting interferon that thwarts cold viruses. It relieves flu symptoms, deters the virus from infecting bacteria and speeds recovery by boosting immunity. Vitamin C also keeps mucus membranes healthy, repairs damaged tissue membranes and strengthens white blood cells to resist pathogens. A dose of 2-3 grams should be taken daily for a while even after symptoms disappear to hinder the reappearance of the virus. Citrus fruits, berries, most fruits, cabbage family, leafy greens, peppers, asparagus, avocados, onions, radishes and tomatoes are rich sources of natural vitamin C. Herbs like alfalfa, cayenne, fennel seeds, fenugreek, mint, peppermint, parsley and rose hips also contain the vitamin.
Zinc promotes the immune system. Zinc lozenges seem to alleviate symptoms of a sore throat and decrease the duration of colds. Zinc is found in egg yolks, fish, kelp, lamb, legumes, liver, meat, mushrooms, oysters, nuts, seeds, poultry, seafood, soybeans and whole grains. Herbs like alfalfa, cayenne, chamomile, dandelion, fennel seeds, parsley, sage and rose hips also contain zinc. The latter should be taken as infusions to relieve symptoms. A hot drink with lemon slices and honey is also quite soothing.
Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, is another herb that relieves sore throat and prevents flu-induced fever, muscle pain and respiratory symptoms. Peppermint, Mentha piperita, infusions facilitate breathing by disinfecting and clearing the nasal passages and inducing sweating to release toxins. Ginger, Zingiber officinale, in hot drinks decongests the sinuses and relieves chills, aches and nausea.
Tea is high in antioxidants. Oolong tea offers potent expectorant powers to break up phlegm and the caffeine acts like a potent bronchodilator. When combined with chamomile, Matricaria recutita, its caffeine effect is diminished. Chamomile also offers antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antispasmodic protection.
Boswellia, or oliban, as gum or essential oil has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It is an expectorant that relieves cough, bronchitis, asthma and osteoarthritis.
Because they have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal powers, some essential oils have healing effects. Oregano, origanum vulgaris, can heal sore throats, bronchitis, laryngitis and even anthrax. Thyme, Thymes satureoides, is effective on sore throats, flu, sinusitis, fatigue, immune deficiency and even the avian flu. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has expectorant and decongestant effects. Combined in an infusion, these three green or dry herbs offer effective disease-fighting compounds to drink and inhale.
Eucalyptus globules essential oil is a good nasal decongestant. It is an effective treatment for the flu, bronchitis, sinusitis and cough. Organic essential oils are healing when taken orally (3-5 drops in an oily medium or honey), applied externally, inhaled, or in a diffusion form to disinfect the airways. These natural treatments should be combined with plenty of water, warm drinks and fresh juices. When you are young and healthy such therapies boost your immune system against pathogens, make you resistant to disease and enhance your vitality and energy.
(Mariam Alireza is a holistic science specialist. Send comments to [email protected]. Log on to arabnews.com for previous articles.)
