Herbs have been used as flu treatments for centuries, and many people still rely on them. Some herbs have even been studied to determine how they work. You can take herbs as teas, capsules, or in syrup form to help treat the flu. If you are considering taking herbs to help treat the flu, talk to your doctor first to make sure that there are no conflicts with your condition or medications.
Method 1 - Trying Specific Herbs
1
→ Take andrographis as soon as you notice flu symptoms. Andrographis may reduce the severity of flu symptoms and the length of illness if it is taken as soon as the symptoms start. Make sure that you talk to your doctor before trying this herb.
→ Do not use andrographis if you have high or low blood pressure, diabetes, take a blood thinner, have an immune disorder, or if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
→ Choose a supplement that has been standardized to 4-5.6 mg andrographolide.
→ To use andrographis, take two 250- 500mg tablets or capsules three times a day for the duration of the flu.
2
→ Sip ginger tea. Ginger has a long history of use for flu symptoms. It can help provide relief for an upset stomach, diarrhea, and nausea. Ginger can also provide warmth, soothe a headache, and help with congestion.
→ Try adding about one teaspoon of minced, fresh ginger to a mug of hot water. Drink 1-3 cups per day while you have the flu.
3
→ Try Echinacea. Studies have indicated that Echinacea can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and the length of illness. Check with your doctor first, especially if you are being treated for a condition or if you are taking any medications.
→ Do not use Echinacea if you are allergic to any member of the Asteraceae family (daisies, ragweed, chrysanthemums and marigolds).
→ To use Echinacea, take 300 mg three times a day during illness.
→ You may also drink Echinacea as a tea. Drink 3-4 cups per day of a commercial Echinacea tea or steep one teaspoon of dried herb (root) or three tablespoons of fresh herb (root) in one cup of boiled water for five minutes. After five minutes, strain the tea and drink when it reaches a comfortable temperature.
4
→ Use elderberry syrup. Elderberry syrup or lozenges may help to reduce the severity of flu symptoms. Some studies showed that elderberry relieves flu symptoms in as little as 2-4 days.
→ Do not use elderberry if you are taking anti-inflammatory medicines, diuretics, laxatives, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
→ To use elderberry syrup, take one tablespoon of either Sambucol or Nature’s Way elderberry syrup four times daily.
→ Be aware that elderberries may contain cyanide, so use commercial brands only.
5
→ Drink boneset tea. Boneset has been used traditionally in Native American medicine. Some studies have indicated that boneset may help fight the flu by improving the function of immune-cells.
→ To use boneset, add one teaspoon of the dried herb or three tablespoons of fresh herb in one cup of boiled water. Drink 3-4 cups per day.
6
→ Consider taking osha root. Osha is an Ayurvedic herb that has also been used in traditional European medicine. Osha may be helpful for flus symptoms such as a cough and sore throat. Make sure that you get osha root from a reputable source because it looks similar to hemlock, which is poisonous. Osha is often taken as a tincture, which is an herbal solution in alcohol.
→ Do not take osha if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Osha may cause a miscarriage.
→ The recommend dose for osha is between 20-60 drops 4-5 times a day. Since the dosage depends on many factors such as age, sex, and weight, it is best to seek the advice of an experienced naturopath before taking osha.
Method 2 - Choosing Quality Herbs and Herbal Supplements
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→ Buy organic herbs. Any herbs that you decide to use should be herbicide and pesticide free. Look for herbs that have been organically and sustainably grown.
→ Find a local herbalist if possible. A local herbalist is likely to have higher quality herbs than the ones you may find online.
→ If you must buy herbs online, look for manufacturers that follow organic, sustainable growing practices and that use Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This information should be easy to spot on their website. If not, then try calling and asking about their growing and manufacturing practices.
2
→ Inspect the herbs. Consider the color, smell, and taste of the herbs before you buy them. Greener herbs are fresher. A greener color also indicates that the herbs have not been exposed to excessive heat. Make sure that you smell and taste the herbs as well. Aromatic herbs should keep their odor as well and all herbs should retain their taste.
→ Try asking the herbalist or manufacturer for a sample so that you can inspect the herbs before you decide to buy them.
3
→ Check the label for important information. Herbal supplement labels should include certain basic information on the package. Before you purchase an herbal supplement, read the label carefully to be certain that it includes:
→ the name of the herbal supplement including the common and Latin name for the herb
→ the manufacturer’s or distributor’s name and address
→ the amount, serving size, and active ingredients
→ a full list of ingredients including inactive ingredients
4
→ Make sure the bottle has a USP seal. Herbal supplements with a United States Pharmacopeial (USP) seal are often higher quality than those without a USP seal. The USP seal means that the ingredients have been lab-tested and that what you see listed on the bottle is what is actually in the bottle. An herbal supplement with a USP seal has also been tested to make sure it does not contain any harmful ingredients. USP seal bottles have also been produced under sanitary conditions that meet the FDA’s guidelines.
→ Only buy herbal supplements that have a USP seal. Studies have shown a great deal of inconsistency among herbal supplements. Some herbal supplements do not contain the right herb, while others may also contain metals, pesticides, and even prescription drugs.
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→ Look for herbal supplements produced in the US or Europe. Herbal supplements from Europe are well-regulated, but supplements from Mexico, China, and India are not. Check the label to determine where the supplement was produced. Only buy herbal supplements that were produced in the United States or Europe.
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→ Watch for misleading claims on the package. If a manufacturer claims the herb will prevent, treat, or cure a disease, that should be a red flag. Herbal supplement manufacturers may include information about health benefits of the herb as long as they are backed by studies, but they do not have to submit the studies to the FDA. Therefore, some herbal supplement manufacturers may claim to do things that have not been verified.
→ Also, keep in mind that terms like “natural,” “certified,” “standardized,” or “verified” are not evidence of a product’s safety or quality.
Method 3 - Taking Care of Yourself
1
→ Rest as much as possible. When you have the flu, you should take some time off from work or school and rest as much as you can. Getting plenty of rest is especially important in the first few days of the flu when you may have a fever and will be contagious.
2
→ Drink plenty of water. It is crucial to keep yourself hydrated when you have the flu. Water will help your body to eliminate some of the toxins and germs that are contributing to your illness. Drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day while you have the flu.
→ If you are drinking herbal teas, they count towards the total amount of water you are drinking, but make sure to drink plain water as well
3
→ Eat healthy foods that your body will tolerate. You may not have much of an appetite, but you will still need to eat. Your body and your immune system will need nutrients from food to help you get over the flu. Ho soups can help with an itch, sore throat and may also help with congestion.
→ Try vegetable, chicken and beef broths with some brown rice or some beans. You can also add in a few easy to digest vegetables such as leafy greens (from spinach, Swiss chard, mustard, beet or collard greens).
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