The flu is a highly contagious respiratory viral infection. Spread easily by coughing, sneezing, and poor hygiene. Vaccines have been only partially effective because of new and different viral strains that are constantly changing.
SYMPTOMS:
Early stages, similar to the common cold, are headache, weakness, and aching of back, arms, and legs. Dry throat and cough, tired quickly, loss of appetite, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Rarely fatal, flu does make the patient more susceptible to ear infections, pneumonia, and sinus problems. Flu lasts for 7-10 days. Patients who have heart or lung diseases or are pregnant are prone to viral pneumonia. The system should be built up with good nutrition following a bout with the flu.
NUTRIENTS:....
Vitamin C, 5,000-10,000 mg. per day in divided doses.
Vitamin A, 15,000 IU daily, is a powerful antioxidant and helps immune system.
Zinc Gluconate lozenges, every 2 hrs. dissolve lozenge under tongue. Use until symptoms stop, follow directions for children. Stimulant for immune system.
Garlic capsules, 2 capsules 3 times per day, acts as an antibiotic and immune system stimulant.
Multivitamins, taken as directed on label, gives aid to healing.
Kelp, 5-10 tablets per day, has an antiviral action and helps in reduction of inflammation.
Vitamin B complex, 100 mg. daily, a necessity in cellular enzyme function.
TREATMENT:....Rest
& Read...
Bedrest, plenty of fluids, fever control, relieve symptoms as much as possible.
Go to bed and stop eating. If treatment is started when early symptoms appear, recovery will be in 24-36 hrs.
Mix 1 tbsp. yarrow, 1 tsp. pleurisy root and a small pinch of cayenne; steep in a pint of boiling water for 20 minutes; drink a cupful every hour. This tea will cause profuse perspiration, bed clothes being changed as needed.
Tepid sponge bath will bring down fever, care should be taken not to chill the patient. Alternate the herb tea with fruit juices; orange, grapefruit, or lemon.
Keep bowels open.
Fresh air in patient's room if possible.
Eucalyptus oil: Put 5 drops in a hot bath or 6 drops in boiling water, put a towel over your head and inhale vapors.
One tbsp. slippery elm bark powder mixed with 1 part boiling water and 1/2 cup honey will relieve cough and sore throat. Store in a jar and give 1 tsp. every 3-4 hours.
Echinacea, ginger, pau d’arco, slippery elm, and >yarrow tea.
To reduce fever, take catnip tea enemas.
Also, 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. lobelia tincture every 3-4 hours until fever drops.
A tincture of goldenseal and echinacea is recommended for children. 8-10 drops in liquid every 3 hours until flu symptoms are gone.
Mix equal parts of juniper berries, black elder flowers, coltsfoot, lance-leaf plantain, and sallow bark. Steep 1 tsp. in 1/2 cup boiling water. Take 1/2 to 1 cup a day, sweeten with honey.
HERBS:....
Slippery Elm
Echinacea
Lobelia
Eucalyptus
Yarrow root
Golden seal
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Wash hands often, flush tissues after use, do not give aspirin to children with a fever. Check children with frequent colds and flu, for thyroid malfunctions and/or allergies.
SUGGESTIONS:
Drink potato peeling soup twice a day, made fresh daily. Potato peelings (the skins) should be peeled 1/2 inch thick. Discard center of potato. Boil peelings for about 20-30 minutes, strain, cool, and drink. Carrot or celery stick in the soup is optional.
