Here’s an excerpt from my friend Chris Bashaw, an herbalist and RN who lives over on the seacoast of NH. Its a great response to the Swine Flu and a reminder about natural medicines:

As of April 29, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that nine countries had officially reported 148 cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection; the United States reporting 91 laboratory confirmed human cases, with one death and Mexico reporting 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths…(for the entire rest of this portion of the article which documents the Swine flu and all of its scientific data, email me)

…what can we do to help ourselves against the current swine flu?

We can be proactive and keep our level of resistance up. To keep resistance up means consuming a healthy diet and not the SAD or Standard American Diet of processed foods, high fat, high sugar and corn syrup foods, chemical additives, genetically altered foods, and fast foods. Instead consume a diet high in organic fruits and vegetables, and free-range beef, poultry, and/or organic fish.

With this being difficult for many to adhere to the additional use of supplements can aid in keeping the immune system resilient. All vitamins should be food quality all natural – the following is based on Optimal Daily Allowance for adults:

a multiple vitamin 2-3 times a day with meals
vitamin C 1000mg four times a day with meals
a complete B-complex 2-3 times a day with meals.

Keeping resistance at an optimal level also means plenty of rest, but balancing that rest with adequate exercise. Water intake is also an important factor to consider, for with the proper intake of healthy water, the right minerals and nutrients our body can overcome almost anything; a good guideline of daily water intake should be half of your body weight in ounces…

Additionally the use of some common herbs can help build resistance within the body.
Cayenne or Capsicum which is known as a thermogenic (elevates metabolism), disinfectant (antibacterial and anti-parasitic), blood purifier (known in Traditional Chinese Medicine to equalize and dispense the stagnation and congestion of blood), and it has also been toted to kill flu and cold on contact. The Native First Americans and Native First Mexicans used Cayenne as a “cure all for fever”. Cayenne is relatively safe causing heat stimulation to the stomach and is best taken directly following a meal. And though it is contraindicated in “hot inflammatory conditions of the stomach” it is a useful remedy in treating bleeding stomach ulcers. Due to the intense heat of the herb it is best to take capsules of the preparation; one capsule 2-3 times a day as maintenance during flu season, though a small amount in ginger ale or cream soda is tolerable but not so therapeutic.

Garlic is another herb one can simultaneously add to their maintenance regime. Garlic is a known natural antibiotic and antiviral. Garlic’s active ingredient is allicin a sulfa containing compound. Heat kills allicin so cooked garlic forgoes its medicinal properties. The recommended dosing of garlic is ideally 1-2 raw cloves of garlic daily, but if the socially threatening thought of this turns you away consider cold prepared enteric coated garlic tablets containing 2,500 mcg daily of allicin for maintenance and prevention or 5,000 mcg of allicin daily for therapeutic acute dosing. Contraindications are that garlic is known to lower blood pressure, so be careful if you are already on anti-hypertensives as well as it being an anticoagulant or blood thinner (if already on an anticoagulant like Coumadin or Plavix, or pre-surgical one may first need to consult their medical provider.); garlic can also cause upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, facial flushing, insomnia, and rapid pulse and should be stopped and evaluated by a medical professional if persistent.

Decades ago, in Siberia, the government air dropped crates of raw garlic to successfully combat a flu epidemic raging in that country. The treatment was successful.

And lastly echinacea. In the 19th century, before the advent of sulfa drugs, it was echinacea that was prescribed for cold and flu. Typically taken at the first sign of a cold or flu it is a primary remedy for respiratory infections. Echinacea boosts the weakened immune system. It works by enhancing the immune systems already complex responses in fighting bacteria and viruses. Echinacea stimulates antibody production in turn stimulating the white blood cell count to fight infection. A contraindication in taking echinacea is cited for those with limited immune response and autoimmune disorders such as HIV, AIDs, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, and TB- these individuals should first consult their physician. Echinacea is safe during pregnancy. Echinacea is typically taken at the first sign of a cold or flu for 7-14 days. It can be taken as a maintenance dose for two months at a time with a 2-4 day break in between (this break is important so as to not allow the body to become accustomed to the herb and in turn decrease the immune efficiency response). Recommended dosing of powdered extract is 300 mg three times a day; alcohol tincture of 3-4 ml three times a day…

Bashaw is a freelance writer and registered nurse with over 25 years experience living in New Hampshire. Bashaw is a holistic nurse and practicing herbologist, practitioner of energy medicine, and shamanic healer.
Cbashaw, Mizu Tama Dojo, 603-781-8348 http://www.freewebs.com/mizu_tama_dojo/ http://www.khysystem.webs.com/