Top 10 Herbal Remedies for Swine Flu

You have no doubt heard endless media reports on the Swine (H1N1) flu. With the winter cold and flu season quickly approaching, we may be in for a double dose of flu this year: the regular seasonal flu, and the swine flu.

Clearly prevention is the best medicine. However, if you or someone you know catches the flu, there are some herbal remedies you can use to alleviate symptoms and help your body heal. Remember, these herbal remedies are based on traditional use only, and you should consult your doctor or a qualified herbalist about your particular situation before trying any new remedy.

1. Echinacea - start taking this as soon as you feel under-the-weather. Echinacea stimulates the immune system to help your body fight off the flu. Take small amounts frequently throughout the day (I take 1ml of tincture in water every 2 hours during the first few days of a cold/flu, then reduce the amount).
2. Thyme – Thyme is a great remedy for respiratory problems. I like making a thyme tea (infusion) with fresh or dried thyme leaves, and a little honey and lemon. Thyme is antiviral and an expectorant.
3. Garlic - The kitchen-remedy wonder food! Garlic is antibiotic and antiviral. Best to eat raw (I know it’s hard, but you can do it!). Try chopping it up in food, or take with a spoonful of honey or oil. Also use freely in cooking. Or make some garlic tea by putting garlic,honey and lemon in hot water.
4. Licorice / Liquorice – This sweet, soothing root is an expectorant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. Great for respiratory infections. May raise blood pressure, so do not use if you have high blood pressure! Nice to add to teas for a sweet flavor.
5. Boneset – Traditional use for treating flu. Induces sweating, reduces fever, and eases body aches. Apparently also stimulates the immune system.
6. Astragalus - This Chinese herb can be used long-term to support the immune system. You may want to consider taking it daily during cold/flu season.
7. Elderflower & Peppermint tea – Both elderberries and elderflowers are helpful in fighting the flu. The berries help inhibit the flu virus, while the flowers induce sweating during fevers. Peppermint is soothing and relaxing, and helps clear congestion. Can also add Yarrow to this tea blend.
8. Skullcap - A fantastic, stress-relieving herb that is nourishing to the body after an illness like flu.
9. Yarrow – Yarrow is anti-inflammatory and sweat inducing, which can help reduce fevers.
10. Herbal steam inhalation – Try eucalyptus and pine, or lavender and tea tree. Just put a few drops of the essential oils in a bowl of just-boiled water, lean over it, and cover your head with a towel to contain the steam. Breath for 5-10 minutes. Don't do an herbal steam if you have asthma.

All of the above herbs have been traditionally used as flu remedies. Please consult with your doctor or a qualified herbalist to see if the herb is appropriate for your situation.

You can take these herbs in various ways. With the flu, it is particularly good to take these herbs as an herbal infusion ("tea") since it gives you lots of warm comforting fluids as well! Of course, you can also make an infused honey, vinegar or tincture from them.

You might also want to try some of the home remedies for colds, especially for respiratory symptoms that accompany the flu.

Most importantly, remember to rest and give your body time to fight off the germs and heal itself.