Natural Common Cold & Flu Remedies
for Individuals with a normal and compromised Immune System
[Also applicable for a Pandemic Flu such as H1N1 (Swine Flu), or H5N1 (Avian / Bird Flu)]
After an exposure to a cold or flu virus, the steps taken once infected will determine whether the symptoms
will be mild and temporary, or one will become moderately to seriously ill for days or weeks. Sufficient intake
of Vitamin A and Vitamin C every few hours along with taking additional remedies - as required depending
on the severity of the viral infection - is most important when the first cold or flu symptoms are experienced.
The goal is to control, and then resolve the symptoms in less than 48 hours, supported by maintaining ade-
quate fluid intake and rest. Trying to reduce any fever accompanying a viral infection is counterproductive
and only prolongs the recovery time, however to avoid febrile seizures in small children, their head should be
kept cool when developing a high fever. Brain damage from a fever will generally not occur unless the fever
is over 42 °C (107.6 °F).
Those with a weak, inefficient or overactive immune system frequently do not tolerate certain antiviral reme-
dies that seem to work well for people whose immune system functions properly, with Echinacea being one
example. However, while herbs such as Echinacea may be helpful for the Common Cold or Flu when used by
individuals with a normal immune system, they tend to overstimulate the immune system even in healthy
individuals as a result of cytokines - regulatory cell proteins such as lymphokines and interleukins - being
ineffective against a Pandemic Virus. This is one reason why many younger, seemingly healthy individuals
die during a pandemic flu.
Many compounds (e.g. Elderberry) also increase the production of immature White Blood Cells in individuals
whose numbers are already on the high side, and thus worsen some forms of Leukemia. Various foods, spices,
and beverages affect the immune system in a similar fashion, and should be increased or avoided accordingly:
Natural Cold & Flu Remedies
Recommended
for all individuals
Vitamin A
Vitamin D
Vitamin C + Bioflavonoids
Carotenoids
Garlic (fresh)
Cranberry
Ginger
Ginseng (Siberian)
Green Tea
Milk Thistle
Vitamin B12
Resveratrol
Skullcap (adults only)
Turmeric
Bee pollen
Coconut oil
Thymus gland extract
Cat's claw
Xylitol (Sugar substitute)
* Calcium
* Chromium
* Magnesium
Eucalyptus oil
Kwan Loong oil (topical)
Moderate exercise
Deep sleep (stage 4-5)
Caution
with abnormal immune system
Vitamin A (when pregnant)
Vitamin B1, B5, B15
Lecithin, Choline, Inositol
Copper
Iron
Selenium
Zinc
Ginseng (Korean / Red)
NAC
Stevia
Melatonin
Astragalus
Omega oils (higher intake)
Bromelain
Glutamic acid
Acidophilus / Probiotics
Pancreatic enzymes
Cat's claw (in children)
Royal jelly
CoQ10
Colostrum
Oil of Oregano
Pepper (black, cayenne)
Wheat
Not Recommended
with normal and abnormal immune system
Dairy products - all (butter is ok)
Sugar (white, brown)
Fructose
Honey
Molasses
Corn syrup
Maple syrup
Candy, cookies, sweetened cereal...
Sweet Fruit juices, jams, marmalade,
Sweet Fruit (including bananas, figs,
dates, raisins, pears, sweet melons...)
Chocolate / Cocoa products
Skullcap (when pregnant)
Licorice
Cloves
White Willow bark
Puncture vine
Cat's claw (when pregnant)
Kelp, Chlorella, Spirolina
Soy products
Alcohol
Oregano
** Elderberry (see note)
** Echinacea (see note)
Vitamin E (ok when supplemented with larger amounts of Vitamin C)
* Ca, Cr, and Mg have anti-inflammatory properties. Adequate intake is important when fighting a viral or bacterial infection.
** These may be helpful for some individuals with a normal immune system, but they are contraindicated for a Pandemic Flu.
Items listed in the "Caution" column generally pose no problems for those with a healthy immune system,
or some may actually improve their immune response. However depending on the amounts consumed, they
are likely to cause a mucus-forming, or inflammatory response in individuals with a malfunctioning immune
system. For instance, probiotics help maintain a healthy gut, but they are detrimental for individulas with a
compromised immune system.
In addition to the above, the list of natural home remedies said to have antiviral properties include Aloe vera,
Boneset, Buchu, Chamomile, Dragon's blood, Fenugreek, Goldenrod, Goldenseal, Honeysuckle, Juniper, Lysine,
Lemon balm, Lomatium, Lonicera, Myrrh gum, Peppermint, Reishi, Schizandra, Shiitake, St. John's Wort, Thuja,
Wild Indigo..., and the antiviral product COLD-FX, wich contains an extract of Panax (quinquefolius) Ginseng.
The efficacy of these flu and cold remedies largely depends on someone's immune response to a particular
virus and the particular remedy. For patients with an overactive immune system, or an excessive number of
immature white blood cells, many of these herbal antiviral remedies actually worsen and prolong a bout with
a seasonal cold, influenza, or a pandemic virus by overstimulating the immune system even more, instead of
helping the body produce healthy and efficient white blood cells and thereby lowering their numbers and
inhibit inflammation.
Or, a pandemic (H1N1 / H1N2 / H3N2 / H5N1...) virus is immune to cytokines such as TNF-a or IL-6, causing a
cytokine storm as a result of the body trying to cope with its inability to fight the virus, which affects healthy
individuals to their detriment as well. Remedies in the "Recommended" column are chosen to help reduce
those problems.
The immune system's recovery time from an intake of Simple Sugars listed in the "Not Recommended"
column may take up to several hours for individuals with a normally-functioning immune system, but it may
take several days or longer for someone with a weak, inefficient, or overactive immune system. This applies
to "Simple Carbohydrates" only, but not to "Refined Carbohydrates" or "Complex Carbohydrates."
Click here for details.
In contrast to simple carbs (sugar, honey, fructose, molasses, syrup...), Sugar Alcohols such as Xylitol do
not impair the immune system. If they do not cause any gastrointestinal problems, sugar alcohols can be
used instead of other forms of simple sugars. ¤
Antiviral Remedies
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Copyright © 2000-2012 Acu-Cell - Natural Antiviral Remedies
Copyright © 2000-2012 Acu-Cell - Natural Antiviral Remedies
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Updated: 15. Jan. 2012