Are there Natural Solutions to Beat the Flu?

Flu season is upon us later in the year, but best to plan ahead if you plan on making your own natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals. While the mainstay of prevention lies in the traditional vaccination route, and the CDC only really recommends Tamiflu, which is now under scrutiny, there are many who seek natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals for beating seasonal viruses. While modern science has served its purpose when it comes to allowing us access to a reliable way of preventing serious illness, holistic solutions that have been used for centuries could provide equally effective outcomes. For those looking for natural health solutions during flu season, ancient remedies may be worth exploring. In this blog post I’ll explore several ancient methods that can be used as both preventative measures and treatments once illness strikes. Stay tuned!

What is the Flu and What are Its Symptoms

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It is highly contagious and can spread from person to person through airborne droplets when someone with the flu talks, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms of the flu typically include fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, and a dry cough. In some cases, people may experience a runny or stuffy nose, headaches, and sore throat as well. While most people recover from the flu in a week or two, some may develop complications such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. It is important to take precautions such as washing your hands frequently and getting an annual flu vaccine and every 10 years get your pneumonia shot to protect yourself and others from this potentially dangerous illness. Even with these opportunities, some people choose not to go that route. It’s okay, because there are some natural solutions that have been used for more than a 1000 years.

The Tamiflu Scam and Other Options

In 2020 a complaint in the form of a law suit was made against the makers of Tamiflu. Since 1995, Gilead Sciences has had the patent on Tamiflu. They have spent inordinate amounts of money on marketing and distributing Tamiflu. Listing as the only real solution to the flu until the recent patent expiration. “Tamiflu, the only oral antiviral for the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B, was invented by Gilead and licensed to Roche”  (citation)

“As alleged in the complaint – Tamiflu does not do what Roche promised,” said attorney Mark Lanier of the Houston-based Lanier Law Firm. “Roche hid this fact for many years by selectively citing its studies and suppressing the data about Tamiflu. The company utilized lobbyists, key opinion leaders and ghostwriters to promote Tamiflu with a deceptive promise to governments fearful of an influenza pandemic.”

So what are some of the more natural options. We know they claim the active ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir, which is derived from shikimic acid, which is present in the pods of star anise or Sweet Gum tree. It also contains pre-getantinised starch, polyvidon K30 (a synthetic chemical) croscarmellose sodium, a popular synthetic super disintegrants which are cross-linked PVP, MCC, croscarmellose sodium, sodium starch glycolate makes up the capsule. It contains talc, sodium stearyl fumarate (an inert, hydrophilic for disolving the tablet and, a tablet lubricant used for compressing tablets).

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Traditional Medicine vs Ancient Remedies for Fighting Flu

There are a variety of options natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals available, including traditional medicine and ancient remedies. Some people prefer ancient remedies, such as herbal teas and natural supplements, in an attempt to boost their immune system and fight the flu without relying on pharmaceuticals. While some of these remedies may provide temporary relief, it’s important to note that they have not been rigorously tested in clinical trials, and may not be as effective as some clinically tested pharmaceutical medicine. But, that doesn’t mean natural solutions aren’t effective. They are often hard to test and even harder to get funding to test natural remedies. Let’s look at some of the options.

Good news for traditional and natural medicine advocates. In February 2023, the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR) became a member of the Primary Registry Network of ICTRP.  ITMCTR is also becoming a data provider and the trials registered with ITMCTR have been added to the ICTRP database. This means that traditional medicine may gain momentum in the clinical trials space.

Natural Solutions to Combatting the Flu

The flu can be a serious illness, causing prolonged days of discomfort and sometimes leading to dangerous complications. While medications exist to treat the flu, many people are turning to natural solutions to both prevent and treat this viral infection. Some of the most effective natural remedies for fighting the flu include getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, including green leafy vegetables. Include in your diet should be potent antioxidant flavonoids found mostly in onions, grapes, berries, cherries, broccoli, and citrus fruits.

Let’s look at what the Chinese medical community has used for centuries. Drink warm liquids. If your symptoms include chills add ginger, cinnamon, green onion and garlic to your foods. If your symptoms are more sweats, drink lots of peppermint tea and eat cooling fruits, like oranges and other citrus fruits. In both cases, avoid dairy, sugars/sweets and rich or fried foods.

And avoid close contact with others who are sick. Additionally, certain herbs and supplements, such as echinacea, elderberry, and zinc, have been shown to boost the immune system and shorten the duration of flu symptoms. By incorporating these natural solutions into our daily routines, we can help protect ourselves and stay healthy throughout the flu season.

How to Get Access to Ancient Remedies & Herbs

If you’re interested in utilizing ancient remedies and herbs for their medicinal properties, you’ll need to do some research and seek out trusted sources. One option is to consult with an herbalist or traditional medicine practitioner who is knowledgeable in the use of these remedies. You can also delve into academic resources, such as medical journals or scholarly texts on traditional healing practices. Additionally, some botanical gardens and museums may offer exhibits or programming on herbal medicine from different cultures and time periods. Just remember to approach any ancient remedy with caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using it.

Benefits of Using Ancient Remedies

Throughout history, people have turned to natural remedies to treat a variety of ailments. These ancient remedies are derived from plants, minerals, and other elements found in nature. They offer an alternative to modern medicine, which often relies on synthetic chemicals and pharmaceuticals. One of the primary benefits of using ancient remedies is that they come with fewer side effects than many modern treatments. In addition, they can be more cost-effective and readily available than prescription drugs. By incorporating these natural remedies into our health and wellness routines, we can tap into the healing power of nature and promote overall well-being.

How to Incorporate Ancient Remedies into Your Health Routine

Incorporating ancient remedies into your health routine may seem like a daunting task, but the benefits could be substantial. Many modern medicines exist because of traditional healing practices that have been passed down for centuries. By incorporating ancient remedies into your routine, you may find relief from common ailments without the side effects of modern medicines.

Ancient remedies have been used to fight off infectious diseases like the flu for centuries, and more and more people are beginning to understand the potential health benefits that come with using these natural solutions.

Now that we have determined what is in Tamiflu, and the fact that their solution has come under scrutiny, let’s consider the ancient natural medicinal alternatives.

How to make Sweet Gum and Honey Flu Tincture

I like to make a Sweet Gum, Raw Honey, Onion and Ginger Tincture made with Whiskey. This is why and how I put these together. I start by shopping for young sweet gum balls. These are green and spiky, usually not staying that color long. So, watch for them in the Spring. Then I add a tablespoon of raw honey and several slices of ginger.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/Red_Onion_on_White.JPG/220px-Red_Onion_on_White.JPG

Sweet Gum

We know that sweet gum has the shikimic acid, which is the starting ingredient for activation of Tamiflu. This acid is taken and synthesized to make it attach to the cell using synthetic material into oseltamivir.

After harvesting, crush the sweet gum balls, and add the other ingredients into a glass jar. I avoid plastics out of concern for their endocrine-disrupting properties (cancer causing), as triggered for example by bisphenol A and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).) Then add your other ingredients as follows.

Raw honey

A heaping tablespoon of raw honey is added to the mix. Raw honey has been shown to significantly reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms, making the illness less tolling on your body. Moreover, honey may help prevent viruses from replicating, which can reduce the number of days you experience symptoms. This is the missing ingredient in most Sweet Gum tinctures. You need something to keep the virus from replicating. Raw honey is that component.

Warning – But, be sure it is raw honey. The science does not support honey that is treated in any way.  Read this article on how to tell if the honey you are looking to buy is truly Raw Uncooked Honey.

I prefer to use natural raw honey with sweet gum, because an NIH reported study indicated that, “Honey has a potential therapeutic role in the treatment of disease by phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Flavonoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants, are two main bioactive molecules present in honey. According to modern scientific literature, honey may be useful and has protective effects for the treatment of various disease conditions such as diabetes mellitus, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, even it is useful in cancer treatment because many types of antioxidant are present in honey.” (Samarghandian S, Farkhondeh T et al, 2017)

Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including cancer. It contains powerful antioxidants, phytochemicals and other bioactive substances with express anti-cancer properties. Honey has been found to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells and to reduce inflammation associated with tumors. Studies have also suggested that honey may help to protect against DNA damage, which can lead to the development of some cancers.

The multiple components of honey interact synergistically to promote its health benefits, making it an effective complementary and alternative medicine for treating a variety of conditions, including cancer. It is safe and non-toxic, making it an ideal choice for those seeking natural therapies rather than conventional treatments. In addition, honey has broad application potential in apitherapy due to its superior efficacy compared to conventional therapies in some cases.

Honey’s unique combination of biological, physical and chemical properties provide it with an array of therapeutic effects. Thus, the mechanistic insights into the overall protective effects of honey indicate that there is a unique ‘synergistic multiple ingredients factor’ which makes this natural remedy so effective in treating cancer. Research continues to explore its potential as a complementary or alternative therapy for various diseases, including cancer.

Raw Honey has a foggy look to it. This image demonstrates the diversity of honey environment.

Red or Yellow Onion

I like to add a little red onion to the mix because it contains Quercetin. Foods that are packed with antioxidants can help fight those harmful free radicals that cause other illnesses like cancer. Quercetin helps “cleans up” free radicals by pairing with their single electrons so they can no longer cause damage. Onions have anticariogenic properties and antibiotic effects.

So, I pull one out of the garden and peal off the colorful skin of a red or yellow onion and add it to the tincture mix. Studies showed the following, “Compounds from onion have been reported to have a range of health benefits which include anticarcinogenic properties, antiplatelet activity, antithrombotic activity, antiasthmatic and antibiotic effects.” (CDC website).

Ginger

Then add a tablespoon of ginger to the tincture ingredients, because it has been shown to have properties that fight the effects of the flu. It can help with the respiratory impact of the flu. A 2017 study reported that Fresh ginger can stimulate anti-viral cytokines. Specifically, ginger offers anti-viral activity against human respiratory virus in human respiratory tract cell lines.  In scientific terms, the study found that fresh ginger inhibited HRSV-induced plaque formation in both HEp-2 and A549 cell lines (p<0.0001). .

Whisky

Lastly, I cover the above ingredients in a glass jar and fill it with whisky. As well as having an actively positive effect on the body, whisky is the healthiest alcohol you can drink. It contains no fat and hardly any sugar or carbohydrates. It barely alters the level of sugar in your blood, making it a better choice for diabetics than other alcohol.

Store

Once you have all your ingredients in the glass jar, pour the 80 proof whiskey over them completely. I turn the jar upside down if I’m adding things over time. Then let it rest in a cool dry space for six to eight weeks. Just in time for flu season! The CDC says “Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last as late as May.”

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Wellness Advising

Resources

There are a wide range of other resources available on ancient remedies and their potential uses. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) provides an overview of traditional healing practices, including herbal and nutritional supplements, acupuncture, massage, and Tai chi. This website also provides evidence-based research on the efficacy of certain practices and can help guide consumers when it comes to making informed decisions about their health. Additionally, there are numerous books available that provide detailed information on traditional healing practices, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Native American healing. Finally, many communities offer courses or group sessions that teach ancient remedies and how to use them properly. By taking advantage of these resources, you can gain the knowledge needed to safely incorporate ancient remedies into your health routine.

Citations

Tamiflu Fraud Bilked $1.5 Billion from Government, Alleges Whistleblower, Lawsuit: Roche Pharma misrepresented flu drug’s ability to contain influenza pandemic (2020) NEWS PROVIDED BY,

Lanier Law Firm Jan 13, 2020, 11:31 ET

1. World Health Organization. (2020). Influenza (seasonal). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)

2. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2020). Influenza Flu Research. Retrieved from https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/flu-studies

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Seasonal Influenza (Flu). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

4. Mayo Clinic News Network.(2020). Acupuncture: An Ancient Chinese Tradition of Healing Now Used Worldwide for Pain Relief and Wellness, Retrieved from https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/acupuncture-an-ancient-chinese-tradition-of-healing-now-used-worldwide-for-pain relief_and_wellness/?mc_cid=14eabf7b49&mc_eid=6de582030a

5. Hou, J., Wang, K., Chen, G., & Liu, L.(2015). Herbal remedies used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of influenza virus infection: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials . Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine , 2015 , 1–13 . http://doi:10/1155/2015/717981

6 . Andrade, A., Matos, E., CorreiaFigueiredo, F., Almeida, P., Beirão da Costa Cristina M..(2017) Traditional Herbal Remedies For Common Cold And Flu Symptoms: Systematic Review Of Randomized Controlled Trials . Journal Of Human Nutrition And Dietetics , 30(4), 394–405 . http://doi:10/1111jhnu12069

7 . Trabulsi, J.. (2018) How alternative remedies can boost immunity during flu season . The Harvard Gazette , Retrieved From https://news./harvard/.edu /gazette /story /2018 /01 /how—alternative—remedies—can—boost—immunity—during — flu—season /

8 . Boseley S.(2016) Antibiotic disaster may be looming as superbugs outwit drugs | Science | The Guardian retrieved from https:/www./theguardian/.com /science /2016 09 06 antibiotic—disaster —may —be—looming—as —superbugs —outwit —drugs

9 . Barclay L.(2019) How Homeopathic Remedies Work To Fight The Flu Virus Retrieved From https:/www./medicalnewstoday ./com how homeopathic –rem edies –work to fight the flu virus

10 . Wu D.(2017) How to Boost Your Immune System During Cold & Flu Season retrieved from

11 . Friedlander A.(2020). 8 Natural Remedies for Flu and Cold Symptoms Retrieved from https:/www./healthline ./com health natural – remedies for flu—and —cold—symptoms.

Click to access tamiflucap.pdf

12.Samarghandian S, Farkhondeh T, Samini F. Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research. Pharmacognosy Res. 2017 Apr-Jun;9(2):121-127. doi: 10.4103/0974-8490.204647. PMID: 28539734; PMCID: PMC5424551.

13.Onions—Griffiths G, Trueman L, Crowther T, Thomas B, Smith B. Onions–a global benefit to health. Phytother Res. 2002 Nov;16(7):603-15. doi: 10.1002/ptr.1222. PMID: 12410539.

14.Flu Season https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/index.html#:~:text=Most%20of%20the%20time%20flu,last%20as%20late%20as%20May.

15.J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Jan 9;145(1):146-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.043. Nov 1. Fresh ginger has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23123794/

Aromatherapy for better health: Does it Really Work?

Here’s a little about me.

My name is Dr Christina Blanchard-Horan. I am an anthropologist and spiritual mystic, but I worked in the sciences on an NIH Division of AIDS award for about a decade. I value the drugs that have come out of the pharmaceutical industry, but believe most illnesses can be solved through prevention, like removing plastics from your diet. Yes, you are eating them every day.  I am forced to do the same. But, I’m careful, and have tips about things you can do and stay in the mainstream as much as you dare. (I’m smiling). A

I became interested in natural medicine like most people, when I became sick with cancer. I won’t go into the dirty details. But I will say that I know that the invasion in my body by this nasty little guy is related to my environment. It is not a genetic cancer and there are very little ways to cure it.  Anyway, all that aside I share my bias with you now. As a scientist, I find value in solid studies. However, I also recognize that science has come up short in the US and Canada in terms of looking at natural remedies to the poisons we eat, breath and drink. The reason for that is a historical coopting of the AMA by the pharmaceutical industry via J. D. Rockefeller. He funded the Flexner report, which basically ditched any natural solutions other than petroleum-based pharmaceuticals. This due to his ownership 90% of oil and his recognition that petroleum was a good delivery system for pharmaceutical, in which he was invested. I have more in-depth articles on this in my blog.

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