Swine Flu
Swine Influenza / Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others. For example, an outbreak of apparent swine flu infection in pigs in Wisconsin in 1988 resulted in multiple human infections, and, although no community outbreak resulted, there was antibody evidence of virus transmission from the patient to health care workers who had close contact with the patient.
In the case of swine flu and other infectious diseases, a single germ can wreak havoc on the health and well-being of society. Once it begins transmitting itself among humans through bodily fluids, water, soil, or other means, it can quickly become an epidemic.
As frightening as that may be, experts say it is reassuring to know that our bodies have the power to fight back through our immune system. This is what detects harmful viruses, bacteria and toxins that enter the body, and then it will attack the invaders before they have a chance to reproduce and spread. Beating the flu is "a matter of perspective and taking control of your health," he said.
Symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
There is no Natural or Herbal remedy to cure Swine Flu. We are however concentrating on the prevention rather than cure.
Natural Remedies
1. The most obvious way to strengthen immunity is through the foods we eat. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain a wide variety of nutrients to keep the body functioning properly.
2. Vitamin C is a known immunity builder and oranges, pears, cranberries, broccoli, sweet potatoes, bok choy and turnips contain high amounts. Other sources include leafy green vegetables, as well as fruits that are orange or red.
3. Another nutrient that helps to keep our defences high is Vitamin A. It is found in carrots, watercress, lettuce, kale, kumquat and pomegranates. Vitamins A and C, as well as E, are all antioxidants.
4. Eat lot of Elderberries in form of fruit, jam, juice. It is helpful to protect from both Type-A & Type-B of human and animal types
5. Olive leaf has been shown to be an excellent antibacterial. This herbal supplement fights bacterial and viral infections. Dosage: 500-1000 milligrams every few hours or two capsules four times a day.
6. Grapefruit Leaf: This is best taken in capsules as it can be bitter. Research has shown grapefruit leaves to be effective as an antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-parasitic.
7. Echinacea has powerful antiviral and immunity-boosting effects. It is used to rev up the immune system at the first sign of a cold. Echinacea has been found to work better before you get sick, to build up immunity. It has not been found as effective for treating a cold or flu. Dosage: take daily according to manufacturers instructions. Take daily during the fall and winter months.
8. NAC is an amino acid that naturally stimulates glutathione, an antioxidant enzyme. People who have autoimmune problems are often deficient in glutathione. NAC has been used to raise immunity to the flu, and also to treat chronic respiratory problems. A recent study was conducted in which most of the subjects were over 65. Results showed that only 29 percent of those taking NAC developed flu symptoms, compared to 51 percent of those who took the placebo. Dosage: 300 mg. per day.
9. Zinc inhibits the reproduction of rhinovirus, and has been found to be especially good for treating viral sore throats. A recent study on the effectiveness of zinc showed that taking a zinc lozenge every 2-3 hours, shortened the duration of cold symptoms. Overdosing with zinc can have side effects, such as an effect on the uptake of iron. Dosage: one lozenge every 2-3 hours for duration of the cold or flu. Keep in the mouth for 5-10 minutes. Or 30 to 50 milligrams a day.
10. Ginseng: The patients who received ginseng had a lower incidence of influenza and colds, higher antibody titters, and higher natural killer cell activity levels. Also know as an adaptogen (a substance that helps the body fight stress) it has been shown to shorten the duration of a cold. One study used 200 mg of ginseng extract a day for four months and found a reduction in the length of symptoms. Another study found that ginseng may prevent influenza-caused acute respiratory illness (ARI) in elderly patients. Dosage: Extract -200 mg per day of extract, or dry root (tea) up to 2 mg per day.
11. Astragalus membranaceus or milk vetch has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to strengthen the immune and respiratory systems and to fight the flu. Astragalus belongs to a class of herbs called adaptogens, and helps the body handle stress. Astragalus also fights pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Dosage: one dropper of tincture of Astragalus (standardized to 15 percent polysaccharides) to a hot liquid like tea or soup three times a day. As tablets, take 350 to 400 milligrams three times a day.
Herbal Medicines
1. Tulsi leaves in the form of infusion are highly effective or Tulsi leaves' juice can also be used in doses of 1 teaspoonful with 1 teaspoon of Honey twice a day. This is a good remedy for 'flu' and cold. This can be taken as a preventive also when there is 'flu epidemic' in your city.
2. Similarly black pepper & Dry Ginger tea is also useful. This is generally prepared in Indian houses, during the prevalence of 'flu' and cold.
3. Eat one Amla twice a day. It is a rich source of vitamin C and strengthens the respiratory immunity.
4. Take one glass plain water, add one tsp sugar and two tsp fresh lime juice. Take this delicious preparation and when you want. You can keep this in ready form stored in refrigerator in a glass bowl or Jug.
5. 1 Tsp of pure turmeric powder or paste should be mixed in warm milk and can be taken 3 times a day. Turmeric clears the lungs, relieves constipation and activates the liver thereby speeding up recovery.
6. Fried GARLIC paste is another useful home remedy to cure flu. Cook garlic paste like curry and eat with Chapatti, as Sauce on breads etc.
7. Take two garlic cloves in morning with 1 glass warm milk.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Those sold over the counter for 'flu' and common cold are:
1. Trishun Tablets: 1 tab. thrice a day with a cup of tea or warm water for 7 days is a sure remedy. It is a safe formulation.
2. Trikatu Churna is a cheaper version of Trishun available in the powder form. ½ Tsp to 1 Tsp with hot tea. or water helps in checking the 'flu'.
3. Tribhuvan Kirti Ras is the drug of choice for flu in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets crushed and mixed with Honey taken 3 to 4 times daily.
Do's & Don'ts
1. Avoid heavy food, sour things including curd, exposure to cold wind and water.
2. Take light food like milk, bread, kanji etc.