Herbal Remedies for Flu Sysmtoms

The flu (influenza), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a respiratory-tract illness that is highly contagious. Some people may have mild symptoms, but the flu can kill some. In the United States, 5 to 20 percent of children and adults will get the flu, says the CDC. Herbal remedies can ease mild flu symptoms and provide comfort until the viral infection passes, usually within one week.

Pros and Cons of Herbal Flu Remedies

• If you're concerned about taking over-the-counter medications that are often chemical based and synthetically produced, herbal remedies may be a better option for you. Herbal remedies are organic and generally created from plants found in nature. You may prefer herbal remedies because they have little or no side effects. Keep in mind that herbal remedies are sold as dietary supplements and are not recognized as drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the National Institutes of Health, some herbal medications may prove ineffective or interact with other medications.

Herbal Flu Remedies

• If you're experiencing flu symptoms or just looking to stimulate the function of your immune system, start taking echinacea and elderberry. Echinacea, identified as the purple coneflower, is one of the most popular and commonly used herbal cold and flu treatments. According to the Herb Research Foundation, echinacea is used by many doctors to stimulate the immune system and treat infectious diseases. Elderberry is a little less popular than echinacea, but it offers many of the same benefits. Elderberry is a dark purple berry that resembles a blueberry. Elderberries are used to boost your immune system and treat cold and flu symptoms. Elderberries are also used to treat viral and bacterial infections. According to Herb Wisdom, Elderberry juice was used to treat the 1995 Panama flu epidemic.

  Drink echinacea or elderberry herbal tea up to four times daily. Instead of using natural echinacea or elderberry, buy the tea bags that are sold in all grocery stores. They're more cost effective and very convenient.

  Take echinacea or elderberry tablets or capsules at least twice daily. Both products contain necessary vitamins and are available in a vegetarian formula.

  Use echinacea or elderberry liquid extract. Take several drops of liquid extract by mouth at least twice daily. Also, try adding the liquid extract to plain herbal teas or beverages. Echinacea and Elderberry liquid extract are both available in a cildren's formula. Add a few drops to your child's water or favorite juice.

  Try echinacea or elderberry herbal lozenges. You can eat these several times a day. Allow them to dissolve slowly to get the full effect. Most echinacea and elderberry lozenges contain vitamins and are free of sugar and artificial sweeteners. Adults should not eat more than 10 lozenges per day. Do not give children under 60 pounds more than five lozenges daily.

  Garlic is also am herbal treatment for flu symptoms. Use a lot of fresh garlic when you're cooking. If you don't mind the taste, try steeping a glove of garlic inside your favorite herbal tea. To receive the full benefits, only use fresh garlic. Also, try taking liquid garlic oil, garlic tablets or garlic capsules. These are available as an odorless supplement.

  Ginger can also be used to treat flu symptoms. Drink ginger herbal tea up to four times daily. Ginger tea bags are sold in grocery stores and online. Use ginger syrup. Pour a tablespoon of ginger syrup into your favorite herbal tea for a different taste. Also, try adding a tablespoon of ginger syrup to sparkling water to make homemade ginger ale. Finally, take ginger root capsules or tablets at least twice daily.

  Other herbal remedies for treating flu symptoms include horseradish, Goldenseal root, licorice root and sage tea. Most of these products can also be used together for added benefits.

Herbal Remedy Warnings

• Speak to your doctor before taking any medications or dietary supplements. Most people will see an improvement in flu symptoms within a week. If your symptoms persist for longer than 10 days, seek medical treatment. Severe flu can lead to bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, ear and sinus infections and congestive heart failure. Elderly people, small children and pregnant women should not use herbal remedies to treat flu symptoms, because they are at a greater risk for developing flu complications, according to the CDC. Do not take herbal remedies for longer than 14 days without a doctor's recommendation.