Do you have the flu? If your symptoms include chills, high fever, sore throat, dry cough, sneezing, runny nose, weakness, body aches, muscle pain, nausea, and headache . . . the answer is yes.
A bad case of flu can knock you flat out for a week or more, and you may feel run down even longer.
Flu’s not new, and that’s why a number of botanical remedies have stood the test of time. From traditional folk remedies to Ayurveda, herbalism, and aromatherapy, botanicals can offer relief.
| Botanical | How It Can Help |
|---|---|
| Apple | Fresh warmed juice can ease fever. |
| Astragalus | Strengthens immune system. |
| Chamomile | Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. Chamomile tea is especially soothing for children. |
| Echinacea | Useful at onset of flu. An immune stimulant, it’s also antiviral and anti-inflammatory. |
| Elderberry | Contains antiviral proteins; useful for treating flu and other viral respiratory disorders. In clinical human trials on treating flu, elderberry extract stimulated antibody production, reduced severity of symptoms, and shortened duration of flu. |
| Eucalyptus | A strong decongestant with antiviral and immune-stimulating properties. Don’t use with homeopathic remedies, however, or on babies and young children. |
| Fenugreek | Used with lemon and honey to help reduce fever and soothe body aches. |
| Garlic | Can reduce nasal congestion and ease upper respiratory symptoms. Studies have investigated its antiviral effects. |
| Ginger | Important in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine; promotes sweating; ginger preparations are useful for chills, fever, and headaches that accompany flu. |
| Ginseng | Strengthens the immune system and helps reduce fever. |
| Honey | Effective for treating respiratory flu symptoms. In a cup of hot water with lemon, honey eases cough and fever. Don’t use honey with babies and young children. |
| Lemon | Antiviral properties; rich in vitamins B and C; lemon juice can kill germs and keep viruses from spreading. |
| Licorice | Used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and by American Indians to soothe sore throats and coughs; also stimulates the immune system. |
| Olive leaf | Extract exhibits antiviral activity against flu. |
| Oregano oil | Useful for coughs and other upper respiratory symptoms. |
| Reishi | A woody mushroom; strong antiviral that stimulates immune response against influenza A viruses. |
| Tea tree oil | Used in aromatherapy, tea tree oil may reduce flu symptoms, fight infection, and reduce fever; also stimulates immune system. |
