Are you getting sick of getting the flu every winter? Another winter is upon us, and unfortunately, along with it comes the dreaded flu virus. How many days have you or your children had to miss work or school because of the flu? Australians endured the worst influenza season since the pandemic of 2009 last year. Because of the huge number of individuals putting a hold on their positions, more flu cases were confessed to clinics than expected. There was a bigger number of passings from flu last year, contrasted and earlier years. Sadly, the most prevalent strain of the virus, influenza A(H3N2), did not respond well to the seasonal influenza vaccine given in 2017.

Although influenza is typically an acute, self-limiting infection, some populations may be at risk. People over the age of 65, people with chronic health conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and cancer), pregnant women, and young children may experience serious complications from it.

So, is there anything you can do to prevent or treat the flu using natural remedies? Yes, the good news is that clinical trials have demonstrated that a number of herbs can lessen the duration and severity of the flu.

Herbs Effective For The Flu

1- Andrographis

Also referred to as King of the Bitters, this traditional Chinese herbal remedy treats inflammation and infections. It upregulates the declaration of a particular peptide, which has been found to assume a critical part in natural resistance, to apply its antimicrobial impacts.

Patients in a pilot study who took tablets that mostly contained Andrographis and a small amount of Siberian ginseng for five days had fewer influenza complications than those in the control group. The herbs helped to shorten the illness’s duration, speed up recovery, and reduce the number of days off work.

2- Berberine

This is a useful ingredient in plants like goldenseal, coptis, and Phellodendron. In a mouse study3, it was discovered that berberine reduced lung viral titers and mortality from 90% to 55%.  In vitro, berberine also inhibited the activity of viral neuraminidase and the production of inflammatory substances, suggesting that it may prevent additional tissue and organ damage.

A different study found that Phellodendron amurense aqueous extracts significantly slowed the growth of H1N1 influenza A strains in mice. In this experiment, Phellodendron amurense also inhibited inflammatory mediators.

3- Thyme

Contains bitter compounds and essential oils. These factors are thought to have an impact on its antiseptic and immune-boosting properties. Thyme’s leaves are warming to the body and stimulate the lungs in particular. Traditionally, thyme has been used to remove mucus from the lungs and clear congestion. It is included in numerous cough syrups due to its effectiveness as a cough suppressant.

4- Elderflower

Assists in relieving nasal congestion and secretions. Western herbal medicine uses it to make people sweat, boost the immune system, and fight viruses. Sambucol, a standard elderberry extract, stopped 10 distinct influenza virus strains from reproducing8. During the 1993 influenza B/Panama outbreak, the same authors also conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind study on a group of people. The majority of cases, including fever, showed significant improvement within two days in the Sambucol-treated group, whereas the control group’s symptom resolution took six days. Elderflower is an excellent herb for children due to its naturally sweet flavor, which is an additional advantage of its use.

5- Elecampane

Because of its pungent properties, it aids in expectoration and suppresses coughing. It has traditionally been used to treat pleurisy, tuberculosis, bronchitis, cough, hay fever, asthma, and hay fever.

6- Echinacea

One of the most commonly used herbs for influenza treatment. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties and stimulates and regulates the immune system. According to a preliminary study 5, echinacea may lessen the severity of respiratory symptoms, which may improve the response to the influenza vaccine.E. purpurea root also prevented influenza A virus-induced bacterial adhesion and inflammatory cytokine expression, as demonstrated in a laboratory experiment.

In a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, controlled clinical trial, the standard influenza treatment of oseltamivir and an echinacea formulation were compared. The outcomes demonstrated that both treatment groups had comparable rates of illness recovery. In addition, the Echinacea group experienced fewer complications and fewer side effects (such as nausea and vomiting) than the oseltamivir group did.

In general, clinical studies support the use of echinacea to treat upper respiratory infections and prevent the common cold. Consuming a high-quality blend of E. purpurea and E is recommended. Angustifolia root extracts for maximum efficacy.

Conclusion

For influenza A (H3N2), the most prevalent virus at the time, the 2017 seasonal influenza vaccine was ineffective. The duration and severity of the flu can be reduced by taking herbs like Andrographis, echinacea, and plants with berberine in them. They support the immune system and fight viruses. Additionally, herbs can encourage the production of mucus and soothe a sore throat. The flu will feel better as a result of this. Some herbs are safe for children.

So, since flu season is just around the corner, it’s time to start using some of these amazing herbs to boost your immune system and get rid of the dreaded flu before it gets you.

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