The flu has hit here severely

[visionarybear]

winder, very interesting post, quite an interesting article indeed...would be interesting to know the differences, if any, on the physiology of ppl living at different latitudes w/ different daylight hours...

[Green2Herman]

I find the following combination quit usefull for most virus infection. No miracles but a help.

Chamomile. Helps a little against the virus infection and will lessen the risk for bacterial complications. Could maybe also calm the stomach down a bit. A recent study did show that this herb can help with colds.

Aloe Vera. Contains both aloin and emodin which both are effective against both virus and bacteries. It is surpricing effective at least if eaten fresh as I do. If I had to choose between chamomile and Aloe Vera I would choose Aloe Vera.

Licorese. Have been shown effective for several types of virus including herpes. Like the chinese I use if for everything. It is also a little bit stimulating.

Green Tea. A bit extra of an anti oxidative herb isnt bad since virus infections can damage the cells.

Good luck.

[Loro]

Herbs I used to cure common illlnesses. All herbs are to be fresh.

Thyme
congestion. This is not just congestion of the chest if you are congested anywhere it willl start flowing leaving you with fresh breath too. Beware you may need to shit.
Dosage one tbs fresh time eaten .
Sage
soar throat. Dosage one leaf make tea.
Basil antiibiotic use as needed
rosemary
natural asprine use for muscle ace and feaver
use as needed.
Chamomile tea stomach pain use as needed.
Lavender oil  headaces place one drop on temples.

Loro

[Green2Herman]

I also find Hibiscus flowers usefull but for bacterial infections.

[eShirl]

I'm a semi-regular at another forum dedicated to preparedness in case the bird flu becomes a human pandemic.  There is a lot of discussion there about elderberry tincture, that a certain name brand tincture has been proven in studies to lessen the severity and length of flu, at least as effective as that anti-viral medication Tamiflu that all those governments are stockpiling.  (Apparently it keeps the virus from getting into new body cells that it wants to take over.)  

Anyway, most of us are making our own elderberry tincture to keep on the back shelf until such time as it is needed.  The recipe is: fill a quart canning jar 1/3 full of dried elderberries, add an entire 750 ml bottle of vodka or other clear unflavored 80+ proof alcohol meant for human consumption.  Put the cover on tightly, shake, and keep in a paper bag in a dark nook somewhere, giving it a daily shake, for at least 2 weeks.  Strain, then wring out the berries in cheesecloth.  Toss the berries and save the tincture, store it tightly covered where it won't be exposed to light (brown glass bottles is a good idea if possible).  It should stay potent for a few years.

edit: forgot to say how to use it!
Starting at the first sign of flu, 1 tablespoon (some say two) four times per day, seems to be the consensus.

disclaimer:  I have not yet personally used elderberry tincture for flu

[Green2Herman]

Besides elderberry which Israelis made a study on at norweidians, and besides the herbs which I recommended before I would use the following in case I thought a killer-flue was comming:

Uña de Gato
Hibiscus (lessen the risk of complications)
Olive leafs

0,5 g Vitamine-C every hour until the stomach "start to move".
Zinc
Garlic

I read the study on elderberry. It isnt really obvious for me how anyone could trust it as much as tamiflu.

[eShirl]

I read the study on elderberry. It isnt really obvious for me how anyone could trust it as much as tamiflu.

The thing is, IMO it is a better backup to have than nothing in the event there weren't enough TamiFlu to go around.

[Green2Herman]

I read the study on elderberry. It isnt really obvious for me how anyone could trust it as much as tamiflu.

The thing is, IMO it is a better backup to have than nothing in the event there weren't enough TamiFlu to go around.

Yes sure thing. Good to keep elderberry around anyway. Usefull stuff.

Have some myself.

Feel free to post the link to forum if you still have it. Nice to check around after other usefull stuff.

[eShirl]

Feel free to post the link to forum if you still have it. Nice to check around after other usefull stuff.

OK; I wasn't sure if that was considered good form or not.

http://www.curevents.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=40

This is quite an active forum... it may not be a bad idea to get a snack before one starts reading.  

[Green2Herman]

Has anyone consulted a plant teacher about flu general or associated questions?

We have the terrorists, floods, earth quakes and soon sickness.

Seems fitting to talk to the spirits, and make peace with the world.

Do anyone else see syncronisms with earlier experiances in life or advice given by plant spirits? I was given the advice 4 years ago to read up on herbs against infections and get my body in chape. I did both which should come in handy.

[Cassie]

Hi there eShirl ... i have a wonderful elderberry tree which is not toooo far away from flowering.  How would one make a preparation using fresh elderberries?

[eShirl]

Hi there eShirl ... i have a wonderful elderberry tree which is not toooo far away from flowering.  How would one make a preparation using fresh elderberries?

Good morning/afternoon/evening, Cassie.  Oh, fresh elderberries!  With fresh berries they are saying fill your glass canning jar 3/4 full of berries, then add the vodka until it reaches the top, put the cover on tight and proceed as with the recipe using dried elderberries.

Oh - these recipes are for black elderberries; there was some concern about whether red elderberries might be toxic.

[Cassie]

Thanks so much eShirl ... yes! the red are toxic  ... i know this coz i planted Sambuca aurea by mistake and then discovered it was no good.  I have Sambuca nigra (the black one) planted as well now and the aurea acts as a pollinator.  I'm wondering if i'll get berries in time for this pandemic...
 
oooh, and what about elderberry wine , would that have the protective factor?

[eShirl]

oooh, and what about elderberry wine , would that have the protective factor?

Cassie,

I don't know.