Nutrition Stop - General Health - Preventing the Flu

Preventing the Flu

Unfortunately, people can't avoid coming in contact with influenza, but if they treat symptoms promptly with the following antiviral and immune-boosting herbs, they might have an easier time of it. Several lab studies indicate that the various Echinacea species (E. angustifolia, E. pallida, and E. purpurea) stimulate white blood cell activity, increase the body's production of the natural antiviral substance interferon and inhibit influenza viruses. For instance, in a German clinical trial, researchers randomly assigned 180 people who had the flu to take either a placebo, 450 mg. (90 drops) a day of an E. purpurea root alcohol extract or 900 mg. a day of the extract. The 450 mg. dose proved no more effective than a placebo. Those taking 900 mg. a day, however, reported a significant reduction in flu symptoms such as weakness, chills, sweating, sore throat, headaches and muscle and joint aches. Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) also eases flu symptoms. In a trial of 27 recently infected people, 93.3 percent of those who took elderberry extract (two tablespoons a day for children, four for adults) were much improved after two days, compared with 25 percent of the placebo group.