Flu Remedies

You wont hear drug companies admitting that your defence against the flu is only as strong as the state of your immune system. Get all the flu shots you like; if your immune system isn't prepared, you'll still be vulnerable to the flu.

But what if you take every step necessary to strengthen your immune system, and then still come down with a nasty bug? Fortunately, some of the remedies that can help you stay well can also help you bounce back when you're laid low.

During this season that puts us in contact with so many people while socialising or shopping, it's inevitable that many are going to come down with the flu or one of those other viruses that cause colds and digestive 'bugs' that are so easily passed around.

With that in mind, I called on HSI Panellist Dr Allan Spreen, to ask him about three natural antibiotics that he told us about in a past e-alert. I wondered if the three natural agents he'd mentioned for boosting immunity (vitamin C, grapefruit seed extract, and olive leaf extract) might also help provide protection against the flu or be useful as remedies once the flu has set in. His response: 'In my opinion, absolutely! Since I don't take the flu shot myself, these are my main armamentarium.'

Flu Remedies: The Big Three

When I asked about recommended dosages of these remedies for anyone who feels like they may be coming down with something, Dr. Spreen told me that at the fist sign of aches, sore throat, cough or any other symptoms of flu (or cold, or other infections), he starts with a 'hit' of several thousand milligrams of vitamin C, and then follows that with 1000 mg (one gram) every hour until symptoms recede.

Sometimes the vitamin C alone will do the trick, but when more is needed, olive leaf extract (OLE) and/or grapefruit seed extract (GSE) may be added or used alone. Dr. Spreen explained, 'OLE is the simplest to work with, as its concentration is not a problem. 500-1000 milligrams every few hours is what I do, with or without the C, depending on the situation (I'm usually a 'shot-gunner' when getting well fast is an issue). Normally, for straight oral use, the C and OLE are a great pair by themselves (the OLE lowers the needed amount of vitamin C, which can get into very high amounts for a serious flu attack).'

Flu Remedies: Calling In The Reserves

As for grapefruit seed extract, Dr. Spreen recommends taking it in capsule form, using the suggested dosage on the label. He adds, 'The full-strength liquid GSE is bitter beyond comprehension, and must be diluted. The advantage of GSE is that there are different forms available, such as throat spray, ear drops, topical, etc. Bio/chem Research in California in the US, has done extensive research on the antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic properties of this amazing substance.'

I asked Dr. Spreen if he would add any other natural remedies to what he calls 'my big three,' and he said there is one, but it's not a preventive agent against the flu. He said, 'I'd add some acidophilus culture (also called probiotics) to the mix, during and for a few days after the use of OLE. The situation here is that OLE is such a good antibacterial that it can also kill the 'friendly' bacteria that we need in our gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. A capsule or so of acidophilus before meals should be adequate insurance for keeping these beneficial organisms established.'