Natural/herbal Defense For Flu?

[Camile]

Does anyone have information as to how Celiacs respond to taking natural anti-viral herbs, such as Elderberry or Olive Leaf to help fight the flu?

My naturopathic doctor told me not to get a flu shot - for seasonal or H1N1. Another doctor said only take Vitamin C or D-3, that the other immune boosters people are taking actually makes it worse, that they may be causing the immune system to over-react and cause something called a "cytokine storm". Cytokine Storms are uncontrolled reactions of the immune system that can result in high fevers, organ damage, and difficulty breathing. So, some immune-stimulating herbs like echinacea and goldenseal may be dangerous in treating swine flu. I have read that Celiacs should not take echinacea anyway.

I did find research that shows Elderberry helps fight and prevent flu. Olive leaf was also suggested. Does anybody have information about these, or what is helpful to protect Celiacs or those with auto-immune diseases against the flu?

Thanks,

Camile

Diagnosed 1997 by Naturopathic

Also Casein Intolerant

[mamaw]

We take elderberry syrup during the winter months every year. We also take D-3, B-12

No flu shots for us....We drink the Emerg-C as well......

Holy Basil is supposed to help when the first signs of the flu appear.

hth

mamaw

[YoloGx]

Does anyone have information as to how Celiacs respond to taking natural anti-viral herbs, such as Elderberry or Olive Leaf to help fight the flu?

My naturopathic doctor told me not to get a flu shot - for seasonal or H1N1. Another doctor said only take Vitamin C or D-3, that the other immune boosters people are taking actually makes it worse, that they may be causing the immune system to over-react and cause something called a "cytokine storm". Cytokine Storms are uncontrolled reactions of the immune system that can result in high fevers, organ damage, and difficulty breathing. So, some immune-stimulating herbs like echinacea and goldenseal may be dangerous in treating swine flu. I have read that Celiacs should not take echinacea anyway.

I did find research that shows Elderberry helps fight and prevent flu. Olive leaf was also suggested. Does anybody have information about these, or what is helpful to protect Celiacs or those with auto-immune diseases against the flu?

Thanks,

Camile

Diagnosed 1997 by Naturopathic

Also Casein Intolerant

Hi Camile--thanks for the heads up about the echinacea. For some reason I didn't realize that it was an immune stimulant--though I have not preferred taking it.

Someone at an herb store recently told me taking vitamin D is helpful against the swine flu.

I personally have found that both olive leaf tea and elderberry flower are very good against viruses. However I just read that elderberry actually does stimulate the immune system--so there you go, eh?

The olive leaf is also anti fungal and anti bacterial. You just have to be careful with the olive leaf, esp. at first. Its important not to take too much. One often gets a Herxheimer effect where you body sheds unwanted fungi, viruses and bacteria and one can get D and feverish as a result. Not pleasant on the one hand but very good on the other...! Just start slow. 1/2 tsp. a day at first is what I would recommend. Honestly it is very potent! Once you get used to it one tends to have more energy...so truly it is one of the best remedies and preventives out there.

I have found cleavers to be a very good substitute for the echinacea. It does not seem to have the immune stimulant properties though some say it is a lymphatic stimulant, but I don't think that is the same thing. I have found it is very good against inflammation and congestion of the lymphatic system. Just take a little to start however--since as with the olive leaf it can be difficult for some people to take very much of due to the detoxification effects.

Ginger and licorice are also helpful--and so far from my research seem to be not immune stimulants. Ginger supports the digestion and aids the throat and inhibits inflammation

Licorice is an antiviral which is good also for the lungs and throat and is generally an adaptogen that helps the body make better use of other remedies. It is is actually good against cancer and counteracts serious allergic reactions and rheumatoid arthritis and even chroinc fatigue. It soothes the digestive system thus is good against celiac.

Interestingly licorice root can raise the blood pressure--so it may be good to take with olive leaf since olive leaf tends to lower the blood pressure... Something to consider. I wouldn't take either every day. Say maybe 3 or 4 days and then 3 days off like that so they don't build up in the system.

I have found garden sage to be very helpful against a sore throat.

Of course eating a lot of garlic and onions helps plus loads of vegetables...and chicken/onion/celery vegetable soup are classic anti flu remedies!

Bea