Flu Season and Some simple remedies

From Grandma's Desk:

The news today stated that it is the worst flu season in history and hospitals are turning patients away. So what should you do to prevent flu or boost your immune system? I have a few ideas but first I want to talk about "flu shots". Are they worth it, do they work, and what to expect from a flu shot. First let me say that I do not get the "flu shots" even though as a nurse I often work with a highly contagious population I feel it is important to build your immune system. I rarely get sick and when I do I take time off and let myself get healthy again. I use home remedies and essential alchemy to build my immune system and decrease my down time. The main reason I do not get "flu shots" is the serum that is used in "flu shots" is made with egg yolk, mercury, and other toxic ingredients that I do not want injected into my body. These things maybe present in small amount but accumulative over time can adversely effect our immune systems. The "flu shot" also only lasts 3 months so if you get your shot in October when they recommend it you may miss it on the 1st round but by January when the "flu shot" wears off you are no longer protected and the second round of the flu is even worse because the flu "bug" has increased in strength. This said I want to relate that the one and only time I got a flu shot this is what happened to me. I was health for October, November, and December, but when January hit I got the worst flu I have ever had and was laid up in bed for a good week unable to take care of my family or myself. I have never gotten a flu shot again (this was over 15 yrs ago and I have never been that ill since). So if you get exposed to the flu early on in the flu season you will get a lighter stain of the flu and you will be immune to that type of flu for life not just 3 months as with the shots. This information was also confirmed by the Doctor I work for. He chooses to get the flu shot 2x each year because of his work with at risk elderly, but he does not inoculate his own family for the very reasons I stated above.

Now I want to write about ways to prevent the flu and boost your immune system. The first and simplest way is with healthy foods, organic, fresh, and seasonal. Winter time is a great time for lots soups and squash,and chicken soup that has actually be scientifically proven to help boost the immune system. One thing I have used for over 30 years to help with colds and flu is garlic. Many people give me the oh yuck face when I tell them about this so there are garlic capsules you can take, but I find them far less effective than a fresh clove of organic garlic from the garden or bought earlier in the year at our local Farmer's Market. I have used this remedy for over 30 years and have found it to be quite successful at the signs of first sniffles. All three of my children have been subject to this treatment and even at a young age of 2 years old were able to swallow it without problems. Used daily during cold and flu season is the most effective way to prevent colds and flu, or at the first signs of sniffles or fever a healthy dose will do the trick. The longer you put it off the less effective it will be.

Garlic treatment: Take a fresh and healthy looking clove of garlic (just one will do), peel it, chop it up very fine. Put the chopped garlic in a large serving spoon then fill the spoon with water. Have near by a large glass of apple juice or water as the chaser. Now you are ready open wide and dump the spoon with garlic and water into your throat. Try not to touch your tongue with the garlic and swallow quickly with a shot of juice or water to help the process. I find I have little to no smell if I take it this way do not chew the garlic and it should not be cooked in anyway. Take a dose in the morning and at bedtime until all symptoms disappear! Usually this only takes 1 or 2 days to start feeling better. The garlic works through the respiratory and is very effective if used at the first signs or symptoms of a cold or flu. This is not that great for a stomach bug it does not work on your digestive system the same way. My husband at first thought this was some form of torture that I had invented but soon came to realize how much healthier he is now that he does a daily dose of garlic. I even got the flu for Halloween and he did not feel it at all.

The second remedy I recommend is Elderberry capsules. You can find these at your local health food store or co-op. I use Elderberry as a natural antibiotic and find that it helps with many different illnesses. It is important to use immediately when you get sick not after you have been ill for a few days. It is always much harder to get rid of an illness if it has taken root in your body. I do not recommend that you take this on a regular basis only when the first signs of illness occur.

Another great immune booster is mushrooms. I take a combination of Reishi, Shitaki, Lion's Mane, Maitake, and other organic dried mushrooms in a capsule form. Mushroom soup is also a great immune booster. The important thing here is to keep your immune system healthy and strong. If you have small children there are many natural remedies for children. If you have a baby the best way to boost their immune system is by nursing and making sure you are healthy too.

There are many other ways to prevent illness: exercise, fresh air, emotional well being, and a positive attitude. Meditation, yoga, and other mind and body exercises will help boost your immune system. Look to nature first and you can stay healthy for many years to come!