Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Top 5 Medicinal Herbs that fight the Flu!

Thanks Natural News! Posted below is an article outlining the Top 5 Herbs that fight the flu! Loved this article!!! Sharing now!



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Experts debate about the effectiveness of these herbs in preventing influenza and other kinds of diseases because of a lack of evidence. On the other hand, others have no doubts about their efficacy. The fact remains that these herbs possess qualities that help the body become strong enough to fight off sickness. It is important; however, to consult properly with a professional before taking any of these herbal medicines.

Garlic

There are certain characteristics of garlic that make it effective at enhancing white blood cells, which is actually the body's first defense against all sorts of infection and illnesses. There has actually been a research study published about the capabilities of garlic and it was included in the Journal of National Medical Association. The study was initiated by Dr. Tariq Abdullah.

According to Dr. Abdullah, garlic's efficacy is proven at the onset of the flu. It is taken with honey and chewed in cloves. This way of consuming garlic helps with easy absorption. The fumes from garlic can make their way through the sinuses while swallowing it can be beneficial to the gastrointestinal tract.

Echinacea

This is another popular herbal remedy. It is well regarded for its ability to enhance the immune system. It also has unique properties that can help ease pain and inflammation as per the University of Maryland Medical Center. As a matter of fact, there are supplements now that come from dried Echinacea. There are certain precautions that should be observed; however, with taking this herb especially for individuals who are under immuno-suppressant medication. To avoid risks and reap only the benefits, the advice of a specialist needs to be sought after.

Slippery elm

This herb also has positive effects to the immune system. It specifically works to protect any damaged tissue. Slippery elm can also serve the purpose of protecting the esophagus, stomach, intestine lining and throat. This is achieved by the herb through supplying much needed nutrition.

Elderberry

This is another effective herbal medicine that works great in treating flu cases where the respiratory tract is involved. It helps relieve muscle pain and sore throats and it also works effectively at lowering fever. Elderberry has long been considered as a stimulant for the immune system and its extract should be taken as soon as the first symptoms of sickness are felt.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is quite effective at treating cough. It can also help relieve the common symptoms of cold and flu. The fresh leaves of Eucalyptus can either be used as a tea or gargled to relieve pain in the throat. It can also be applied as an ointment for relief.

There are other medicinal herbs regarded for their ability to help the human body fight off sicknesses such as influenza. But since these herbs may interfere with other medications, individuals are reminded against self-medicating. Health is at stake, so proper consultation with a specialist is critical.

The Flu and The Flu shot.... The real story here...

The FDA is in a constant battle with people like me... Why? If herbs were of no consequence and did not work why would they care what the "hippies" do? Because they know that knowledge of herbs sets you free from their hamster wheel! Recently the FDA decided to bad mouth natural flu remedies... forgetting that their ancestors perhaps only lived thru the flu due to these remedies. Below I have posted an article from Natural News on this issue...  I only have taken a flu shot once in my life. I got dog sick that year! I use and make echinacea tinctures and not only give to myself but my kiddos! I also cook religiously with fresh or my dehydrated garlic and I will be making elderberry syrup this week! I do this because it works for me! Everyone at the kids school has had the flu and even though they have gotten a cold or two... they have not had the flu! Knock on wood! So while I can't tell you Hey! The Wicked Wishes Apothecary Immune tincture will keep you from getting the flu... I can say look up the ingredients and get the knowledge for yourself! In the Immune Support Tincture the ingredients are as follows: Echinacea, Elderberries, Garlic, Onions, and Mullein.... so you do the research!

Why is this important to the FDA? Aren't Most Flu shots free? Yeah that's my question too! If they aren't making money off of it... why would they care if you take a natural remedy versus a flu shot? Makes you wonder whats in that shot huh?!?!?
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The government's "health" agencies are at it again, this time pushing more flu vaccines on an unsuspecting population by threatening makers of natural remedies.

Regulators at the Food and Drug Administration have sent letters to nine Internet distributors of dietary supplements with a warning to cease and desist making "false" claims about their products' ability to ward off the flu virus.

The companies say their products can help reduce the severity and/or duration of the flu with the use of supplements - a claim the FDA's Big Pharma backers are obviously uncomfortable with.

In a letter to a company called Supplementality LLC, for instance, government health regulators said the distributor was improperly offering products that were allegedly aimed at diagnosing, mitigating, preventing, treating or curing flu virus, the Chicago Tribune reported. The letter demanded the company "immediately cease marketing" in that manner.

"There are no over-the-counter products that shorten the duration or severity of the flu," Gary Coody, FDA's national health fraud coordinator, told the paper.

The government warning covers products that include resveratrol, echinacea, elderberry, garlic, astragalus immune support system and ashwagandha.

Despite the widespread use of so-called "flu vaccines" again this year, flu cases are unusually severe this year, so the government's warning seems especially punitive amid a rush for alternative remedies.

Coody said in some cases of alleged infractions cited in the FDA warning letters pertained to what the agency has deemed misleading claims about the supplements. In other letters, the warnings related to the supposed sale of phony versions of Tamiflu, which is a prescription antiviral medication.

Other companies that received warning letters include: Discount Online Pharmacy, Kosher Vitamin Express, Medsnoscript, Oasis Consumer Healthcare LLC, Secure Medical Inc., Sun Drug Store, Vitalmax Vitamins, and the University of Berkley, whose marketing of the "Berkley Body-Immune Flu Prevention" product is a violation of law.

Coody said six companies have responded to the FDA warnings and have made the mandated corrections.

Again, the warnings come amid a banner year for the flu, which makes the FDA's actions seem retaliatory to say the least, since millions of Americans are trying to seek flu relief as best they can.

Especially hard-hit is the nation's elderly population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's top physician, Dr. Thomas R. Frieden. This, despite the distribution and administration of tens of millions of doses of "flu vaccines" this past fall.

In all, according to The New York Times, vaccine makers have delivered 145 million doses this year - 10 million more than previously projected.

At the flu's peak, scores of older Americans were dying from pneumonia and other flu-related afflictions, levels that surpassed the "epidemic" curve for the first time, the paper said. More than 30 children have died as well.

Cure for flu deaths? A flu shot...

In fact, as Natural News has reported, the flu vaccine is thought to be responsible for the deaths of at least two Minnesota teens.
(http://www.naturalnews.com/039140_flu_shot_teens_death_risk.html)

In response, state health officials are urging more Minnesotans to get flu shots.

"Still others have since tried to reassure the public that flu shots still work, and that Carly's death is some kind of medical anomaly," Ethan A. Huff wrote. "But the science speaks for itself -- in a best case scenario, flu shots provide protection for only about 1.5 out of every 100 people. The other 98.5 people who get flu shots are needlessly exposed to toxic adjuvants and viral materials that could cause them to develop the flu, or worse."

And yet, despite that horrifically poor "success" rate, the FDA wants to punish natural remedy providers for giving Americans a choice.