Guys, I’m not going to lie to you, last week was a whip. Hubbs was battling the flu, our son was down with a different bug and us girls were hanging on for dear life. This is right after a week of snow days, late starts, and early releases. Gah!
Our family works pretty hard at staying healthy throughout the year. We pay attention to what we eat, how much rest we get, etc. But sickness is not completely unavoidable. Not in this broken world we live in.
I want to share how we beat the flu in case you are wondering how to treat it without anti-viral medications that are loaded with nasty side effects ranging from nausea and vomiting (because who doesn’t need to be violently ill when they are already violently ill) to psychosis (you would think this is rare side effect but unfortunately fairly common with the use of certain anti-viral meds).
**Please remember that I am not a healthcare professional. I am a regular person who is simply sharing what we did to combat the flu this season, because it worked and I wish someone had told me this.
Should you choose to follow my example on natural flu treatment, you are doing so are your own risk.
Also, this account is based on my husband’s recent bout with the flu.
It is important to keep in mind that he is in his late thirties, has no known health issues, and was not on any medications going into this illness. Age and overall health certainly play a major role in one’s ability to fight any illness.
Natural Remedies for Combatting the Flu
1. Elderberry syrup
We have been consuming elderberry syrup morning, noon, and night for over a week! Praise God it tastes so good!
I stand by elderberry syrup as both a treatment and preventative based on a study done byĀ Israeli virologist Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu. Dr. Mumcuoglu’s study found that certain components in elderberry syrup were not only able to combat the flu, but possibly even prevent it.
Pass the elderberry syrup and a crazy straw, please!!
I have seen the findings of Dr. Mumcuoglu’s study to be spot on with my husband’s experience with the flu.
Michael started feeling run down on Tuesday. By Wednesday morning the flu had made its grand arrival complete with chills, aches, a pounding migraine-like headache, and a dry cough (he didn’t actually run fever until day two).
Basically he felt like death, so I started giving him 2-3tsp of elderberry syrup up to 6 times a day. By Saturday morning he felt human again. Not totally well, but not bed-ridden either. I would say 4 days is a great turn around compared to the 7ish days it typically takes to get over the flu, even with anti-viral drugs.
He is now down to 4 doses per day and will continue this regimen for a few more days until he gets his full strength back.
While Hubbs took elderberry throughout his bout with influenza, the kids and I took it as a preventative measure. This article gives more information about elderberry’s benefits, and even a recipe for making your own elderberry syrup.
Elderberry syrup is affordable, ranging from $15-20 per bottle, but know that you will spend quite a bit more than that if multiple family members are taking it at the same time.
2. Oscillococcinum
Say that five times fast. Or maybe just one time slow.
It’s pronounced, ah-sill-o-cock-sin-um. You’re welcome.
Whether or not you can pronounce it, Oscillococcinum is safe and effective, from what I have seen. It helps to reduce cold and flu symptoms and doesn’t interact with other medications. It’s also non-drowsy so you can take it any time day or night.
I had Michael taking it three times a day, per the dosing recommendations on the product box. Each individual dose comes in a little tube that you empty under your tongue. The remedy actually looks like little white balls that dissolve under your tongue.
Easy peasy.
Oscillococcinum is very affordable which is great when you’re also buying all the elderberry syrup and canned soup you can find. You can find it HERE or at your local health food store.
3. Noni Microbial Defense Drops
This is the first time I have ever used Noni drops and I have to say, I’m really impressed with the results I have seen in my husband. I started giving him these drops Wednesday morning, and we continued the treatment of 30 drops every hour(ish) for three days. Like I said before, by Saturday morning he looked more like himself again.
I mean no fever, chills, headache, or sneezing. He was able to sit up and move around all day without having to get back in bed to rest. I am definitely a believer and will not be without Noni drops ever again.
While they are a little more costly than the previous two remedies I listed, they are worth every penny. I would strongly discourage you from passing these up just because of the cost, because they can be used for far more than flu treatment.
As always, the best form of flu treatment is prevention. Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep. Don’t abuse your body with alcohol, sugar, caffeine and poor eating habits. Drink water! Avoid contact with infected individuals.
But if/when illness does find you from time to time despite your best efforts, it’s so much easier on you – and those around you – if you are prepared.
Why not stock your medicine cabinet with remedies that are safe for all ages, affordable, and won’t wreak havoc on your body long after the flu is long gone?
Don’t wait until you come down with something to stock up on meds.
The best strategy is to have them on hand in advance should a cold or flu strike, and you’ll already know what your plan of attack is.
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Love these! Haven’t tried the last one but will look into it! I really want to try making my own elderberry syrup. With 4 kids we go through a bottle so quickly :/
I have been told elderberry syrup is really easy to make, but I haven’t tried it either. Let me know if you decide to go for it! I want to help/watch!