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(Coming soon – formulas for the herbs mentioned.)

Flu Protocol – for  “Flu Like Illness”*

 

My Experience

*Since most flus are not tested unless someone is seriously ill in the hospital, and currect flu tests have a wide range of inaccuracy. 

Disclaimer – this is merely a record of how I dealt with having swine flu*, lessons learned, what I could have done more of, and what seemed to help.  I am hoping to present this information in a way that will be helpful for others to both prevent, and if necessary, treat flu (also known as “flu like illnesses”).  It is very far from being an all-inclusive protocol.  Most people cannot do everything; but as the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  There are many other treatments and remedies, both natural or pharmaceutical, that may (or may not) be useful.  I may have had a strain which was not destined to be very dangerous, or perhaps my treatment plan helped prevent a more severe manifestion of the flu, taking into consideration that I do have asthma.  I was never diagnosed with flu, tests are rarely done, and the rapid flu test is notoriously inaccurate.  So there really is no way to “know” if what I had is the flu.   In several discussions with a friend (an influenza genetics investigator and natural health proponent), I discovered strong indications that my unusual spectrum matches the symptoms of many others who’ve suffered from this present circulating virus.   And considering I got it in late October 2009 at the height of the last wave, and there basically is no other flu,  it’s clear to me what I had.

Early administration of herbs is essential for flu like illness.  Since flu viruses replicate very fast, and the greater the viral load the worse the course of illness, it is recommended to start herbal protocol as soon as the slightest hint of illness symptoms manifest themselves.  Alternatively, the protocol can also be started if you have had contact with a sick person, or someone subsequently found to be sick.  In such cases, if no illness symptoms present themselves, than you can stop the protocol after a few days.

*I was not tested, so cannot know for sure, although rapid tests are notoriously inaccurate anyway.  But my symptoms were not usual seasonal flu symptoms, they were quite different and the main ones were extreme malaise to the point of utter exhaustion, very loud tinnitus, very reduced lung capacity with some pain, a bit of coughing mucus but surprisingly little, dull constant headache, visual disturbance, extreme brain fog to the point of feeling drugged, dry and sore mucus membranes in the head, neck pain, and inability to really do much of anything at all for at least two weeks.  Very low energy lasted for months.   A bit of nausea and very little appetite as well.  Absolutely no fever ever.   ***ETA:   Although I felt feverish, I checked many times and never had an elevated temperature.  Also had a “toxic” headache - an unusual pinching, biting headache for several weeks, day and night,  ocular discomfort, and visual disturbances.  Noted dizziness as well.  I also experienced very localized lower back pain, and associated UTI symptoms.  ***   It started off with a small sore throat.  About 10 days into the illness my breathing was so labored and shallow I considered if it got any worse I should go to the ER.  Fortunately it got a bit better after a couple of days.   It took me a few months to feel back to normal. 

Pre-Flu – Avoiding Infection

The Outside World

Avoid close contact, especially indoors, with potentially contagious people, who themselves can be symptom free; as a person can be contagious one to two days before manifesting symptoms.  I got the flu from one person who was at that time symptom free, or one other person who was coughing, working outdoors with my husband.  So you don’t need a large group of sick people to catch it from; just one will do.

Shopping early in the morning as soon as stores open, or very early at places open for 24 hours.  Disposable gloves or hand sanitizing, wiping down shopping cart handles, or wrapping a plastic bag over the handle can help.  Wearing a mask doesn’t guarantee protection but it also helps keep others at a distance!  When arriving home leaving goods outside or other porch for some hours, removing wrappers outside, double bagging produce and taking off the outer bag before bringing inside can help.

From what I’ve read, flu virus degrade in 8 to 12 hours on smooth surfaces, up to 24 or longer on rougher surfaces.

Applying oil to the inside of the nostrils protects the mucus membranes from viral invasion; I use refined sesame oil often with some Tea Tree and Lemon essential oils added; some people use lip balm or Neosporin.  This keeps the membranes from cracking (which helps viruses get inside the body) as well as provides a barrier between your skin and invaders.

When returning from work, shopping or other outside contact, at the very least change clothes and wash hands and face well.  Covering the hair when out and about is helpful.  I generally shower as well.  Practice of Neti or saline nasal wash is very important, as well as gargling with salt water.  The larger the viral load ingested, the better the chances of infection, with more likelihood of a severe case. 

A Note About Neti

Daily use of Neti – saline nasal wash – and gargle, using salted lukewarm water is not only a general health practice but especially important to avoid getting flu.  Sea salt with no chemical additives is best; often salt advertised as “Sea Salt” still contains additives for free flowing, non-caking,etc.  Boxes of canning salt (finer grind) works well as that kind of salt has no other chemicals.  Usually ½ teaspoon to a pint of slightly warmer than lukewarm water, adjust to your liking.  Important to stir the salt well.  Neti not only washes out debris that can harbor virus, but also the viruses themselves, and also promotes the free flow of air and thus Prana into the body, facilitating general health.  Especially important upon return home from outside or after contacting other people.

 

The Inside World

The immune system can use some help.  Here are some ideas.

Enough sleep.  Many traditions say that the best sleep is had by going to bed early and getting up early – before or at sunrise.  Not everyone can do this, but the closer to this standard a person sleep habits are, the deeper the rest.  Head pointing North is said to cause disturbed sleep; pointing East is best, then South, West is acceptable.

Deeply nutritious food – no junk (artificial ingredients and preservatives), fast food, hydrogenated oils, tons of sugar, etc.  Make all food count.  Very cold or refrigerated foods are, according to Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, much harder for the body to digest, and thus weakening, especially in the winter and during flu season.  Avoid dehydration not just by drinking, but also by eating foods with liguid such as soups and hot cereals.  (More on deep nutrition soon.)

Many sources cite Vit D as helpful.  Spending even 20 minutes in the sun several times a week will help.

Drinking pure water.  A home water purifier such as a Berkefeld is much better than buying water in plastic bottles as the plastic itself isn’t good and the water quality may not be as advertised.  For certain constitutions it is best to drink water mixed with other substances as in herb teas, juices mixed with water, or even water with pinches of citrus peel, cloves or other spices, also drinking water warmed or even boiled.

Using ginger and other hot spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, black pepper and hot chilis (in moderation) in foods can be helpful.  Avoid cold food and drinks.

Use essential oils preventatively – sprinking on the neck of shirts or using some kind of aromatherapy device – there are many for household use or in cars, as well as ones wearable around the neck.  They help keep airways open and have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.

Helpful Herbs 

Daily intake of Elderberry (tincture, syrup or other form) is said to be very good.  Studies have been done proving the efficacy of Elderberry – it prevents flu viruses from entering the cells and protects the cell walls against attack. Two teaspoons a day recommended.  (Note:  I was slack in this regard, my husband very regular.  He got a much lighter case of flu than me.)

Ojas Builder Formula:  Strengthens the Ojas or vital force of the body, the deep immunity.  One teaspoon twice a day, or more, taken in a bit of water or water and milk, before eating.

Natural C Plus:  Up to two teaspoons a day, added to drinks or water or even stirred into applesauce, yogurt or other foods.

Sitopladi and/or Trikatu – Trikatu is one of the main ingredients in Sitopladi, which is helpful for intitial cold or flu symptoms and taken as a preventative  as well as for symptoms.  Another variety of Sitopladi is called Talisadi, which has additional ingredient for cough.  They are both tasty, which is very helpful – they can be added to other drinks.  Trikatu is made from equal amounts of powdered ginger, black pepper and long pepper, or pippli.  A few pinches of Trikatu a day in drinks, 1/3 to ½ t. of Sitopladi two to three times a day in drinks.

Lemon and Orange peel powder  (or fresh grated – unsprayed/waxed fruit only) – ¼ to 1/3 teaspoon twice a day in drinks or added with Natural C Plus.  Although these are ingredients in Natural C Plus, they are useful taken by themselves, as the essential oils in the peels contain anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, bioflavanoids and are considered in Chinese medicine to unblock digestive stagnation and are helpful for the liver and spleen and may help with lung mucus.  These are tasty powders and can be added in small quantity to many foods and drinks.

Keeping warm.  This includes hands and feet, head and ears.  Hats, gloves, warm socks and even cotton balls in the ears are useful.  It is much easier to get sick when the body gets very chilled.

Part Two

When Symptoms Appear

Since all flus now are A H1N1 aka “swine” flu, it is vitally important to immediately address any symptoms of flu-like illness the moment they appear.  Even if you think “maybe it won’t get bad, it’s just a tickle in my throat” – treat it as though it’s the Bad Flu!  The longer you wait, the more the virus will replicate, causing more severe illness, as well as potentially infecting others.  Whether it’s a tiny sore throat, a slight fever, runny nose, unusual headache or eye pain, lassitude or any other flu like symptom, it needs your immediate attention.  Keep in mind that many cases of flu exhibit no fever at all, or not until the later stages when it has progresses to viral pneumonia or other very severe and hard to reverse manifestations.

The most important considerations are Regularity and Constistency.  Herbs will do little to no good if taken occasionally.  Several times a day is mandatory, if you expect any benefit from them.  You want to keep them circulating in your system at all times.

Herbs

1.   Chewing small peeled pieces of raw ginger during the day.  Helps with sore throats and respiration.

2.  Drinking hot drinks such as Ginger tea, Yogi or Chai tea, other spicy teas.  Cutting milk products, especially any cold ones.Eating hot soups and easy to digest warm foods.  Occasional hot milk is okay especially if some powdered spices are added, best diluted with hot water.

3.   Flu Fighter  - Start intake of 1/3 to ½ teaspoons,  three times or better yet four times a day with a pinch of Trikatu or ginger.  Warning – this tastes very bitter, drink with just a small amount of water, honey added is fine but it won’t help the taste much.  A formula designed to combat virus, help lungs, and purify the system from toxic byproducts of viral replication and destruction.

 4.  Mahasudarshan – A traditional Ayurvedic formula for types of infectious illness that resemble flu, also helps with detoxification and function of liver and spleen.

5.   Lung Support – take ½ teaspoon three to four times a day, can be taken with Ojas Builder which you can continue during illness.  Helps to strengthen and open the lungs.

6.   Prunella (Self Heal, or All Heal)  extract or tincture  – 5 drops under the tongue, every few hours.  Can take many times a day.  Under the tongue makes it absorb quickly into the bloodstream.  Helps with viruses, flu and has other uses as well.

7.   Lomatium tincture – take same as the Prunella, can be mixed together for a single dose.  Native Americans in Nevada took this during the 1918 flu and traditionally used this for respiratory illnesses.  A doctor who treated them started using it for his other patients and apparently it was very helpful in preventing deaths.

8.   Increase intake of Natural C Plus to more times a day – every couple of hours, another 1/3 to ½ teaspoon.  Natural C Plus has so many uses it’s hard to list – high natural C, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and viral, helps with blood production and balances blood pressure, helpful for anemia, digestion, absorption of nutrients, strengthens the heart, lowers cholesterol, etc.

9.   Increase intake of Elderberry – take two teaspoons or even a couple of tablespoons four times a day.  Can be mixed with Natural C, mixed with water and a bit of honey – tastes good.  Studies have shown that Elderberry helps prevent flu viruses from replicating in the cells

10.  Keep taking the Sitopladi or Talisadi as desired in small doses, for sore throat, mucus, cough and other like symptoms.  These are traditional Ayurvedic formulas for symptomatic relief of respiratory illnesses.  Good to take preventatively as well.  They taste good.

11.  Slippery elm tea made with powder is helpful for relief of inflamed surfaces, tastes good with a bit of honey and pinch of cinnamon.  Soothing, strengthening and  nourishing and easily taken by children. It is considered to be helpful for lung bleeding, dry or sore throats, other lung problems and digestive difficulties including nausea.  In a large mug put about 2 or three teaspoons of the powder, fill with hot water while stirring and let sit a couple of minutes.  It thickens up and can be flavored.

12. Have cough syrup on hand – especially one with expectorant qualities. 

13.  Fever Reducer – I have a Fever Reducer formula but did not need it as I had no fever.  Use of some kind of fever reducer is, in my view, good, if the fever is very high or prolonged, and children especially can get convulsions from high fever.

14.  If nausea is present, a very weak solution of pure Peppermint Essential oil in water (one drop to a pint of water) is helpful to sip, splash on the face and hands, or to spray in the air.  This can also help with headache and is cooling in case of fever.

15.  One drop of pure Lemon Essential oil in a cup of hot water with optional honey or raw sugar is a good drink for illness and can be taken three times a day.  Can be added to other drinks.  Orange juice is not recommended as according to Ayurveda it increases mucus production.  Lemon or lime juice added to drinks is preferable.

16.  Trikatu – A traditional Ayurvedic formula made of “three hots” – Ginger, Black  pepper and Pippali or Long Pepper – can be taken several times a day in hot water, mixed with   honey, or added to other mixtures.  It helps dry up mucus, opens the lungs, burns up toxics, and increases the fire of digestion.

Helpful Hint:   

   Intake of herbs is best in small doses, very frequently – try to take something every hour or two hours max.  Stagger the herbs you take so you can take something very frequently.  If you get up in the middle of the night, have a dose of Flu Fighter and/or Elderberry on the counter to swig down.  If you don’t get up, try doing so just to have regular intake.

    Since there are so many herbs that can be taken, think of a way that will be easiest.  I found that making a big dose of each powdered herb, and a large dose of the Elderberry and Natural C Plus, and taking portions of them during the day saved time and energy.  Just rotate and make sure that something is taken at least once an hour if possible.  Once every half hour is ideal – for instance, a few drops of this, a cup of that, a swallow of this other, etc.

Helpful Hint:  Since there are so many herbs that can be taken, think of a way that will be easiest.  I found that making a big dose of each powdered herb, and a large dose of the Elderberry and Natural C Plus, and taking portions of them during the day saved time and energy.  Just rotate and make sure that something is taken at least once an hour if possible.  Once every half hour is ideal – for instance, a few drops of this, a cup of that, a swallow of this other, etc.

Other Measures

1. Hot baths or showers using essential oils – use oils with care, a few drops are enough, can add more as they evaporate in a bath, stir before getting in to disperse.  For a shower, you can sprinkle them in the shower and even put your foot or a washcloth over the drain a bit to keep them from going down the drain.

2. Application of Essential Oils – After the bath or shower, put a small amount of massage oil in the palm of the hand, add two to three drops of useful essential oils, rub your hands together, and massage the chest area and upper back or spine.  Someone can help with the back.

3. Hot foot soaks – especially relieving if symptoms get more severe.  A bucket, bowl or other vessel (preferably not plastic) large enough to put both feet.  Put enough hot water so the ankles are covered.  Put a towel on the floor to catch drips.  The water should be hot enough so you have to gradually get your feet used to the heat.  Sprinkle a few drops of essential oils in the water, add more as they evaporate.  Soak feet for at least 20 minutes, adding more hot water as necessary. (We would take some water out as it cooled and more very hot water.)  Helps increase circulation and detoxification, especially if there is no or a low fever.

4. Steam breathing – this can be done simultaneously with the foot soak if you sit at a table.  A moderate size bowl should be filled 2/3 to ¾ with very hot to almost boiling water, a towel placed over the head, and sprinkle a few drops of essential oils in the water.  Breathe in the medicated steam, if too hot, open the towel.   Helps open the lungs, increase expectoration, essential oils work as well as the steam.  Very relieving.  If you have dry air in your house, try to use some kind of means to humidify the air at least in your main room or bedroom.

5.  Gargle and Neti often with salt water.  A tea can be made with weak Peppermint, Basil or Eucalyptus tea strain well, salt added as usual) for additional potency.

Make sure you drink enough liquids after this procedure.  Usually a deep feeling of relaxation occurs, a good time to lie down after drinking some hot tea.

6. Hot compresses or fomentations – The hot water from steam breathing can be used, may need extra hot water.  Essential oils can be added, or even using teas such as Peppermint, Basil or Eucalyptus.  The water should be so hot you need to use rubber gloves.  Get two or three washcloths and soak in the water, wringing out one or two at a time, and placing on the upper back, alternating with the chest.  Leave on only until the heat starts to reduce, than immediately replace.  As soon as the hot cloths are in place, cover the person with a wool shawl or similar wrap.  Continue for about 15 or 20 minutes.  Very good for helping decongest the lungs.  Do not place over the heart area.

7. Rest - When sick, no one should try to work, go outside shopping or for exercise, or even do much mental work.  All these tax the system, which needs all its energies to fight off illness.  Resting as much as needed (and maybe even more than seems “needed”) is essential.

8. Pay attention to any changes – Monitor your condition carefully.  There are lists of danger signs, learn them and pay attention to any changes in breathing (i.e. more difficulty, rapid or shallow), increased pain level, increased heart rate, high fever, bloody coughing, discoloring (i.e. turning grey or blue, lips, fingers, toes, etc), etc and do not hesitate to go to the ER if these or other dangerous symptoms manifest.  This is especially true for children.  If you choose to take any pharmaceutical drugs learn about possible interactions with herbs and use your common sense.

9. Easy to digest foods - Vegetable soups, perhaps with some rice added, are good foods for illness.  My favorite is thin mung broth with mild spices, it can used as a mono-diet in illness especially if there is little appetite. 

10. Relapses are common with this flu.  Expect to feel a bit better, than worse.  When feeling better, be on the lookout for any increase or return of symptoms, and take it easy.  This flu often causes central nervous system involvement, so vision disturbances, dizziness and extreme mental fog are common, as are symptoms of pain and/or weakness on one side of the body.

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