Prevent influenza by natural methods

 Ginseng (Panax ginseng). By strengthening the immune system, taking ginseng may help prevent the flu, in conjunction with a flu shot. In people vaccinated against influenza, standardized extracts of Asian ginseng (G115®, 100 mg, twice daily)¹² and American ginseng¹⁹ (COLD-fX®, 200 mg, twice daily) significantly decreased the risk of getting a respiratory infection compared to placebo.

Dosage

Take 100 mg to 200 mg, twice a day, of a standardized extract of ginseng (2% to 4% ginsenosides).

 echinacea (Echinacea sp). Many people use Echinacea to help prevent colds and the flu. However, most clinical trials conducted with echinacea have focused on the prevention of cold only (with rather positive results). It would be logical to think that Echinacea also helps prevent influenza due to its immunomodulatory action. But, the current scientific data are insufficient to be able to affirm it. For more information, see the Echinacea fact sheet.

 Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus ou Huang Qi). The dried root of this plant is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to increase the body’s resistance to viral infections. The studies carried out to test its effectiveness, carried out in China, involved a small number of subjects and had a questionable methodology.³. Astragalus root should be consumed only for prevention.

Dosage

See our Astragalus sheet.

 Ginger (Zingiber officinale). According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginger helps prevent infections of the respiratory system when taken at the onset of the first symptoms of a cold or flu.

Dosage

See our Ginger (psn) fact sheet.

Treat the flu by natural methods

 Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata). The aerial parts of this plant have been used for hundreds of years to treat fever and respiratory infections in several traditional Asian medicines. The authors of a review of 4 randomized, double-blind trials concluded that andrographis, alone or combined with eleutherococcus, is more effective than placebo in treating uncomplicated respiratory infections (colds, flu, pharyngitis)¹⁷. The authors of another synthesis came to the same conclusion¹⁸. Some research has been done on young patients, with positive results. See the Andrographis file for more information.

The mechanism of action of the plant has not yet been elucidated, but in vitro tests indicate that it has immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory and febrifugal effects (reduction or disappearance of fever).¹⁸.

Dosage

Take 400 mg of standardized extract (containing 4% to 6% andrographolide), 3 times a day.

 echinacea (Echinacea sp). There is insufficient scientific data to conclude that echinacea is effective in reducing flu symptoms.

 Homeopathy. A systematic review published in 2006 aimed to assess the effectiveness ofOscillococcinum, a popular homeopathic treatment for the prevention and treatment of influenza²¹. Seven randomized clinical trials were included. The authors conclude that Oscillococcinum has no preventive effect and a very modest therapeutic effect (reduction of infection time by 0,26 days). See the Homeopathy sheet.

 Black elderberry – berries (Sambucus nigra). A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 27 subjects showed that an extract of berries black elderberry (Sambucol® syrup) was significantly better than placebo in rapidly relieving flu symptoms¹¹. Another double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 60 subjects with influenza types A and B showed that the syrup elderberry had the effect of suppressing flu symptoms 4 days earlier and significantly reducing the need for rescue medication compared to subjects taking the placebo¹⁰.

 White willow (Salix alba). Commission E and ESCOP recognize the virtues of white willow in treating diseases that are accompanied by fever, rheumatism and headaches. the British Herbal Compendium recommends it to treat colds and flu.

Dosage

See our White Willow fact sheet.

 Black elderberry – flowers (Sambucus nigra). The British Herbal Compendium recommend the use of flower of black elderberry to treat feverish states. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the traditional use of elderflowers as a diaphoretic (which causes sweating) and expectorant.

Dosage

See our black elderberry sheet.

 Acupuncture and acupressure. Acupuncture may help you feel better and speed recovery from the flu. Uncontrolled and non-random study from China shows acupuncture lowers fever¹⁵. In addition, another study carried out in the Czech Republic, also uncontrolled and not random, seems to indicate that acupressure, used in particular in shiatsu, is effective in treating flu symptoms.¹⁶. More precisely, this study relates to the “Chromassi” method, which consists of combining massage and acupressure. This method is based on the theory of biological rhythms and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Like acupuncture, acupressure acts on the meridians to restore energy balance.

 Dietary modifications. Nutritionist Hélène Baribeau answers several questions aboutpreferred diet during a flu. For example, do dairy products increase mucus formation? Does chicken broth have any real influenza benefits? Does sugar weaken the immune system? Read her answers in The Flu, the Common Cold, and Food in 10 Questions.

 Chinese Pharmacopoeia. There are at least 3 over-the-counter preparations that are used in Chinese medicine for influenza (see the corresponding sheets in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia section).

— Xiao Chai Hu Wan. This preparation would be very effective in the fight against respiratory infections which are slow to heal, when the body no longer has the energy to do so.

— Yin Qiao San. Created to fight infectious diseases in children, the Yin Qiao San helps fight spring and summer flu.

— Yu Ping Feng San (Wan). This preparation acts by reducing the frequency and intensity of respiratory infections (allergic rhinitis, colds, flu, etc.).