Swine Flu Treatments

You'll be looking for swine flu treatments pretty quickly if you come down with it and wish to avoid drugs such as Tamiflu with its side effects and questionable usefulness. You might want to consider some simple and natural treatments such as those listed here:

Hydration is very important if you have the flu as fluid can be lost through fever, sweating, diarrhea and vomiting. Drink lots of water.

Natural flu remedies work best if started before or as soon as symptoms appear.

Hydrogen Peroxide (3% food grade) is used by some practitioners a few drops at a time in the ears where viruses may enter the body.

Colloidal silver is a strong natural antibiotic and antiviral substance. It seems to disable an enzyme that harmful bacteria and viruses need in order to survive in the human body, killing them relatively quickly. Many people swear by colloidal silver's ability to 'knock-out' a flu infection within hours, especially when used as soon as symptoms appear.

Elderberry has been shown in recent studies to have possible antiviral and immune-boosting properties. Some people use elderberry extract to significantly shorten the duration of flu infections.

In an investigation published in The Israel Medical Association Journal, researchers found that black elderberry extract activated the immune system by boosting the production of cytokines, which are small protein molecules secreted by immune calls. In another study, published in The Journal of Internal Medicine Research, patients with the flu who took elderberry syrup (15 ml four times a day for five days) reported relief from symptoms four days earlier than those who took a placebo.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a powerful, immune-supportive antioxidant. Clinical trials in Europe have indicated that NAC may protect against the flu and flu-like symptoms. It helps breaks up mucus, especially in lung tissue. Other research indicates that it may enhance the production of human T cells, white blood cells with various immunity functions. NAC is metabolized into compounds that can stimulate glutathione synthesis. (Reprinted with permission of AIM^TM Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia)

Vitamin A increases the turnover rate of epithelial cells that line the mouth and nose.

Beta glucan can be helpful. Barley grain contains natural glucans which help the killer cells and have a direct killer effect on viruses.

Blow Your Nose Often - the Right Way Blow your nose regularly rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. But if you blow too hard, the pressure can cause an earache or force mucus into portions of your sinuses. The best way to blow your nose is to press a finger over one nostril while blowing gently to clear the other. Of course, dispose of the tissue and wash your hands when done.

Use a Salve Under Your Nose A little mentholated salve under your nose can open breathing passages and help soothe irritated skin. Menthol, eucalyptus and camphor all have mild numbing ingredients that may help relieve the pain from an overworked nose.

Apply Heat to Congested Sinuses Heat a damp washcloth (about 1 minute in a microwave works), test the temperature, then hold it over the sinus area. This helps break up mucus and relieve congestion. It feels good too!

Sleep With an Extra Pillow Under Your Head Having your head somewhat more vertical helps drain nasal passages. If it is too awkward on the neck, try placing the pillows between the mattress and box spring to make a more even slope.

So there is a good list of simple, natural swine flu treatments - both things you can take and things to do to combat the swine flu or help with many other illnesses. It's good to be aware of a number of different swine flu treatments so you have some options and can start using some of them as soon as you feel a need to.