Medical expert of the article
New publications
Treatment of influenza by alternative methods
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Treatment of influenza by alternative means can replace even strong antiviral drugs, especially if it is influenza in mild or moderate form. If a person spends at least a week in bed, will drink a lot of warm broths and teas, and combine these measures with alternative means, a trip to the pharmacy may not be necessary at all. Moreover, there is no more environmentally friendly means than products and herbs.
Read also:
Garlic in the treatment of influenza
Garlic contains allicin, a special compound that has antiviral properties. This was proven in a recent scientific study. This small study suggests that garlic can help prevent colds and flu, albeit in mild form. In addition, garlic contains zinc, and this element turns out to be. Perfectly helps the immune system to cope with viruses.
Read also: 5 reasons to use zinc for colds
Fresh raw garlic is the most powerful alternative to the flu. Garlic can not only be - it is desirable to inhale, suppressing so that the garlic let the juice. Essential oils of garlic will perfectly help you in the fight against viruses. However, garlic supplements can increase the risk of bleeding, so people who take garlic for blood thinning must first ask permission of their doctor.
Onion in the treatment of influenza by alternative means
Onions have almost no competition in the prevention of flu and colds. And even when a person gets sick with the flu. Doctors advise him to fight with viruses ... By means of onions. It used to be called a golden apple and the bow was considered as expensive as gold. It is really priceless - at least according to the level of vitamin C, which helps the human immune system.
To bow well helped against the flu, it, like garlic, you can not only eat, but also inhale. To do this, it is desirable to grate the onion on a small grater, so that it spreads a lot of useful phytoncides well. Several times inhaling the onion - then the nose, then the mouth - a person makes a huge contribution to their treatment of the flu by alternative methods. It is all the more good that the virus primarily concentrates in the respiratory tract, on the mucous membranes, so it can be inhaled exactly from it.
Echinacea as an alternative to the fight against influenza
Recent studies have shown that Echinacea can be effectively used as an alternative remedy for colds or influenza. However, there are different opinions of doctors regarding the strength of different parts of the echinacea acting against the flu. One recent study has shown that it is more effective to use not the root of this plant, but its stem, leaves and flowers.
But do not take decoctions or infusions of echinacea for more than eight weeks - studies show that using it for a long period of time can lead to damage to the immune system. People who are allergic to ragweed should not take echinacea at all.
Infusion of echinacea purpurea against influenza do so. It is necessary to pour 1 tablespoon of dried raw material with 1 liter of water and insist for up to two weeks in a dark place. The bank with Echinacea should be shaken periodically. Then the infusion should be filtered and taken on 30 drops three times a day for half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 10 days. Then you need to take a break 10 days and again undergo a course of treatment. Infusion struggles not only against the flu, but also treats the reproductive system, strengthens the immune system.
The elderberry against the flu
Such an alternative agent, as elderberry, is also very effective against influenza. Some studies show that elderberry extract can help reduce flu symptoms if taken within the first 1-2 days after the onset of flu symptoms.
True, some people may have side effects from taking elderberry extract for the first five days. You should know that to treat flu you need to eat elderberry flowers and her berries, and other parts of this plant should be avoided, as they can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. With elderberry is also good to do inhalation.
To get a wonderful immune drug, you need to mix in a ratio of one to one sugar and elderberry fruits. It is necessary to eat this remedy for the prevention of influenza and in the first days of the disease on a tablespoon for 30 minutes before each meal or eat as a jam with tea.
There is another good recipe for elder broth for inhalation. It is necessary to mix 3 tablespoons of elderberry berries, 2 spoons of her flowers and pour them with 1 liter of water. Boil on low heat for 2-3 minutes. Then put the dishes with this decoction, take cover on top with a blanket and inhale pairs of elder as much as you can stand. This will immediately clear your breathing passages. The main thing after this - do not get into the cold.
Ginger tea against influenza
Ginger is an incredibly powerful remedy for the flu. There is a wonderful recipe for tea from ginger, which can significantly shorten the duration of your disease. It is necessary to grate a teaspoon of ginger root and pour it with a glass of boiling water. It is necessary to drink this ginger as much as possible as hot as tea - and where only the symptoms of influenza will disappear. Ginger very effectively destroys viruses. Only you need to consider that this tea can not be drunk more than twice a day, and people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract should avoid it altogether, because it is rather harsh in taste and impact.
In general, when influenza, try to drink more warm infusions and water without gas. This will remove the intoxication of the body, inevitable in the case of the flu.
Alternative remedies for influenza are a whole planet, and you will do very well if you use these funds at an early stage of influenza treatment.