A Potent Preventative and Treatment Strategy for Viral Infection
While there aren't a lot of conventional options for the treatment of flu's like the coronavirus, except to avoid exposure, there is a lot that herbology can offer to help both prevent and treat viral infections.
The first key is to support your immune system. First through lifestyle habits like eating a nutrient-dense, unprocessed, low-sugar diet such as a Paleolithic diet. Second is getting plenty of quality sleep and regular exercise.
Already doing that? Great: you're already less likely to get sick or get as severely sick.
To help prevent getting sick, add immune-supporting herbs and supplements such as elderberry, vitamin C and make sure you have adequate vitamin D levels (but don't over-do it).
If you get sick**: These general immune-supporting and antimicrobial supplements taken AT THE VERY FIRST SIGN OF ILLNESS can often help stop you from getting sick or at least shorten the duration and severity.
They work best if you take them when the viral load is low. (at the first sign of getting sick). If you start after the virus begins to replicate significantly and your immune system is forced to respond (by making you sick), they will be less effective at eliminating the virus but can still help reduce the duration and severity of illness.
ColdQuell: a strong general antiviral, antimicrobial and immune supporting formula for colds and flues. Take 2-4 every 3-4 hours at the first sign of illness until it is gone. If you get sick, maintain the dosage but take 3-4 x/day.
Echinacea with goldenseal: immune-boosting and antimicrobial. Take 2-3 dropperfuls every 4 hours at the first sign of illness. Take 3-4 x/day for established flu or cold.
Andrographis: a potent antiviral and specifically for respiratory viral illnesses. Take 2 dropperfuls every 4 hours at the first sign, or 3-4 x/day if viral flu is established.
High dose vitamin C: 1000mg, up to 5 x/day. Use our liposomal form to avoid laxative effect of vitamin C and increase potency and absorbency.
Elderberry: immune supportive. You can take 1 teaspoon every day during cold/flu season, or 3 x/day if you are actively sick.
Oregano oil: antiviral, antibacterial, and particular effective for respiratory viruses. Take 1-2 capsules, 2-3 x/day, with food (it can irritate your stomach severely on an empty stomach).
Oscillococcinum: homeopathic viral flu and cold support. Dissolve one vial under your tongue every 4 hours at the first sign, or 3-4 x/day if cold/flu is established.
Zinc: 30 mg/day for 30 days. Unless you need it (which you would know through testing), it isn't safe to take zinc long term, especially without balancing it with copper.
Vitamin A: 50,000 IU, 2x/day, for 5-7 days. Toxic at high doses, so limit to this dosage. Take with vitamin D.
Vitamin D: 5000 IU for 5 days, You don't want to dose long term without knowing your vitamin D status.
My favorite trick: Take ColdQuell, Andrographis, high dose vitamin C, A, D and zinc, echinacea and goldenseal and elderberry at the first sign of sick, get acupuncture and take a nap. This works at kicking out the cold/flu about 60-70% of the time, and reduces the duration and severity most of the rest of the time.
The flu shot is 100% effective if you are infected with the same strain to which it is targeted. However, it is the same strain, only about 30-70% of the time.
Using these remedies along with the flu shot and proper diet, rest and exercise along with proper avoidance strategies like hand washing and hand sanitizer are a powerful defense against everything the flu (and cold) season brings!
*These are general recommendations, and may not be applicable to you. Need help deciding what supplements, nutrients and protocols are right for you? We'd love to support you! Schedule an appointment by calling 804-288-1111