Fall and winter are flu and cold season, although they are usually not dangerous unless there are complications or the patient has a condition that makes these pesky ailments worse. But they are nonetheless uncomfortable and hinder our daily activities for a while. To fight the flu and its symptoms you can turn to traditional medicine or use natural remedies. Another option is to use both, drawing benefits from both.

Natural treatments can be used both to prevent and alleviate the flu. One of the best and best-known effects is that provided by certain foods which boost our defenses and strengthen the immune system, keeping the flu virus out of our body. Vitamin C is a powerful anti-flu agent. Its anti-oxidant properties and positive effect on white blood cells provide a veritable armor against bacteria. Foods rich in vitamin C include kiwi, citrus fruits and parsley. The latter has a particularly strong concentration of it: 166 milligrams per 100 grams.

Zinc and selenium also help fight the flu. The former has strong anti-viral qualities and is found in large amounts in carrots, garlic and also parsley. Selenium, which strengthens the immune system, is found in products as diverse as grains, fish and onions.

Also in the realm of food, there are some time-honored remedies that are still around and working well. Lemon with honey is a good weapon against respiratory trouble, and hot broth is invigorating.

So-called green medicine also holds lots of solutions for fighting winter ailments. The most efficient plants include holly, which lowers fevers, and teas made with lime flower mixed with thyme and birch leaves. You can alternate this brew with teas that include ivy, wormwood and cypress bark in equal amounts, and with tea made from elder. To complete treatment, there is nothing better than borage, hyssop and sarsaparilla root, as well as eucalyptus vapors, which clean out respiratory passages wonderfully. Eyebright and yarrow also aid these passages.

Then there are homeopathic ways to fight the flu. To avoid catching it altogether, take Oscillococcinum, while in the first stages of a developing flu a good remedy is to take 5 pellets of Aconitum Napelles 9CH or Belladonna 9CH each night. While recovering from flu, China 9CH and Influenzinum are good. In any case it is best to consult with homeopathic doctor, who will decide what each patient should take and in what dosage.

Aromatherapy is another therapeutic option with undeniable qualities for fighting the flu, especially when it comes to recovering from side effects like fatigue. We recommend essential oils of rosemary, basil, sage and mint. It is best to use them one at a time and in the morning so their stimulating effects do not alter your sleep pattern and cause insomnia.�
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