If, despite your best intentions, you come down with the flu, there’s plenty you can do to fight it. And fighting the flu doesn’t mean accepting a handful of dangerous and expensive prescriptions. Try these five safer, natural cures instead. I’ve used them to cure more cases of the flu than I can count...

1. Get this homeopathic cure Europeans swear by

An eccentric genius named Samuel Hahnemann devised the treatment system of homeopathy over 200 years ago. Yet, the mainstream medical establishment treats it like a new, unproven science. Which means, unfortunately, a lot of docs are missing out on Oscillo-coccinum, a fantastic homeopathic remedy. I first learned of it from an ICU nurse who swore by it, and I now recommend it to all my patients. They attest to its excellent record in shortening the duration of their flu symptoms—especially when they take Oscillococcinum at the very first telltale signs. My patients also like how inexpensive it is since you only need a handful of doses that shouldn’t run you more than five or six dollars max.

2. Fight infections with black elderberry

The black elderberry is good for more than making wine. It has a long history of use for treating upper respiratory infections. Black elderberry has been shown in test-tube studies to fight against the most common flu viruses. It has also shown activity against the feared H5N1 avian flu virus. I recommend two formulations.

The first is Sambucol (made by Nature’s Way), shown to be effective in shortening flu duration and alleviating symptoms in several well-designed studies. (Minor note: it tastes pretty good, unlike some of that vomit-inducing stuff Big Pharma produces.) The second formulation is called Viral Block, available from New Chapter.

3. Add some spice to your flu fight

Wild Mediterranean oregano has long been reputed to have strong antibacterial, antiparasitic and antifungal (i.e. yeast) powers—and research is now proving it. The active components of oregano are thymol and carvacrol. It’s powerful stuff for treating acute illness. I recommend Oregano Force, from New Chapter.

4. Put the Indian “wonder shrub” to work for you

Andrographis is a remarkable shrub referred to as the Indian Echinacea—and it’s commonly used in India, China, and now Sweden. It’s an immune-system tonic and treatment for bacterial and viral infections. Andrographis was credited with helping slow down the great 1919 Indian flu epidemic—part of the infamous Spanish flu epidemic that killed between 20 million and 40 million people. It’s an effective acute remedy for flu infections and is supported by an increasing number of small, positive studies. Nature’s Way and Medi-Herb both offer quality Andrographis products. The Medi-Herb complex is combined with Echinacea in a form that could also be used for general support throughout the flu season. The Nature’s Way product can be found in grocery stores. The Medi-Herb product can be ordered only through a participating health professional, so you’ll need to go to www.mediherb.com to locate one.

5. Give the flu an olive branch

Olive-leaf extract has antibacterial and antiviral powers, with plenty of compelling, anecdotal reports supporting its use in combating the flu. A word of caution, however—sometimes it’s so effective it can cause what is known as the Herxheimer reaction: A die-off of viruses (or bacteria) occurs, resulting in the release of large amounts of toxins. This can cause flu-like symptoms. If this happens to you, reduce the dosage and continue on with treatment. I recommend the Olive Leaf product from Ameriden (www.Ameriden.com).

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