
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), an herb with anti-viral properties, is being increasingly considered as a natural-defense against the H1N1 Swine Flu. Researchers believe that this antioxidant-rich herb can reduce the duration and severity of the flu.
One such popular preparation of Elderberry is Sambucol, the syrup available in most health-food stores, which has also been tested in several studies. The treatment may help in easing symptoms of flu such as muscle aches and chills, although typical Swine Flu signs also include lethargy, fever, lack of appetite, cough, nausea and sore throat.
The compounds in Elderberry bind with viruses before penetrating into the walls of cells. This prevents the spreading of viruses. Flavanoids in the black Elderberry extract is the active component against the influenza virus. Elderberry is non-toxic and hence can be used for children too, and is available in syrup, capsules or tincture form in any health food store.
A study on flu patients who were administered Sambucol, showed that the patients were completely symptom-free in two days, while those on placebo took almost a week for recovery. This study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, was performed during an Influenza B outbreak, and hence the result was yet to be proven on Influenza A.
In another study published in the International Journal of Medical Research, about 90 percent of the participants with Influenza A, revealed that patients who received Sambucol recovered in an average of 3.1days, compared to 7.1 days in the placebo group.
Although, studies are yet to confirm if Elderberry can actually prevent the flu infection, it can be used as a natural flu remedy, in the wake of recent Swine Flu outbreak. Also, the fact that it is safe for both adults and children, with no known side effects, makes it a good natural remedy.
http://www.ayurvedictalk.com
Swine can also be cured by Gau Piyush — cow colostrumA team of city-based (Pune, India) ayurveda researchers came up with a nutritional immunity solution which they claim could be a powerful supplementary cure for swine flu. This team of researchers is backed by eminent scientist Dr Vijay Bhatkar.
A city-based institute, Institute of Integrative Healthcare (IIHC) has come up with Ayurvedic medicine, which helps in improving the immune system. The institute is a part of international multiversity founded by Dr Vijay Bhatkar.
Dr Sujata Vaidya, co-ordinator of IIHC and Dr Vinod Marathe, advisor of IIHC along with Dr Bhatkar issued a briefing about the medicine.
A task force was pooled about two years ago in the form of IIHC to find a way to improve immunity.
“The task force decided to focus on nutritional immunology inspired by a yurveda rather than vaccine-based immunology.
We found a number of references for communicable, epidemic and pandemic diseases in Ayurveda and recommended the use of ‘Gau- Piyush’ — cow colostrum — as an effective alternative to other treatments,” said Bhatkar.
The team of doctors claimed that cow colostrum has proved to be thrice as fast and effective than vaccine in influenza-like infections. However, Dr Bhatkar said, “We have not yet tested it with any swine flu patient.
We need to get permission from authorities to go ahead with the trials and have approached government authorities for it.”
Gau Piyush — cow colostrum, is the milk released immediately after the birth of a calf for the first two to four days.
It’s a thick lemon yellow coloured secretion. Cow colostrum is also used to prepare Kharwas — a sweet. But IIHC doctors said while preparing Kharwas, vital elements of colostrum are lost, as the recipe involves boiling.
www.punekar.in
Q: What does H1N1 stand for?A: It's the initials of two sugar proteins (their scientific names are hemagglutinin and neuramidinase) that sit on the surface of the virus and do its dirty work. There are 16 types of the H protein, numbered H1 through H16, and 9 types of the N protein, numbered N1 through N9. That makes 144 possible combinations of the virus, a constantly changing challenge for prevention or treatment. A new combination, H2N2, cause a brief swine flu epidemic in 1957. An H3N2 strain was the source of another epidemic in 1968. The bird flu virus that began in Southeast Asia a decade ago and has spread throughout the Old World is an H5N1 combination.
SymptomsWarning signs are symptoms that indicate that the disease is becoming serious and needs immediate medical attention. These include:
· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
· Dizziness
· Confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting
In children other warning signs include irritability, failing to wake up and interact, rapid breathing, and a blueish skin color. Another warning sign in children is if the flu symptoms appear to resolve, but then reappear with fever and a bad cough.
Preventions :· Stay at home
· Get plenty of rest
· Drink a lot of liquids
· Do not smoke or drink alcohol
· Consider over-the-counter medications to relieve flu symptoms
· Consult a doctor early on for best possible treatment
· Remain alert for emergency warning signs