Looking for ways to fight the flu? You’re really going to like this article.
Hey I’m Damian – resident survival expert at Concerned Patriot. I’ve been asked to take over the blog, so today I want to talk to you about natural ways you can combat the flu.
We’re getting into that time of year where people are starting to get sick. Really sick. Sick from the flu.
This is one of the least fun ways to spend an afternoon. Symptoms include things like fever, chills, cough, congestion, tiredness, headaches, aches, and a runny nose. However, unlike the common cold, this can leave you on the couch for days, or even weeks at a time.
What’s even more unpleasant about the flu is that it kills people. Every year, the flu kills thousands of people worldwide. And doctors aren’t quite sure what to do, or how to stop it.
Although there’s no cure for the flu, there are ways to prevent it. Sure, one of the ways people will tell you is to get a flu shot. However, in an SHTF event, it’s unlikely that there will be doctors and/or pharmacies around to administer the shot.
And, if your only source of protection from the flu is a shot, you’re in for a world of hurt.
Thankfully, you can depend on other resources to fight this disease – things that may just be of use once a crisis hits. That’s why I want to introduce you to these…
17 Natural Ways to Fight the Flu
1 – Eat Garlic. Garlic is a nutritional powerhouse, containing tons of antioxidants, as well as antiviral, antimicrobial, and antibiotic properties. It even relieves nasal congestion. Work it into your cooking and be sure to use fresh garlic to get these benefits.
2 – Don’t Touch Your Face. This gives germs easy access into your eyes, nose and mouth. Once they’re there, they can easily get into your body and begin to make you sick.
3 – Eat Medicinal Mushrooms. And no – I’m not talking about drugs. Chinese and Japanese doctors have been using and recommending medicinal mushrooms for hundreds of years, thanks to their excellent at strengthening the immune system. With a blend of shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms, these will help you feeling better in no time.
4 – Invest In Baby Wipes. You’re not always going to be by a sink to wash your hands and face. So carry baby wipes, and use these to wipe off your face, hands, neck, and any other body part. You should also use these to wipe off the steering wheel when you get in the vehicle. But, if you’re a parent, you know how many brands of wet wipes there are. And these are NOT created equal. Watch the video below, where two guys rate and review baby wipes for a survival (or any) situation.
5 – Take Andrographis Supplements. Andrographis is a plant typically found in Asian countries that is basically a miracle worker. Not only does it help prevent influenza, but it also eases digestion issues, and reduces liver conditions and fevers. It soothes sore throats, and even detoxifies the blood and strengthens the immune system.
6 – Take Showers. If you can afford it, rinse off your body throughout the day – especially if you’ve been in a disease-ridden area. Put on clean, dry clothes afterward. For SHTF situations this can be as easy as filling a black trash bag with water, letting it heat up in the sun, and then poking holes in it and running the water over you.
7 – Take Elderberry Syrup. A teaspoon of this syrup is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Elderberry is also an antihistamine, making it perfect for combatting germs and disease. Swallow the syrup for relief from sinus pain and chronic fatigue.
8 – Eat Your Fruits and Veggies. Both of these have innumerable vitamins, minerals, and nutritional benefits. So, suffice it to say that if you think you need these when you’re healthy, you need them even more when you’re sick.
9 – Eat More Ginger. This natural root acts as a powerful decongestant and antihistamine, which makes it ideal for fighting the flue. Boil the ginger to make a tea (serve with honey and lemon), or add it to stir-fries for a pungently pleasant aroma and flavor.
10 – Wash Your Hands After Going To The Bathroom, and Before Preparing Food. Hand washing isn’t sexy, and it doesn’t have a ton of advertising and publicity behind it like other remedies do. But it’s been proven to remove germs off your hands. Use soap, warm water, and scrub your hands for 20 seconds before rinsing. (Pro Tip: Hum the song “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” all the way through – this is about the amount of time you need to scrub).
11 – Drink Lots Of Water. When you’re sick, your body often produces more sweat than usual. That, coupled with all the drainage from your nose can leave you dehydrated. Keep drinking water to prevent dehydration. This will also help flush out toxins in the body.
12 – Drink Echinacea Tea. This amazing herb contains both antiviral and antibacterial properties. It also help increase your white blood cell count, allowing your body to fight off infection more quickly. You can also get echinacea in extracts or supplements.
13 – Get Your Sleep. Yes, sleep is hard to come by when SHTF (let alone in day-to-day life). However, getting as much of it as you can is imperative to your health. Remember, less sleep leads to a weakened immune system, making it that much harder for your body to recover.
14 – Use Hand Sanitizer. Touching things everyone else has been, too? Use hand sanitizer every time. The liquid will kill off disease, and will prevent you from getting sick. Keep mini bottles of this stuff in your bug out bag – it’s going to come in handy way more often than you think.
15 – Quit Smoking. Not only is smoking terrible for your lungs as it is, but it also decreases your body’s ability to resist respiratory illnesses. Not to mention, it makes the sickness much worse on your body if you do become sick. Plus, when SHTF, you’re likely not going to buy cigarettes from a store anyhow, so you might as well kick the habit now and save yourself the trouble.
16 – Use A Paper Towel To Open Doors & Turn Handles. Then throw the towel away. This helps keep germs and bacteria on the towel, and not on you. Other options include your shirt (if it’s clean), a washcloth, or any other clean piece of material.
17 – Take Honeysuckle Forsythia. This nine-herb combination includes licorice (for sore throat and cough), peppermint (for clearing nasal passages), Jing Jie (stimulates perspiration to clear out toxins), and Lu Gen (gives relief to the stomach and lungs).
**BONUS: Already Have The Flu? Ways To Get Better Faster**
You got the flu, huh? You’re probably feeling miserable right now, and wondering if you’ll ever get better. Well, the good news is, (in addition to the list above) this list of natural remedies can help you feel better, faster. Take a look:
- Do A Face Steam. Bring water to a rolling boil, and then take it off the heat and put it on a flat surface. Take a towel and put it over your head, allowing you to breathe in the steam. This will not only help unclog your pores, but will also help relieve the congestion and stuffiness. Slowly, deeply, breathe in and out for 15 minutes.
- Drink Chamomile and Peppermint Teas. Add honey to soothe that raw throat.
- Eat Chicken Noodle Soup, and Soups Made From Bone Broth. These are age-old remedies that always seem to make us feel better.
- Add Fresh Ginger and Lemon Juice to Water (Hot or Cold). This will not only make the water taste good, but also brings lots of healing benefits into your drink.
- Put A Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar In Your Water For Maximum Health Benefits. Add Honey to make it more palatable.
- Take Vitamin C Tablets. These should be in your bug out bag as well.
- Drink Teas with Nettle Leaf and Yarrow. Nettle Leaf helps the body hydrate, removes toxins, and contains lots of vitamins. Yarrow is excellent for liver and kidney health, and supports the endocrine system.
