Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. In most people, the flu goes away on its own, but it can be a serious and even fatal illness. The most common symptoms are chills, fever, sore throat, dry cough, muscle aches, headache (often severe), weakness/fatigue, digestive problems, sleep problems and general discomfort. Although flu is often confused with other flu-like illnesses, especially the common cold, flu is a more serious illness caused by a different type of virus.
Knowing that infections are on the way is the best way to strengthen your immune system (especially if you are tired and feeling down). Mid to late winter seems to be a classic time for an increased risk of infections – because people are often exhausted after a long period without much sunlight. Lack of sunlight can lead to a vitamin D deficiency, which contributes to lowering the immune response.
How can you boost your immune system?
Below are some ‘easy’ ways to boost your immunity:
When I’m fighting a bug, I often chop a clove of raw garlic and have it after dinner. Eat a few sprigs of fresh parsley if you are concerned about the recurrence of the garlic oil in your breath as this will help neutralize the odor and further boost your immune response.
Drink rosemary tea, or lemon and ginger tea, and increase garlic and ginger in your diet, as they are all good immunity boosters.
Siberian Ginseng (Elagen is one of the best standardized versions at 2000 mg per capsule) will boost your immunity and help increase stamina and energy when you are tired. As an ‘adaptogen’ it will also help alleviate the effects of stress on the body.
Diffuse antimicrobial essential oils, especially the antiviral oils – to help neutralize airborne insects before they strike! Some of the most popular choices are: – Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Manuka, Peppermint, Ravensara and Tea Tree. These oils not only help fight infections but also help boost your immune response.
Try 10 drops of Bergamot and 5 Tea Tree in a vaporizer, or make a spray with 150 ml Lavender Hydrolate, 30 drops of Bergamot, 15 Tea Tree and 5 Eucalyptus. If you don’t want to mix your own oils, you can use our pre-blended Pure Bug Buster Essential Oil with Lavender, Tea Tree, Lemon, Myrrh, Plai and Camphor or our Anti-Virus Blend with Rosemary, Cinnamon Leaf, Allspice Berry, Eucalyptus Smithii, Mandarin, Grapefruit and Carrot Seed. We also have our Immunity essential oil collection which contains Eucalyptus, Ravensara, Tea Tree, Thyme and Manuka.
Treating the flu
If you are already showing any signs of infection, act immediately and you may not have to undergo the full version. To help stop the virus, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
If you are just starting to feel tired or achy and perhaps a sore throat is coming on – take a warm (not too hot) bath before going to bed and add 15 ml of bath oil with 5 drops Tea tree1 drop of Lemon, 2 drops of Ravensara or Eucalyptus and 5 drops of Lavender. Add to the bath once the water has run.
Evaporate 2 drops of Thyme, 4 Lavender, 2 Cloves and 4 Tea Tree. Before going to bed, give yourself an aromatherapy inhalation using the same combination of oils, but using half the number of drops. Do this daily, morning and evening, as long as symptoms persist. Even if you develop more symptoms and don’t stop them, the aromatherapy oils will help reduce the severity of the condition and help prevent secondary infections.
Eat fresh soup all day long with plenty of fresh garlic, leek, onions, ginger and sage added. Don’t be tempted to take suppressive medications and work through them. Flu can be serious and you should listen to and respect your body’s signals, especially if you develop a fever. It is important that you stay warm, rest and get as much sleep as possible. Treat yourself holistically and you should recover faster and more thoroughly.
Increasing your vitamin C intake can help reduce congestion and boost immunity – try BioCare Magnesium Ascorbate powder – a low-acid form of vitamin C that you can easily take through drinks. If your digestive system is compromised, a Bio-Acidophilus Complex will help and also increase your ability to fight off these insects.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to lower your temperature and relieve pain. GPs do not recommend antibiotics for flu because they do not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
Joanna Metcalfe
Advisor Aromatherapist
Disclaimer and safety advice