Natural remedies and prevention methods for flu symptoms

MANUKA HONEY

I was caught in the rain on my way home yesterday afternoon - though I was carrying the umbrella, the heavy rain and strong wind caused me to be slightly soaked by the time I reached home. I had runny nose, though there was no fever or body ache. I took a teaspoon of manuka honey at dinner time, and this morning when I woke up, my nose is fine. So you could consider getting a small jar of manuka honey from a health store too.

http://voices.yahoo.com/manuka-honey-as-natural-cold-flu-remedy-7373654.html?cat=68
"It is no secret that honey helps to soothe the throat and ease the effects of certain illnesses during the cold and flu season. However, one type of honey is being used more successfully than ordinary honey. It has been discovered that Manuka Honey from New Zealand contains healing properties not found in other types of honey, making it extremely effective in treating a wide spectrum of health conditions

Manuka Honey's famed antibacterial properties are now being used in hospitals to ward off antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that cause potentially life threatening conditions such as MRSA and VRE. In addition to its impressive antibacterial activity, studies have also revealed Manuka Honey's antiviral properties which make it effective in treating cold and flu symptoms.
...
For cold and flu symptoms, it is recommended to take one teaspoon of Manuka Honey, 3-4 times per day. It is also important to note that because Manuka Honey is an all-natural ingredient, it has been found to cause no negative side effects whatsoever when used for medicinal purposes. Manuka Honey could very well possibly be one of the single most healthiest things you could eat."

http://healthtalkwomen.com/sarahs-column/why-you-should-love-active-manuka-honey/
Natural Cold and Flu Remedy
"Manuka Honey is effective in treating, and minimizing the effects of the flu and the common cold. Soothes sore throats too."

I would usually take 1 teaspoon of manuka honey daily. It not only boosts immune system, but also speeds up healing. For example, my runny nose cleared overnight after taking 1 teaspoon of manuka honey, as mentioned earlier. Recently, it relieved me of sore throat within a day too.

On a similar note, this article suggests mixing honey with garlic to make garlic tea (for cold, cough or flu), or mixing honey with lemon (for sore throat) - these suggestions are for your consideration too. http://www.naturalnews.com/035323_home_remedies_colds_coughs.html

MISO SOUP


Miso soup is good as a natural remedy for flu symptoms too, as it boosts immune system.

(NaturalNews) Miso is a delicious fermented food that has been eaten in China and Japan for many centuries. Today it is a favorite of health minded people in the West because of its many anti-aging benefits. Miso and other fermented foods and drinks help build up the inner ecosystem and assure the digestive tract is amply supplied with beneficial bacteria. These bacteria help digest, synthesize, and assimilate nutrients so necessary for good health and anti-aging. They also strengthen the immune system, keeping it at the ready to fight infection and cancer.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/025519_health_anti-aging_soy.html#ixzz2Gh2gitrX

GINGER


This website also recommends ginger, among other herbs, to combat flu.

http://www.naturalnews.com/034851_flu_herbal_remedies_cures.html
Fresh ginger root (zingiber officinale) is a warming botanical that has been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions since ancient times (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm).

Used for the treatment of digestive problems, stomach upset and nausea for more than 2,000 years, ginger has long been a popular natural remedy for a variety of ailments. A powerful anti-inflammatory, ginger has also been widely used for generations to help treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches and painful menstrual periods.

The warming nature of the root helps to produce sweating and thus helps to release pathogens. Ginger also helps to strengthen the immunity of weaker individuals who sweat without the relief of symptoms. (http://www.naturalnews.com/030318_cinnamon_colds.html)

A great herbal tea can be made for those trying to recover from a cold or flu by simmering a couple of cinnamon sticks and sliced fresh ginger in water for at least 20 minutes. It can also be taken in high-dose supplement form to aid the immune system in warding off and killing the flu virus.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034851_flu_herbal_remedies_cures.html#ixzz2Gh2sg7D8

WAYS TO BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM TO PREVENT FLUS, COUGHS AND COLDS

This article summarises some suggested measures to boost the immune system and prevent flus, coughs and colds. http://www.naturalnews.com/028562_immune_system_colds.html

• Include fresh, organic vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, chicory, cabbage, garlic, mushrooms and spinach in the diet as often as possible to boost the immune system.
• Fruits to include would be lemons, grapefruit, oranges, bananas and dark colored fruit such as blueberries, black cherries, blackberries, black currants and black grapes.
• Spicing up meals with ginger, cinnamon, cumin, oregano and cayenne will help to build the immune system in order to fight off colds and can even be taken at the onset of a cold to reduce the effects.
• Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice or tea helps to restore the body's pH balance. An imbalance of alkalinity creates a condition favorable to the growth of bacteria, yeast and unwanted organisms which thrive in a more acidic environment.
• Drink plenty of pure water each day to flush the body of toxins. Drinking green tea, or Rooibos tea (African redbush tea) will promote overall good health.
• Get enough sleep each night - research indicates that sleep deprivation can adversely affect the body's ability to fight infections.
• Exercise regularly* - moderate, consistent exercise can lead to substantial benefits in immune system health in the long-term.
• Control stress - Stress can raise cortisol levels and weaken the body's immune system, making it more susceptible to colds and flu.

(*Note: Do not over-exert yourself if you exercise. If you have a fever, it is better to get sufficient rest and wait for the fever to subside before attempting any strenuous exercise.)

If you happen to be travelling outside these days via public transport, remember to wash your hands when you return home or before eating meals as germs/bacteria/virus may be contracted from certain surfaces such as handle bars on public buses, subway trains, etc. I am reminding myself to do so too as I would start to have runny nose once in a while when I did not wash my hands after travelling on a bus and before eating a meal.

Related article
Five must-have winter rescue natural remedies

Drinking water at the correct time maximises its effectiveness on the human body

I agree to a large extent with the above post about drinking water at the correct (or appropriate) times that maximises its effectiveness on the human body.

I have learnt that drinking 1-2 glasses of water after waking up in the morning helps activate the internal organs. Usually by then, the body would have felt slightly hydrated after not having drunk water for the past 8-10 hours the previous night, so drinking water first thing in the morning would give the body a much needed hydration, and also give the internal organs a wake-up call to start the usual active functions such as digesting food during breakfast and so on, as I understand it.

I am also learning to drink some water before having a meal (lunch or dinner) to aid digestion of the meal. However, when it comes to night time before going to bed, I think there are mixed views from different sources on whether it is advisable. For me, I prefer to drink only a little amount of water (at the most I glass) by dinnertime around 8 pm, and then I try not to drink water after that, or else I might wake up a few times in the early morning hours to go to washroom.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/548521-why-is-it-important-to-drink-water-before-you-go-to-sleep/
"Drinking a glass of water or warm milk may help soothe you to sleep, according to Dr. Oz, though water is preferable. However, drinking water right before bed may cause you to wake up to urinate during the night, possibly more than once. This could prevent you from getting enough rest to function optimally the next day. If you find this to be a problem, drink enough water throughout the day up until two hours before bedtime so that you are already well hydrated when it is time to go to bed. Then, drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning."

Ways to overcome depression naturally

Here's sharing some excerpts of an informative and comprehensive article below that identifies the causes of depression, which reassures the readers that it is normal to experience depression from time to time as part of life. For example, the following excerpt says that depression is like any emotion such as sadness, joy and excitement.

"Like sadness, joy, excitement, anger, fear, jealousy, and worry, depression is a normal human emotion that plays an important role in mental health and well-being. Just as with any emotion, to hide it or to deny it is to risk encouraging it to snowball into a larger and more formidable issue.

All emotions, including depression, require that we first acknowledge their presence and influence upon our psyches before they can be successfully resolved. This is the primary value in any effective form of talk therapy. Verbalize it, process it, assimilate the implications, release it, and move on. Depression of this type serves a very important function. It provides the impetus that allows us to reflect upon the decisions we have made and the actions that we have taken, which play a large role in the direction our life has taken. Depression allows for critical course corrections that can make a world of a difference in the long run.

Depression is commonly the result of letting other unprocessed emotions and life issues build up over time. Men are particularly prone to depression that comes from their macho, stiff upper lip conditioning, which discourages them from expressing how they really feel. They have thoroughly assimilated the twisted cultural message that to express anything but a false sense of strength and control is akin to being weak, impotent, and inadequate. Little do many men - and women - know, that it is a true sign of strength and courage to be able to face one's emotions and issues squarely without hesitation. Most of the time this is all that is required because, once that first step is taken, resolution is usually not far off."

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036149_depression_chemical_imbalance_causes.html#ixzz2AMu73iul

Like what the excerpt says, our culture may discourage people from expressing how they really feel as it can be a sign of being weak and inadequate, but that is not true and it is actually a false sense of strength and control. I grew up in a mainly conservative and repressive family and social environment where open expression of emotions of happiness and sadness is usually frowned upon, and it takes me a long time to learn how to express how I really feel, such as through writing poems, and more recently through blogging. Expressing our emotions through these safe and healthy ways goes a long way for our emotional healing and internal resolution.

The article continues to talk about other causes of depression, such as chronic pain, grief (as a normal response to loss), painful situations, and hormonal changes.

"Another variety of depression is the type that accompanies female hormonal changes. Unfortunately, this is a very common problem that is not caused by faulty brain chemistry as much as it is a function of hormonal imbalance. Such imbalances can be triggered by normal hormonal events such as the first onset of menses, pregnancy, miscarriage, labor and delivery, and menopause. Another factor that can alter normal hormonal function is the ever-increasing presence of hormonally active substances that have found their way into the food chain through big agriculture and pharmaceutical waste products."

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036149_depression_chemical_imbalance_causes.html#ixzz2AMwLcoZV

Anti-depressant drugs not only have side effects but also worsen the symptoms. I think it is unfortunate that modern medicine tends to treat only the symptoms instead of the underlying causes such as the above causes, and the drugs tend to do more harm than good in the long run. I have taken Xanax (an anti-anxiety drug) for example, a few years ago from recovering from stress and burnout, and while it induces a sense of euphoria for a period of time, I found myself feeling worse when the euphoric feeling wore off (I think it's part of the withdrawal symptoms). I counted myself fortunate that I have not developed an addiction for this medication.

The following websites explain the adverse effects of antidepressant medications or drugs.

"(NaturalNews) A recent industry-funded study on antidepressant drugs has revealed that the medications can cause roughly 20 percent of patients to get worse depression symptoms than if they simply took nothing. Published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry, the study, which was largely controlled by drug giant Eli Lilly, is an eye-opener for those who still put their faith in antidepressants like Cymbalta (duloxetine), which carry with them life-altering side effects."

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034447_antidepressant_drugs_depression_symptoms.html#ixzz2AMz1zxKA

"(NaturalNews) Antidepressants are the most prescribed (often overprescribed) medication in the United States. But, contrary to popular belief - taking Zoloft, Prozac and Lexapro (to name a few) can be very dangerous to your health. These selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) can cause physical pain, involuntary movement, sexual dysfunction and life-threatening drug interactions. Clearly, most people have NOT been told the entire story. (keep reading)"

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036910_psychiatric_drugs_health_warnings_side_effects.html#ixzz2AMyKvri1

This website below recommends some ways to treat depression naturally and avoid harmful drugs.

"Herbs that can be taken for depression include balm, borage, limeflower, oats, rosemary and vervain. These can be taken as herbal teas, taken in tablet form or added to bath water. Oats in the diet contain a rich source of antidepressant B vitamins."

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/028048_depression_remedies.html#ixzz2AMyeaOD8

Besides herbal teas, I learnt that drinking plenty of water can help alleviate depression and anxiety too. This is a good reminder for me as well to continue to drink adequate water to stay hydrated and refreshed. http://voices.yahoo.com/can-drinking-water-really-help-depression-and-3721330.html

Related link:
Rethinking Creativity and Depression

Overcoming anxiety attacks naturally

I have taken Xanax before a few times around 2005-2009 when I was experiencing stress symptoms such as heart palpitations. It only gave temporary relief, and it caused me to experience mild withdrawal symptoms after that.

I learnt that natural remedies to anxiety, stomach tightness and insomnia, such as chamomile tea, may help. You can read more about its health benefits in this Natural News article. http://www.naturalnews.com/034454_chamom…

Drinking more water may help too, since water is a great "anxiety quencher", according to a holistic health website. http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-e…

Try taking naps in the afternoon if you do not have enough sleep at night. I usually take naps in the afternoon to catch up on sleep if I have not slept well the night before. Napping is a good way to catch up on rest and promote overall health and wellbeing.

Last but not least, you could get a thyroid test done because anxiety attacks could well be due to an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. I learnt that someone who has hyperthyroidism can manage the disorder by monitoring his diet (like avoiding gluten, processed soy, eggs, sugar; and eating anti-inflammatory foods and cruciferous vegetables), taking Vitamin D supplements (or getting natural Vitamin D from sunshine) and avoiding environmental toxins.
http://www.understand-andcure-anxietyatt…
http://www.naturalnews.com/004300.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/031642_hypert…

Natural remedies for relieving constipation

Constipation may be caused by insufficient intake of water, as well as side effects of drugs or supplements, such as iron supplements.

Some remedies that I have tested and tried to be effective include:
1. Drinking plenty of water, especially in the earlier part of the day (morning and early afternoon)

2. Getting sufficient exercise - walking, and doing abdominal exercises can help strength the muscles necessary to empty the bowel without much straining

3. Deep breathing and relaxation techniques, such as yoga
http://www.ehow.com/video_7642740_yoga-poses-cure-constipation.html


4. Getting sufficient rest and sleep

5.- Reducing intake of meat in meals

6. Chewing food slowly and thoroughly where possible

I learnt that it is important to chew food slowly and thoroughly where possible when eating a meal.

http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/This-Cure-For-Constipation-Will-Amaze-You/388195
"When you chew, your brain sends signals to your stomach and intestines that food is on the way. Your body can prepare itself for everything it will need to properly digest the food you eat. By giving your system a head start, the food you eat is better absorbed and digested. This passes the food more effectively and efficiently through your body. The more nutrients absorbed from the food you eat, the less fat that is absorbed for later use."

7. Increasing intake of fruits and vegetables
eg papayas, guavas, bananas, cucumbers, grapes, green apples (with skin intact)

I also remember that some fruits, such as guava and papaya, can be very effective to help relieve symptoms of constipation. Ripe guavas with soft flesh are especially effective (raw ones can be hard to chew, so should be avoided) - there were times I ate a ripe guava after lunch, and the next day, I experienced bowel movement quite easily. The high fibre content provides roughage for the colon and rectum to release the stool more easily.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100326201705AAzcUkg

I have also checked that guava, cucumber, grapes, apples with green skin intact, papayas and bananas are suitable for people with blood type B. These foods are high in fibre, and helps maintain the health of your digestive system naturally, and without having gluten allergy side effects.

http://weightloss-and-diet-solution.blogspot.com/2011/02/b-blood-type-diet.html

I learnt that eating ripe bananas have other benefits: http://bananasweb.com/health-benefits-of-bananas

Reducing Depression

Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that can be converted to serotonin, leading to improved mood

Anemia

Bananas are relatively high in iron, which helps the body’s hemoglobin function

Constipation and Diarrhea

Due to their content in fiber, they help restore a normal bowel function. In addition, diarrhea usually depletes your body of important electrolytes (of which the most important is potassium, contained in high amounts in bananas). They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber (hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive tract.

8. Taking natural supplements, such prune juice, psyllium husk

  http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-psyllium-husk.html
"Psyllium is quickly becoming one of the top recommendations for people using low-carb Atkins-style diets. It is very difficult to get enough fibre in a diet when you eliminate the carbohydrates in cereals, whole grains and fruits. Psyllium capsules are an easy way to take care of this problem. It fills you with fibre, reducing appetite without overstimulating the nervous system; a much healthier approach than formulas containing ephedra such as Herbalife or Metabolife."

 I remember I took the supplement in powder form with water - I would poured one small satchet of psyllium husk into a glass of water, and stir it to mix well with water. Then I would drink it completely. Sometimes I would drink another glass of water after that. There were times the bowel movement occurred shortly, within half an hour. Other times, there was no immediate response, so I simply continued to drink lots of water (8-10 or more glasses of water) during the day, and then tried taking the supplement again the next day, for the bowel to clear naturally on its own. I tried to minimise straining where possible, and let it happen naturally with the help of deep breathing.

I also have managed to remember the brand name of the natural fibre supplement I took last time - it is called Fybogel. http://www.constipationadvice.ie/understanding-constipation/how-fybogel-works.html

I also found some samples of dulcofibre in the kitchen cabinet, which I haven't tried yet. I think it is a new product - I just googled it and found this information. http://www.dulcofibre.com.au/com/au/dulcofibre/FAQ/index.htm

I also remember drinking prune juice which I bought from the supermarket - I used to drink a glass of prune juice every day or every other day, besides drinking plenty of water, and it helps to facilitate a relatively smooth bowel movement - sometimes the day after.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060731074029AAIXVN4

Prune juice is also suitable for people of blood type B. For some reason, the website below discourages people from drinking coconut milk. On the other hand, it lists papaya and banana as beneficial for people of blood type B.
http://curezone.com/ER4YT/fruit.asp

9. Taking probiotics

Here's sharing some information on this Neobiotics probiotics that I have been taking every other day - I find that it is quite effective in maintaining regular bowel movement too.

   

http://www.natural-indigestion-relief.com/probiotics-for-constipation.html

"Yes, probiotics for constipation do work even for chronic constipation and the evidence continues to grow."

Additional resource on probiotics:
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Probiotics-work-out-against-constipation-says-study

According to this medical website:
"The goal of therapy for constipation is one bowel movement every two to three days without straining."