Flu

Graphic from www.holisticonline.com

Flu is caused by a virus. Symptoms include high temperature, fatigue, muscular pain and general debility. Flu can be dangerous, so don’t try to shrug it off and work through it. Those of you who are most at risk are advised to get the flu vaccination.  

Who is at risk?

Mums to-be; those over 65; those with another serious ailment like diabetes, asthma, heart conditions etc.  

Prevention

Precautions against this incapacitating illness are a) annual flu vaccination b) good hygiene and c) a strong immune system. Before you’re reading this, the chances are that you may have already fallen prey to this virus, so I’ll focus on what to do to relieve the symptoms and speed up recovery.

 

Conventional treatments

·        Keep warm

·        Rest

·        Keep well hydrated

·        Take paracetamol or ibuprofen

 

For full NHS information go to http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx

 

Complementary treatments*



Graphic from www.successandyouth.com

·        All of the above PLUS consider

·        Zinc lozenges

·        Vitamin C (overdose my result in tummy troubles including diarrhoea or cramps)

·        Echinacea used in advance may help prevent flu and cold taking hold

·        Honey and lemon in warm water or in warmed up lemonade. Honey may be taken straight from the spoon!

·        Garlic – as a supplement or in food

·        Mum’s chicken soup!**

·        Aromatherapy oils

 At the first sign of flu like illness e.g. feeling shivery and cold, consider taking a warm bath to which this blend is added: Lavender 2 drops, Thyme 2 drops and Tea tree 5 drops. This blend may be added to a tablespoon of milk and then in to the bath water. Don’t use more than 10 drops of essential oil.

 The bedroom may be sprayed with oils mixed with water in an atomiser or burned in a normal burner: try a couple drops of Clove and Lavender; or make a personalised blend of any from Eucalyptus Lemon, Eucalyptus Radiata, Lavender, Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, Patchouli, Sandalwood or Tea Tree. The oils all have properties such as anti-viral, antiseptic, antibiotic or anti-fungal.

 A good warm shower can refresh and make you feel better; consider using 3 drops of oil on a clean cloth, rub your body all over and shower as normal. Try Lavender, Bergamot or Rosemary to refresh you.

 

NB The medical profession don’t always consider aromatherapy to be effective but few question its safety. If you go on to consult with your GP please advise him of ALL the supplements or oils you are using.

Please do NOT ingest any of the oils and do not use during pregnancy.

*Please note that I suggest possible complementary therapies – that means in addition to mainstream advice, not instead of.

 

General advice

·        Lastly – be kind to yourself. Rest and sleep as much as you need to.

·        Viruses don’t ask and are not invited to invade your body – so take on board that it is never good to go to work and endanger the health of others.

·        The effects of the flu don’t disappear overnight and it may be 2 or 3 weeks till you feel more like yourself – do NOT consider this a sign of weakness, your body takes time to regain its former energy levels.

 

Useful sites

http://www.holisticonline.com/remedies/flu/default.htm

http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/s/flu

http://www.fluawareni.info/

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-the-flu.htm

 

In the future

 

 

Once you’re ‘on the mend’ think about introducing some holistic therapies into your life on a regular basis. It’s possible to help yourself with foot and hand massage as well as do-it-yourself Indian Head Massage – I am always on hand to give you advice or the odd tip here and there.

I can also offer personalised aromatic blends for you to purchase and take home – contact me for details.

Think about reducing or almost banishing damaging stress from your life – it helps neither your immune system nor your general health.

 

**Mum’s chicken soup recipe (for flus, colds and general malaise)

 

4-6 chicken thighs

1-2 onions – halved, not chopped

2 cloves garlic crushed

2 carrots – halved or in chunks

2 celery sticks – in chunks

Boiling water

Salt

Chicken stock pot (optional)

Leeks (optional)

 

Graphic from wiki

Place all the ingredients together in a large saucepan and simmer gently for a couple of hours. Strain off the stock. Pick chicken of the bones and reserve. To serve, put slivers of chicken in the bottom of a bowl and add liquid. Garnish with a little chopped parsley.

NB Either discard or mash up the stock vegetable according to your personal preference.