The Best Supplements For The Flu

There are a wealth of herbs, remedies and foods that can be used to protect against and treat the flu, no matter what flu you may have. Searching on the Internet boggles the mind when trying to find the best treatments to help. A combination of some of the best of these supplements is often the most helpful in wiping out flu symptoms and building the immune system to fight marauding viruses.

Vitamin C

The Vitamin C Foundation recommends using vitamin C as one of two of the best supplements for use in treating the flu. Its action cannot only help prevent catching the flu, but can also help overcome symptoms and help the healing process move faster. Vitamin C assists in maintaining a health immune system but, begin water soluble, must be replaced every day. You can find vitamin C in a host of foods or take it in a powdered supplement available in health food and grocery stores. The recommended dose is 5,000-10,000 mg initially while attempting to prevent or fight off the flu. If you experience diarrhea from taking vitamin C, back your dose off until it stops and continue at the lower dose.

Ginger

Ginger root helps breaks up coughs, reduce fevers and soothe the stomach upsets and nausea of the flu, according to the Ivillage.co.uk website. You can make a tea with about 2 tbs. of fresh ginger in 2 cups of boiling water. Let it steep and then remove the ginger. Add some honey to sweeten. Or, try eating candied ginger to help with upset stomachs. It's very soothing.

Hot Spices

Combine horseradish, garlic and cayenne pepper by crushing the garlic and mixing the three ingredients together into a paste. Add some of the paste to a cup of boiling water and steep into a tea. The hot spices act to help you "sweat out" a fever. Remove the spice mixture by straining the tea, and then drink it slowly. You can add a bit of organic honey to sweeten. This mix can be used also to help break up congestion in the chest or sinuses, food scientist and author Jethro Kloss says in his book "Back to Eden."

Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver has been used for treating the flu and other more serious conditions including those involving bacteria, viral and fungal problems, both acute and chronic, EducateYourself.org reports. If using colloidal silver regularly, and in adequate amounts, it's best to make your own. Otherwise you can purchase it at health food stores and take 1 teaspoon of 10 ppm in an 8 oz. glass of filtered or distilled water three times daily, for relief of symptoms.

Oregano Oil

The Herbal Remedies Info website discusses the effects of oregano oil for treating the flu and any related viral and bacterial conditions. Purported to possess antibiotic, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, this supplement stimulates the immune system to fight off various diseases. They recommend three drops three times a day to fight off flu. It can also be used in an aromatherapy diffuser. It's best to discuss your personal needs with an herbal practitioner or an herbal expert at the health food store where you buy this oil.

Vitamin D3

Dr. John Cannell of the Vitamin D Council recommends taking 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily to protect against the flu. Vitamin D has been shown to help stimulate the immune system and fight flu and other health issues. Vitamin D is converted by the skin from exposure to the sun and is alleged to prevent the flu if taken in enough quantity and with enough regularity to offer continual protection.