Until the 1990s, the avian, or bird, flu virus was confined to birds, mostly chickens, and not considered a threat to humans. Initial cases in humans began to emerge out of Hong Kong in 1997, according to the MedLinePlus. Although it is a rare strain, people may still be susceptible to developing avian flu. Several herbal remedies are considered effective in the treatment of bird flu.
Astragalus
Used in Chinese medicine for centuries, astragulus is primarily an immune-enhancing herb that works as a tonic to strengthen the body and enable it to fight off disease, according to Holisticonline.com. It enables the body's bone marrow to create additional immune cells and increases interferon, another immune system agent that helps fight disease, thus shortening the length of time of the illness. The recommended dose is 500 mg taken four times daily until flu symptoms disappear. You can then continue taking one capsule twice a day for a week to help prevent relapse.
Garlic
According to NaturalNews.com, garlic is one of the best substances for fighting flu. It is well-known by herbalists and Chinese medicine doctors for its antiviral and antibiotic characteristics. Useful for treating bird flu as well as swine flu and other flu-like illnesses, garlic possesses the active ingredient allicin, which acts on both bacteria and viruses, according to Holisticonline.com. Garlic can be used to fight off flu symptoms, such as those setting in the lungs and respiratory tract. You can eat one or two cloves of raw garlic per day to fight the flu, or make a tea by steeping a clove of crushed fresh garlic in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Add a little honey to sweeten. It's also available in odorless capsules at health food stores.
Echinacea
A traditional herbal treatment for flu is echinacea, according to Holisticonline.com. Echinacea is known as a blood purifier and immune system stimulant. Available in powder form, liquid extracts and tincture, echinacea is more effective when taken in liquid form. The folks at Holisticonline.com recommend taking 3 to 5 ml of tincture or 300 mg of the powdered root three times a day for the duration of the flu. Stop taking the herb when you are well.
Turmeric
The compound curcumin, found in turmeric, gives the herb its color and has been found to possess the ability to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammation and fever, according to Med-Owl.com.
Forsythia and Honeysuckle
Two herbs used in Chinese medicine, forsythia and honeysuckle, are often used together and mixed with a third herb, called lemon balm, to make a soothing tea that helps ward off the flu. All three herbs are known for their ability to fight off viruses, according to Holisticonline.com. Combining them in a tea increases their efficacy.
