I’m sure you have seen the posters everywhere, advertising the flu shots in places like Target, CVS and Walgreens. It’s the only real way to avoid getting the flu, right? I’m not convinced that it is, and many of you are not as well. So instead I have listed a couple of alternatives to consider if you are looking for safe and effective supplements in place of the flu vaccine.
Flu-Tone is a homeopathic remedy formulated to stimulate and support the body’s immune system during the onset of the flu. The key ingredient, Anas barbariae, also known as oscillococcinum, has been historically used to relieve cold and flu-like symptoms. Spagyrically-processed herbs, such as Echinacea and Lapacho, have been included for all-around immune enhancement.
Another main ingredient in this formula is the Influenzinum nosode, which is designed to trigger the immune system to target and dispose of influenza-related viruses. With its proven homeopathic formulation, Flu-Tone is a powerful, yet gentle remedy to assist with the onset of cold or flu-like symptoms.
I generally suggest using Flu-Tone prophylactically, from October to March and have had great success with just this remedy alone!
Another great supplement to use is during the winter months is Vitamin D3. It used to be thought that Vitamin D3 was only good for prevention of weakened bones and rickets but as more research is being done the connection between Vitamin D3 and the body is wide ranging. Research has shown that using higher doses of Vitamin D3 lowers the incidence and severity of the flu, in addition to improving a number of other health conditions such as depression, bone health, cancer and immune function.
Vitamin D Dose Recommendations:
Age Dosage
Below 5 35 units per pound per day
Age 5 – 10 2500 units
Adults 5000 units
Pregnant Women 5000 units
For more information on vitamin D check out this link:
http://www.mercola.com/article/vitamin-d-resources.htm
References:
(1) http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/02/23/vitamin-d-part-five.aspx
(2) image: http://vitamind.ucr.edu/disease.html
(3) http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-04/pgu-tvd040110.php
(4) http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2006/10/26/beware-of-most-prescription-vitamin-d-supplements.aspx
Energetix Flu-Tone
J.P. Ferley, D. Zmirou, D. D’Admehar, et al., A Controled Evaluation of a Homeopathic Preparation in the Treatment of Influenza-like Syndrome, British Journal of Clinical
Pharmacology 27 (March 1989):
329-35.Reckeweg, Hans-Heinrich. 1996. Materia medica: homoeopathia antihomotoxica Vol. 1. A selective pharmacology. Germany: Konkorida Druck GmbH, Bühl.
Boericke, William M.D. 1997. Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Material Medica & Repertory. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
Cummings, Stephen M.D. and Dana Ullman, M.P.H. 1997. Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines. New York, NY: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam a member of Penguin