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Ask the Herbalist--Flu

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ANSWERS FROM CARLOS:
QUESTION
: I’m trying to avoid getting a flu shot this season.  I am healthy but my immune system is a little low, I suffered cervical cancer about 22 yrs. Ago. I am healthy and active now, no problems,  what alternative can I take.  I do get a lot of rest although I burn the candle at both ends with two business’s. I presently take, Vit. C 1200 daily

Calcium, Vit.B6 1200mg.  Zinc if I feel anything coming on.  Can you tell me if there is anything else I can take to ward off the flu this year!   What can you tell me about

Olive Leaf and Oils? Such as Oregano Oil, Pepperment, and Green Teal Extract?  My husband takes them daily?  Would they or anything else Help Me fight the flu?

Thanks for your advise….I am really into trying to stay healthy without a shot! 

ANSWER: First let us address diet. Avoid foods such as red meats, pork, white sugar, all dairy and all fried foods. also avoid excessive coffee, alcohol, foods with additives and preservatives and processed foods. These foods stagnate the system.  

Enhance your diet with fresh oily fishes (salmon, mackerel and sardines), add to your cooking fresh garlic and onion daily, eat brown rice, yogurt, honey, plenty of fresh raw or steamed vegetables and fresh fruits. Kiwi is great as it contains much more vitamin C than an orange. 

As to your immune the very best plant is Astragalus root. I encourage you to drink Green tea daily adding 25 drops of extract of Astragalus. Extracts and tinctures work better and faster. Sweeten with only a bit of honey and drink 3xs day. 

In my professional opinion the very best formula in the world to take when you feel that a cold coming on is Yin Chiao Pa Tu Pien Wan (Yin Chiao Chieh Tu Pien). My solution for the flu personally is this: If I sneeze 3 times or more I take a dosage or two (6 pills 2xs), and all is well again. It is the best preventive formula for the flu that I know of. Unfortunately if you allow the cold or flu to set in, it does not work as well. Find the largest Chinese market in your area, I am positive they carry it. 

You ask a compound question, but you fail to mention why your husband is taking these extracts. Without any info I really cannot say. All of them are valuable remedies, but it all depends on what your treating, the form you are using, the dosage and the frequency. Olive Leaf and Oregano Oil are antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. Peppermint is good for digestion and Green Tea extract contains antioxidants, but keep in mind that is also contains caffeine and an excess of this extract  can have side effects.