Flu Vaccine Alternatives

Even if you get the flu vaccination, your body may not respond.

• 70% of healthy volunteers responded.
• 35% of elderly volunteers responded. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2001 Jan;101(1):21-5

The nasal spray "side effects" are identical to the symptoms of the flu.

• Nasal congestion, cough, rhinorrhea, and pharyngitis.
• The nasal spray is recommended only for healthy people.

Standard remedies are not sufficient.

• Zinc and Vitamin C are only effective if you are deficient.
• Echinacea raises immune response, but will not stop the flu virus.

If you come down with a flu:

Realize antibiotics are not effective.

Garlic, raw or in capsule form, is a powerful antiviral.

• Volunteers taking garlic capsules had half as many flus, and the flus were half as long. Adv Ther. 2001 Jul-Aug;18(4):189-93
• Garlic was twice as effective as an antiviral drug. Ter Arkh. 2003;75(3):53-6

Black Elderberry tastes better than garlic, but is harder to add to food.

• Shortens the flu from 6 to 2 days. J Altern Complement Med. 1995 Winter;1(4):361-9
• Antiviral drugs shorten the flu one day. Clin Ther. 2001 Mar;23(3):327-55

A broad range of other herbs have antiviral effects, and you may be taking them for other reasons. A short list of studied herbs include: Rheum officinale, Aloe barbadensis, Rhamnus frangula, Rhamnus purshianus, Cassia angustifolia, Germanium sanguineum, Urtica dioica, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Eleutherococcus senticosus. Many of these herbs have other effects, including laxative effects, so consult a naturopathic doctor before trying them.

If you would like to know more, would like to check on other herbs, or have someone you love who is experiencing anxiety about the flu vaccine shortage, please call.

623-1681

Christopher Maloney, local licensed Naturopathic Doctor

Expert in alternative medicine.

Maloney Medical, 4 Drew St., Augusta ME 04330

The above is for informational purposes only. Please contact your physician. Ask them to ask me for the above research to positively affect the health of our community.