Preparing for Swine Flu

EK Sommers' blog, My Herbal Notebook brings up some controversy about licensing of herbalist and patenting plant medicines. Some herbalists feel that if they were licensed they would be able to practice more freely, but there's a lot of controversy about the control the government would have over those licensed herbalists and whether they would, indeed, be "free" to practice.

In the meantime, with the swine flu scare and the admission by the government that there won't be enough vaccine to go around, many people all over the world are relying on the tried and true botanical medicines of their culture.

In India the price of Tulsi (Holy Basil)and Bel leaves has shot up almost double because the demand for them has increased so dramatically. They are both strong immune builders and also fight many different illnesses.

The leaves of Tulsi are used for many different types of fevers including dengue and malaria. It removes catarrhal matter from the lungs, and addresses all the other symptoms of flu.

The bel also known as bilva or wood apple (Aegle marmelos) has medicinal properties. Its leaves make poultice for the eyes and are good for diabetes, and the roots help reduce fever. Its fruit is a remedy for dysentery.

Here in the United States herbalists and Alternative Medicine practitioners are turning to Colloidial Silver and such mixtures as garlic, onion, horseradish, ginger and hot peppers steeped in apple cider vinegar to boost immune systems. Of course the beautiful and potent Echinacea is not loosing any ground either. In your region there may be other native plants that will provide you with some protection from and relieve symptoms if you do contract the swine flu.

Remembering to practice good hygiene, eat a good diet with a variety of raw fruits and vegetables, and get plenty of exercise is the first step to prevention.