swine flu

A sore throat is one of the initial symptoms of a virus, including swine flu. Accompanying symptoms like fever, chills, aches and pains, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, digestive upsets and malaise may also be present.

Conventional swine flu treatment includes a course of anti-virals like Tamiflu and a period of quarantine to limit the spread of the virus. There is also a lot you can do with natural swine flu treatments to relieve your sore throat, boost your immune system and fight the infection. Here's some of the most popular recommendations for natural swine flu treatments:

Vitamin C

High dose vitamin C can boost your white blood cell activity to help fight flu infections and relieve the pain of a sore throat.

At the onset of symptoms, take 1 gram of vitamin C hourly until you get loose stools. Dosing with vitamin C until you reach 'bowel tolerance' indicates that your tissues are saturated with vitamin C, and any excess is spilling over into the urine and stools. At this stage your immune system will be working optimally.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful anti-viral food recommended as a natural swine flu treatment. You can eat it raw or grate it into teas, soups, stir fries or juices. Aim to consume at least 1 clove a day.

Anti-viral herbs

Anti-viral herbs can build protection and natural immunity to all types of flu. Olive leaf extract, astragalus and echinacea (which is particularly good for children) are good choices. These herbs can be taken as a tea or in liquid, capsule or tablet form.

Hydrogen peroxide

Inactivating pathogens with hydrogen peroxide has been used worldwide since the flu pandemic of 1918. For a sore throat it is good to use hydrogen peroxide mixed in warm water as a gargle. It can also be taken internally under your health professional's guidance.

Flu-buster tea

This always works to relieve a sore throat for the normal flu so it is a good bet that it will help as a natural swine flu treatment. Simply brew a teaspoon of grated ginger, a teaspoon of grated garlic and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a cup of hot, boiled water. Add the juice of half a lemon (and a teaspoon of honey if desired to sweeten). Sip slowly. Drink at least three times a day or as needed.

Chicken soup

Chicken soup is high in the amino acid cysteine which can thin mucous and help eliminate it from the body. Add some ginger, garlic, turmeric and cayenne to increase its healing properties.

NAC

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an amino acid that has been shown to raise immunity to the flu in clinical trials. It is available as a capsule and should be taken at 600 mg twice daily.

Steam inhalation

Aromatherapy oils like tea tree, eucalyptus and thyme are excellent natural swine flu treatments to relieve a sore throat and congestion. Simply add a few drops of your chosen oil to a bowel of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and breathe the steam in deeply for a few minutes.

For those who follow a healthy lifestyle and use these natural swine flu treatments, the swine flu may have little or no effect on the body.