Flu

Why it works: Elderberry's effectiveness against influenza stems from multiple mechanisms of action. It has both direct antiviral effects by blocking viral glycoproteins and indirect effects thr...

Instructions: For Active Flu Treatment:. • Adults and children ≥13 years: 15 ml of elderberry syrup 4 times daily for 5 days Elderberry Extract Outpatient Influenza Treatment for Emergency Room...

Warnings: 1. Raw Elderberry Toxicity:. • Raw or unripe elderberries, leaves, or stems contain compounds that p...

Studies: 1. Zakay-Rones et al. (2004):A randomized, double-blind, pla...

Why it works: Vitamin C is a potent water-soluble antioxidant that gives the immune system a boost through its increase in T-lymphocyte activity, phagocyte function, leukocyte mobility, and poss...

Instructions: Preventive dosing:. • Regular vitamin C supplementation (at an average dose of 1-2 g/day) resulted in a significant reduction in the duration of common colds Vitamin C in the Preve...

Warnings: Dosage warnings:. • The RDA, or recommended daily allowance, is 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligr...

Studies: Major systematic reviews and meta-analyses:Cochrane Review (...

Why it works: Vitamin D3 appears effective against influenza through multiple immune mechanisms. Studies show it enhances innate immunity by up-regulating antimicrobial peptides, including defen...

Instructions: For Prevention:. • Daily preventive dose: 10,000 IU/day for a few weeks to rapidly raise levels, followed by 5,000 IU/day maintenance Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could...

Warnings: Serious Warnings:. Vitamin D toxicity can cause hypercalcemia with symptoms including decreased appe...

Studies: Urashima et al. (2010) - Schoolchildren Study: Randomized, d...

Why it works: Monolaurin works against flu viruses by disrupting the lipid membrane envelope that surrounds influenza viruses. It binds to the lipid-protein envelope of the virus, preventing it...

Instructions: Dr. Jon Kabara, who first reported on monolaurin, suggests that people age 12 and older start with 750 milligrams (mg) of monolaurin two to three times per day, working their way u...

Warnings: Safety Status: Monolaurin is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in amounts commonly found in food...

Studies: Critical Finding: A comprehensive 2019 review found that the...

Why it works: Echinacea has antiviral activity against influenza viruses in vitro and has traditionally been used for treatment of colds and flu. Effect of an Echinacea-Based Hot Drink Versus Os...

Instructions: Dosage Recommendations: Recommended dosages of echinacea differ widely, depending on the product. Older research notes a dosage of up to 10 milliliters of liquid extract of Echinac...

Warnings: Allergic Reactions: However, some people have allergic reactions to echinacea, which may be severe....

Studies: Major Clinical Trial for Flu: The most significant study was...

Why it works: Mucolytic action (thins sticky mucus). NAC breaks disulfide bonds in mucin proteins, helping secretions clear more easily—useful when flu triggers thick airway mucus. This is its l...

Instructions: Common oral doses used in practice (mucolytic labeling): 600 mg once daily (effervescent tablet) in adults; some formularies use 600 mg once or twice daily depending on product and...

Warnings: Not a guideline-recommended antiviral. Do not delay indicated antivirals while starting NAC. World H...

Studies: Randomized controlled trial (elderly, winter prophylaxis):De...

Why it works: Antiviral Properties: Ginger contains compounds like [6]-gingerol and gingerenone A that have demonstrated direct antiviral activity against influenza viruses, with studies showing...

Instructions: Dosage Recommendations: The recommended daily intake of ginger varies, but 1-2 grams of fresh ginger per day is generally considered safe, with some sources suggesting 1-2 grams du...

Warnings: Drug Interactions: 83 medications are known to interact with ginger, including major interactions wi...

Studies: Influenza Studies: [6]-Gingerol significantly reduced in vit...

Why it works: Turmeric contains curcumin as its main active compound, which demonstrates several mechanisms that make it effective against influenza:. Anti-viral Mechanisms:. • Curcumin has dire...

Instructions: Dosage Guidelines: Based on research studies, effective dosages vary significantly:. • Animal studies showed therapeutic benefits with oral doses of 50-150 mg/kg in mice Curcumin a...

Warnings: Major Drug Interactions:. • Blood thinners: Turmeric or curcumin supplements can increase the risk o...

Studies: In Vitro Antiviral Studies:A 2009 study published in Food an...

Why it works: Peppermint (Mentha piperita) contains several bioactive compounds that make it effective against flu symptoms:. Key Active Compounds:. • Menthol and menthone are the main volatile...

Instructions: Peppermint Tea Preparation: To prepare peppermint tea, simply steep peppermint leaves in hot water for about 5-10 minutes. You can use fresh or dried peppermint leaves, depending o...

Warnings: Infant and Child Safety: Menthol, which is in peppermint oil, should not be inhaled by or applied to...

Studies: Antiviral Research: The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50)...

Why it works: Andrographis works against influenza through multiple mechanisms. Andrographolide treatment inhibits viral invasion by binding with HA and NA so that the sialic acid receptor canno...

Instructions: Standard dosing protocols:. A typical dosage of andrographis is 400 mg three times a day for the common cold. Doses as high as 1,000-2,000 mg three times daily have been used in st...

Warnings: Common side effects: Andrographis can cause side effects such diarrhea, vomiting, rash, headache, ru...

Studies: Randomized controlled trials:Two randomized, parallel-group...