As the world braces itself for a potential pandemic of avian flu in the near future, people everywhere are wondering what they can do to protect themselves. As we all saw during the flooding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, we cannot expect the government to handle a widespread emergency effectively. There are only small stores of Tamiflu available, and its effectiveness during a bird flu pandemic is questionable. While conventional medicine does not offer a lot of options for treating viruses, certain natural remedies are known to have antiviral effects. These remedies have often been used for centuries with little or no side effects. There are means we can learn about now in order to empower ourselves in case of an epidemic. These remedies can also be useful for the common flu we deal with each year.

During the last flu pandemic in 1918, India lost 18 million people to influenza. The herb that was credited with ending the epidemic in India at that time was andrographis paniculata. Andrographis has traditionally been used in China and India for viral and respiratory infections. Its effectiveness is being borne out by modern research. The andrographolides in this herb can enhance immune system function. It can increase the production of white blood cells, activate the lymphatic system, and stimulate the production of interferon by cells in the body. Interferon kills viruses and also stops their growth. This herb can help our own immune system fight against viruses more effectively. Andrographis is frequently combined with Siberian ginseng to increase its immune enhancing effects. This herb has been shown to be effective in fighting bacterial and viral pneumonia, which are complications that often follow the flu or a cold.

Another herb that has traditionally been used to treat viral conditions is isatis. It was commonly used in Asia recently during the outbreak of SARS (Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome) that they experienced. It is also used for people with other viral conditions, such and AIDS, and hepatitis C.

A commonly used herb here in the United States, elderberry, has antiviral effects, making it useful to treat colds and flus. Elderberry prevents viruses from latching on to the cells in our body, making it difficult for them to invade and start replicating.

The Chinese herbal formula, Gan Mao Ling, is frequently used to prevent colds and flu at the first signs of onset. It is most useful when taken right when a person begins to feel chilled and feverish. It has also been shown to reduce the duration of the flu once the person is already sick. Yinchiao San is another formula that can help towards the beginning of a cold or flu, right when a person starts feeling feverish with a sore throat.

Many essential oils used in aromatherapy have antiviral effects. Eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, ravensara oil, geranium oil, and thyme oil all have antiviral properties. These oils can be used in a massage blend diluted in a carrier oil, or they can be diffused in an oil burner, so that we breathe in the oils antiviral properties through our lungs. A few drops can also be added to bath water. Essential oils are some of the most potent infection fighters natural medicine. Do not discount their powers simply because they smell pretty.

Digestive enzymes, when taken in between meals, are absorbed through the intestines into the bloodstream. These enzymes can help to break down the proteins that viruses are composed of, and may help to destroy or inactivate them.

As you can see, there are many natural methods for increasing our resistance and helping to fight off influenza and other viral illnesses every day for common complaints and also in cases of an emergency pandemic.

Dr.Farah Khan is a doctor of oriental medicine and licensed acupuncturist. She offers a number of formulas that may help viral conditions on the web at http://www.yinessence.com, including andrographis, isatis, RetroClear, prunella, and ImmunEssence. You can reach her at farah@yinessence.com.