I know, I know. The last thing you want to hear about is swine flu. The viral outbreak of H1N1 SIV, better known as swine flu, is the last thing I want to even think about. Having small children, it is easy to get scared of such things. However, at any time anywhere we can get sick with any kind type of illness. I always tell people that as soon as you feel the slightest tiny little twitch of a tickle in the throat, get a cough, or when you get that familiar feeling of coming down with some type of illness, you should take immediate action. It isn’t a good idea to wait until you are miserably sick to do something about it. If you wait, you will end up worse off for a longer period of time.

Many times, you can keep from getting anything more than a slight sore throat if you act quickly. Some illnesses work really fast and hit you before you know it, but most of the time I have found I get some warning. But you have to pay attention and listen to your body. When it comes to your children, it can be harder to tell, but there are ways. If you even suspect a fever in your children, I suggest starting a treatment of garlic oil to prevent infection.

The last thing I want to do is create or promote fear about swine flu. The fact is that people die from influenza and its many strains every year. We can’t live in fear, but we can take steps to prevent illness no matter what virus is making the rounds. Even if we may be tired of hearing about swine flu, I doubt any of us want to be stuck in a hospital with it. I had been planning an issue of this sort for winter when the flu is typically going around. However, in light of this recent wave of swine flu, I thought it would be a good time to stock up on immune boosting products and let you in on some tips that can help you to stay well. So, for the month of May through June 15, all immune boosting products are 10 percent off.

Prevention and Treatment
We all know the basics, right? Wash your hands often with soap for 30 seconds or more, cover your nose when you sneeze or cough, drink lots of water, eat your veggies, limit sugar intake, exercise, etc. There are additional steps you can take to help prevent and treat illness, too — specific things you can do to boost your immune system when there is something going around.

Ultra Immune: This one is on top of my list, and no wonder! It contains some of the most amazing immune boosters and natural antibiotics out there. 2.5mcg Allisure stabilized Allicin from garlic, 50mg Elderberry extract, and 50mg Olive Leaf extract along with oregano and rosemary oils.

The ingredients — Olive leaves and garlic are natural antibiotics, killing bacteria and even fighting viruses when traditional antibiotics are ineffective. Both also are antioxidant, antiparasitic, and antifungal. These ingredients can slow the invasion of illness enough for your body to fight it off faster.

Elderberries are best known as flu and fever fighters and have been popular for medicinal use since before the middle ages. They contain compounds that inhibit the enzyme flu viruses use to penetrate our cell membranes and also prevent the virus from invading respiratory tract cells. Taken early enough, you can prevent yourself from having a full-blown flu.

Oregano oil’s antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties enable it to fight off infection of all kinds. Rosemary oil is a traditional remedy for colds and coughs.

Suggested use — Take one capsule three times daily with water, preferably on an empty stomach. Start with one capsule per day and gradually increase to three capsules per day. If you are already ill, I suggest a capsule every three to four hours.
Berry Well: Another super virus and infection fighter, one of Berry Well’s main ingredients is Elderberries which we covered already. Berry Well also contains raw honey, organic echinacea root extract, organic apple cider vinegar, and bee propolis extract.

The ingredients — Raw honey, besides being a sweetener, contains a rich supply of live enzymes. Echinacea root is a very popular immune booster for the fighting of colds and is considered a natural antibiotic. Raw apple cider vinegar is a long-known folk remedy for a very long list of ailments. It helps balance the pH of the body to protect us against disease and is high in potassium, which helps cells fight bacteria and viruses.

Bee propolis is also a powerful antibiotic. It is used by the bees as a sanitary covering for every inch of their hive.

Suggested use — Shake well before each use. Adults take 1 tablespoon every three hours as needed. Children 6-12 years old take 2 teaspoons every three hours as needed. Children 1-5 years old take 1 teaspoon every three hours as needed. For use as a preventative measure, I recommend taking the age appropriate dosage two to three times a day. Always use the dosage recommendations on the labels when taking for illness that is already present.

Eucalyptus Oil: I have used this oil to relieve congestion many times while I was ill. Typical vapor rubs may contain some small amount of essential oil, but also contain other chemicals, thus rendering the product nearly useless. Plus a bottle of pure eucalyptus oil lasts a lot longer and can be used in so many other ways.

Suggested use — For congestion due to colds, coughs, flu, asthma, and sinusitis, eucalyptus oil can reduce the mucus membrane inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and also loosen phlegm. Sprinkle a few drops onto a damp cloth and hold it over your nose, or try a steam inhalation for deep bronchial relief: Set a stable pan on a sturdy table, fill it with 6-8 cups of boiling water, and add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil. Cover your head and the pan with a bath towel, closing your eyes and keeping your face a safe distance from the hot water. Inhale the steam deeply for about 10 minutes, taking breaks to cool off as needed.

Eucalyptus also can be used as a spray disinfectant. Dilute in water inside a spray bottle and apply as needed to kill any germs resulting from having illness in the house. It also is effective against dust mites. Spray on bedding, couches, and carpets to kill them. Add 10 drops or more in a bath to relax and open the nasal pathways. Avoid putting undiluted eucalyptus oil on your skin as it can cause burns. Use olive oil to dilute eucalyptus for skin applications. If you prefer a ready-made salve, try Winter Breeze vapor rub.

Be Consistent
As with any regimen, whether it is traditional antibiotics or natural remedies, consistency is the key to success. If you take your supplement a few times, then leave it on the shelf, it won’t work. If you are ill and you stop taking the chosen supplement too soon, your illness may not be fully gone. Even if you feel better, you may still be fighting that infection or virus. Keep taking your chosen treatment for at least a week after your symptoms subside. Doctors always tell you to finish your anti-biotic even if you feel better, and natural treatment is no different.