Side effects, although rare, may include mild indigestion or allergic reactions. Only commercially prepared extracts of the berry should be used, because the fresh leaves, flowers, bark, young buds, unripe berries, and roots contain cyanide and could potentially result in cyanide poisoning.

Oscillococcinum , also known as Anas barbariae hepatitis and Cordis extractum c , is a brand-name homeopathic product that's manufactured in France. One example is using poison ivy to treat pain or itchy skin disorders. Although there isn't evidence it works to treat these conditions, it has been shown effective in preventing or minimizing poison ivy dermatitis.

Oscillococcinum is made from dilutions of duck heart and liver extracts, which are believed to be particularly vulnerable to influenza viruses. Molecules of the extracts are non-existent after processing, which critics of homeopathic remedies in general say means there is no chemical basis for a product's purported action.

According to a review, there is limited evidence to support the efficacy of Oscillococcinum for the treatment of flu. Researchers included six studies with a total of 1, children and adults and found no statistically significant difference between the effects of Oscillococcinum and placebo in the prevention or treatment of influenza-like illness.

In fact, more diluted remedies are considered more potent. Oscillococcinum is the most popular over-the-counter OTC product for the flu in France and is one of the most popular homeopathic products on the market. One study by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that echinacea did little to prevent or shorten the common cold.

There were many critics of the study, however, who say that it shouldn't be used as evidence that echinacea doesn't work. A meta-analysis of 15 studies found no significant benefit to taking echinacea for the prevention of colds.

It may, however, provide a slight benefit in treating symptoms. There are several types of echinacea, including Echinacea purpurea , Echinacea Angustifolia , and Echinacea pallida.

The above-ground parts the leaves, flowers, and stems of Echinacea purpurea have the best supporting evidence. One study tested two different doses of Echinacea purpurea mg and mg and found that the higher dose was significantly better than a placebo at reducing the severity of flu symptoms on days three and four.

Herbalists often recommend taking echinacea every two to three hours with a total daily dose of three or more grams per day at the first sign of symptoms. After several days, the dose is usually reduced and continued for the following week. Echinacea is also an ingredient in Airborne , an OTC immune support supplement containing vitamins and herbs.

Although there are many types of ginseng, one cultivated in North America called Panax quinquefolius North American ginseng has become popular as a remedy for colds and flu.

Compounds called polysaccharides and ginsenosides are thought to be the active components in ginseng. A systematic review of five trials involving patients found insufficient evidence to support the use of ginseng to reduce the incidence or severity of a cold. There are some concerns regarding the use of ginseng, including that it may reduce the effectiveness of certain medications and is thought to have estrogen-like properties problematic for those with hormone-related conditions.

Ginseng can be found in the OTC cold medicine, Cold-fX. The manufacturer claims that because its product isn't a whole-plant extract but contains a certain compound found in ginseng, it doesn't have the side effects and safety concerns commonly associated with ginseng.

Although that's possible, there isn't published safety data confirming these claims. Oral zinc may reduce the length and severity of a cold but has not been shown to be effective against the flu.

Zinc is available in two forms:. A analysis of clinical trials found that oral zinc helps to reduce the length of colds when taken within 24 hours after symptoms start. They also noted that for those considering using zinc, it would be best to use it at this dose throughout the cold.

Oral zinc can cause side effects, including nausea and gastrointestinal symptoms. Long-term use of zinc, especially in high doses, can cause copper deficiency. Zinc may also interact with drugs, including antibiotics and penicillamine a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis , so always talk with your healthcare provider before taking a zinc supplement.

Intranasal zinc has been linked to a severe side effect—irreversible loss of the sense of smell—and should not be used.

Like zinc, vitamin C has no effect on the flu. It may reduce the length and severity of cold symptoms slightly but does not prevent colds. A review of scientific literature found that taking vitamin C regularly before getting a cold was linked to small improvements in cold symptoms. However, in studies where people took vitamin C only after they got a cold, vitamin C did not improve their symptoms.

Green tea contains high levels of natural polyphenols and antioxidants called catechins. These compounds provide health benefits that may include preventing or reducing flu symptoms.

A review found a few studies that suggest tea catechins may have a preventive effect on the flu and common cold, the researchers noted that the number of studies is limited.

Since green tea is low in caffeine, doesn't pose any harm, and can provide much-needed fluids when people are sick, it's a reasonable remedy to consider. If your flu symptoms include cough and congestion, topical ointments may be helpful.

One study found vapor rub containing camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil applied to the neck and chest reduced nighttime cough and improved sleep in children and adults. The best defense is a good offense. Do what you can to protect yourself from the flu , including getting your annual flu vaccine.

Natural prevention strategies can also go a long way in helping protect you from the influenza virus:. If you are pregnant, 65 years or older, or are at high risk of flu-related complications, you should talk with a healthcare provider right away.

Other reasons to contact a healthcare provider include:. Note that this list is not all-inclusive. You should see a healthcare provider for any symptom that is severe or concerning. If symptoms of pneumonia develop at any time, such as high fever, severe cough, phlegm, or sharp pains when breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

There is currently no cure for the flu, but various home remedies may help relieve symptoms. A small amount of evidence suggests some remedies may shorten the duration of an illness, but more research is needed.

When possible, take steps to prevent the flu by getting the yearly vaccine and practicing healthy habits to keep your immune system strong. Talk to a healthcare provider if you are concerned about any symptoms, if symptoms get worse, or if symptoms don't improve after 10 days. Centers for Disease Control.

What you should know about flu antiviral drugs. People at high risk for flu complications. World Health Organization. Influenza: are we ready? Krawitz C, Mraheil MA, Stein M, et al. Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses.

BMC Complement Altern Med. Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black elderberry Sambucus nigra supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Complement Ther Med. Senica M, Stampar F, Veberic R, Mikulic-Petkovsek M. The higher the better? Differences in phenolics and cyanogenic glycosides in Sambucus nigra leaves, flowers and berries from different altitudes.

J Sci Food Agric. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Homeopathy: what you need to know. Signore RJ. Prevention of poison ivy dermatitis with oral homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron. Dermatology Online Journal. Mathie RT, Frye J, Fisher P. Homeopathic Oscillococcinum® for preventing and treating influenza and influenza-like illness.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Karsch-völk M, Barrett B, Kiefer D, Bauer R, Ardjomand-woelkart K, Linde K. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold.

Kim JH, Yi YS, Kim MY, Cho JY. Role of ginsenosides, the main active components of, in inflammatory responses and diseases. J Ginseng Res. Ginseng root may reduce upper respiratory infections, including the flu.

That includes American ginseng and Asian ginseng, specifically the extract CVT-E Some studies show that taking CVT-E may reduce the severity of flu symptoms and their duration. Learn more about ginseng here.

High doses of oral zinc oxide supplements contain high levels of antioxidants that may reduce the length and severity of influenza infections. Zinc is naturally present in the following foods :. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH indicate that people should avoid applying topical zinc products in the nose because this may result in permanent loss of sense of smell.

Learn more about how zinc benefits health here. The antioxidants in vitamins C and D may help reduce the severity and lengths of viral respiratory infections. A person can find vitamin C in many different foods, including citrus fruits and foods and drinks fortified with vitamin C.

A person can find vitamin D in fatty fish, cheese, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products. Learn about the best foods for vitamin C here. According to a article , licorice root extract contains antiviral and immune-mediating compounds, including nearly flavonoids.

Flavonoids give plants their color and have many health benefits. These compounds seem to interfere with the replication of influenza A viruses and several other types of viral respiratory infections. Learn more about the risks and benefits of licorice here.

These include spirooligananone A and B. A article in Phytotherapy Research stated that spirooligananone B had significant beneficial effects against the influenza A virus.

Star anise also contains shikimic acid, which scientists use to create the antiviral medication Tamiflu oseltamivir. Learn more about how Tamiflu can affect children. A in vitro study concluded that 0. The researchers proposed that the extract may have reduced viral replication rates.

People can take dandelion as a supplement or eat it as a salad green, in wine, soups, or teas. Learn about 10 benefits of dandelion here. According to an older article , xanthones from the milkwort species Polygala karensium may help treat and prevent disease due to the flu viruses.

Cinnamon bark is one of several ingredients in a traditional Japanese medicine called maoto , which may have an antiviral effect. It is typically safe to use cinnamon in foods.

Learn more about cinnamon here. Probiotics, especially Bifidobacterium strains, seem to help improve immune responses to influenza by changing gut bacteria levels or types and reducing inflammation. Other strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and L.

brevis , may also enhance the action of natural virus-killing cells. People can find most probiotics in fermented products or supplements. Learn about the best probiotics here.

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should avoid taking certain supplements or consuming too much of the active ingredients. Learn more about having a fever while pregnant here. There are no specific natural remedies for influenza infections in children.

However, doctors often recommend that infants that are breastfeeding receive vitamin D supplements. Parents and caregivers should not give star anise to their children, including infants, toddlers, and older children.

This is because there is a risk it may contain a poisonous types of star anise, such as Japanese star anise. Learn all there is to know about toddlers and flu here.

People should talk to a doctor if they have concerning symptoms or symptoms that do not respond to treatment. Seek emergency care if the following symptoms occur:. People with a high risk of developing flu complications should also talk with a doctor if they get the flu.

They should do this within 2 days of developing symptoms. People at a higher risk of developing complications include :. Talk with a doctor before using high doses of natural remedies or taking them for more than a few days or weeks. Currently, there is no cure for the flu, and a person will usually get well on their own.

However, several at-home, natural remedies may help reduce symptom severity or illness time. Young children, pregnant and breastfeeding people, and people taking medications or who have additional health concerns should also talk with a doctor if they think they have the flu.

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