Flu: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

The flu, or influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus, characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and body aches.

It typically occurs when the virus infects the nose, throat, or lungs, and can be triggered by factors such as stress, fatigue, and weakened immune systems. If left untreated, the flu can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. Fortunately, various herbal remedies like ginger, elderberry, and echinacea have been found to effectively alleviate flu symptoms.

To use these herbs safely, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional and follow proper dosages, as some herbs can interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of flu, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of flu?

The main causes of flu are primarily attributed to the influenza A and B viruses, which are highly contagious respiratory pathogens.

These viruses are spread through the air by respiratory droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, allowing the virus to be transmitted from person to person. In addition, the flu virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and objects, as well as through close contact with an infected person, such as touching or shaking hands. Furthermore, individuals who work in high-risk settings, such as healthcare workers or those in childcare or education, are more likely to be exposed to the flu virus due to increased contact with large numbers of people.

In rare cases, the flu virus can also be transmitted through contaminated food and water, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices.

• Rhino: Rhino viruses are one of the most common causes of the flu, as they are highly contagious and can be spread through respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated surfaces.
• Influenza A: Influenza A viruses are a common cause of the flu, as they can cause seasonal outbreaks and are responsible for a significant number of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths each year.
• Influenza B: Influenza B viruses are another common cause of the flu, as they can cause mild to severe illness and are often responsible for outbreaks in schools and healthcare settings.
• Adenovirus: Adenoviruses are a common cause of the flu, especially in children and young adults, as they can cause respiratory illness and are highly contagious.
• Coronavirus: Coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, are a common cause of the flu, as they can cause respiratory illness and are highly contagious.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Respiratory syncytial viruses are a common cause of the flu, especially in young children and older adults, as they can cause respiratory illness and are highly contagious.
• Parainfluenza Virus: Parainfluenza viruses are a common cause of the flu, especially in young children, as they can cause respiratory illness and are highly contagious.
• Human Metapneumovirus: Human metapneumoviruses are a common cause of the flu, especially in young children and older adults, as they can cause respiratory illness and are highly contagious.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for flu?

The main medicinal herbs used for flu are Echinacea purpurea, Zingiber officinale, Eucalyptus globulus, Echinacea angustifolia, Sambucus nigra, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Allium sativum, Echinacea pallida, Cinchona officinalis.

Echinacea purpurea, containing alkylamides and caffeic acid, stimulates the immune system by activating macrophages and natural killer cells, reducing inflammation and viral replication. Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties due to gingerols and shogaols, which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce fever. Eucalyptus globulus, with its eucalyptol content, acts as an expectorant to relieve respiratory symptoms, such as cough and congestion, by thinning mucus and promoting its clearance.

Cinchona officinalis, a source of quinine, is used to treat flu-induced fever and muscle cramps due to its antipyretic and antispasmodic properties.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea is believed to help alleviate flu symptoms by stimulating the immune system and increasing the production of white blood cells to fight off infections.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, is thought to aid in reducing nausea and inflammation associated with the flu, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus contains eucalyptol, a compound that may help reduce congestion and cough associated with the flu by acting as an expectorant and bronchodilator.
• Echinacea angustifolia: Echinacea angustifolia is believed to possess immunomodulatory effects, which may help stimulate the immune system and increase its ability to fight off flu viruses and infections.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra, also known as elderberry, contains anthocyanins that may help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms, possibly by inhibiting the replication of the flu virus.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba is thought to aid in reducing inflammation and improving blood flow, which may help alleviate flu symptoms such as congestion and cough.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, may help alleviate cough and respiratory symptoms associated with the flu due to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Allium sativum: Allium sativum, also known as garlic, contains compounds that may help stimulate the immune system and increase its ability to fight off flu viruses and infections.
• Echinacea pallida: Echinacea pallida is believed to possess immunomodulatory effects, which may help stimulate the immune system and increase its ability to fight off flu viruses and infections.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis contains quinine, a compound that may help alleviate fever and reduce the severity of flu symptoms.

What are the main herbal preparations used for flu?

The main herbal preparations used for flu are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Lozenge, Suppository, Elixir, Salve, Poultice, Gargle, Syrup.

Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of herbs that can be administered orally, providing immediate relief from flu symptoms such as fever and sore throat, due to its high bioavailability. Decoction, on the other hand, is a liquid extract made by boiling herbs, which is often used to treat respiratory issues like bronchitis and pneumonia associated with the flu. Herbal preparations in capsule form, such as Echinacea and Ginkgo biloba, can be easily absorbed by the body to boost the immune system and fight off the flu virus.

Meanwhile, topical preparations like Lozenge, Suppository, Salve, Poultice, Gargle, and Syrup can be used to alleviate flu symptoms like cough, congestion, and body aches, by applying them directly to the affected area.

• Tincture: A tincture prepared from Echinacea purpurea or Andrographis paniculata can help alleviate flu symptoms by stimulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.
• Decoction: A decoction of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) can aid in relieving flu symptoms by reducing fever and alleviating congestion.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) can help combat flu by inhibiting the replication of the influenza virus and reducing the severity of symptoms.
• Lozenge: A lozenge prepared from the extract of Echinacea purpurea or Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) can soothe a sore throat and provide temporary relief from flu symptoms.
• Suppository: A suppository containing the extract of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) can help alleviate flu symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of the mucous membranes.
• Elixir: An elixir prepared from the extract of Ginkgo biloba can help alleviate flu symptoms by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation.
• Salve: A salve prepared from the extract of Plantain (Plantago major) can aid in relieving flu symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of the skin.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the extract of Willow bark (Salix alba) can help alleviate flu symptoms by reducing inflammation and relieving body aches.
• Gargle: A gargle solution prepared from the extract of Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) can help alleviate flu symptoms by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria in the throat.
• Syrup: A syrup prepared from the extract of Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can help alleviate flu symptoms by soothing the throat and reducing inflammation.