Hi all! I'm starting this thread because I'm looking for some information on elderberry and H1N1. I am a firm believer in Elderberry syrup to help combat illness, and have been feeling pretty good about having it on hand in case one or all of us come down with the flu. However, much of what I've been reading lately suggests the possibility of an increased likelihood of a Cytokine Storm when using Elderberry syrup or tincture with certain types of flu.

Then again, many articles suggest that because the elderberry works in other ways as well (such as coating the virus so that it doesn't replicate and can be destroyed more easily) it's still a good option if you get the flu.

I know this H1N1 flu is still so new and the verdict may still be out. Has anyone had a personal experience with the flu recently or do you know someone who has, and have they used elderberry products? Did it reduce the duration of the flu in this case? I just can't seem to find much information on this anywhere.

I'm trying to come up with somewhat of a game plan as far as what vitamins, etc. that my husband and I, as well as our children are going to take as a preventative measure, as well as if or when we get the flu. What are you and your family taking? What's your plan if you get the flu? None of us have had the flu in years - and not at all since our 2 kids were born, so I just feel a bit uncertain - I'd like to be a little more prepared.

Thanks so much for any and all responses!

Renee'

For several years I've taken Sambucol at the first sign of a cold virus with echinacea, astragalus and saturating doses of vitamin C with good and fast results, but like you, I never get the flu so can't say for sure about Sambucol for that. I have COPD and my doctor always said I should take the flu vaccine for protection of the respiratory part of flu, but I refused because I just have never had flu, and seldom get an upset stomach for any reason, except food poisoning. I had a pneumonia vaccine about 14 years ago and that really stopped the bad respiratory attacks that used to turn into lung infection several times a year, plus it helped that I quit smoking. But these days, I wouldn't take any vaccine of any kind myself.

I may be wrong, but if I did get the flu, I would used MMS, vitamin C, colloidal silver orally and nebulized into the ears, sinuses and lungs, fresh garlic minced and let stand to make antibiotic for a few minutes, standardized astragalus and oregano oil. I think I would use Sambucol too.

I depend mainly on daily fresh garlic to keep me Flu and colds free, along with
2000mg to 4000mg of Vit C daily. Fresh garlic is so much less costly and so
easy to buy at the grocery - 3 for $!.00 - can't beat the price. I also eat lots
of onions which also contain Alicin, the main health component in both garlic
and onions. These and a healthy diet of fresh veggies, fruit, plus some
meat/fish should be all that's necessary.

__________________
May you always have..Love to Share, Health to Spare, and Friends that Care!

Thank you so much for sharing your regimen - Much of this is still somewhat new to me.
I've got all of us on echinacea, astragalus and elderberry, along with vitamin c and d and our regular multi v.

I hope you don't mind if I ask a couple more questions...
How do you take the MMS? I'm not sure what dose, how to take it and if it's safe for the kids - I guess I'll need to read up some on that. Also, how do you make and take the garlic? I might give that a try. I'm all for fresh things that I can make myself.

Thanks again for the advice, I sincerely appreciate it.

Thanks for the advice - I agree - I'm trying to feed myself and my family especially well - lots of fruits and veggies. How do you eat your garlic, if you don't mind my asking?

MegRG,

Here is a link to Arrowind09's thread on how to take MMS. I have seen videos of children being given MMS but I would not do it without getting more specific instructions. I'm not experienced enough to give that advice. It doesn't taste good so little ones might not want it unless it it diluted in juice.

https://www.natmedtalk.com/mms-miracl...tructions.html

I had forgotten to mention vitamin D3...I take 5,000 IU every day. If I had the flu, I would increase that to at least 10,000 and possibly 50,000 IU. I took the higher doses until I built it up to high-normal in my system, but I'm due to test again soon.

I also take Vit D3 and will be ramping up my dosage as soon as the 5000 IU
arrives next week.
With the fresh garlic, I add it to lots of dishes I cook. Yesterday, in coconut
oil, I lightly fried 1 onion - in slices - 3 pieces of garlic sliced thinly, added 2
crab cakes. When almost ready, I added some fresh spinach.
You can add garlic to so many things - mashed potatoes, green beans, any
kind of beans actually; squashes, salads, etc. Be creative!
Add chopped garlic to any dish using ground meats, like meatballs, meatloaf,
stuffed peppers, stews, soups; also most chicken dishes. Be creative!
In frying garlic just be sure not to overcook or burn it. I think the closer to
raw it is, the more beneficial it is.

__________________
May you always have..Love to Share, Health to Spare, and Friends that Care!

Nightowl,
Thanks for the link - I'll check it out.
I think I need to up our dose of D3 - I think my husband and I will take 4,000 iu for now, and I've got the kids (4 & 6) taking 1,000 iu.
Thanks again!

Early Bird,
Thanks so much - I need to just go get some and see what I can come up with!