Influenza is characterized by fever, myalgia, headache and pharyngitis. In addition there may be cough and in severe cases, prostration. There is usually not coryza (runny nose) which characterizes common cold infections. The Elder tree's berries are tasty flu fighters. They contain compounds that can inhibit the enzyme that flu viruses use to penetrate our cell membranes. The berries are mildly laxative and sweat-inducing, and simmered with sugar, make a winter cordial for coughs and colds.¹Elder flowers and berries combined with yarrow and mint are specific for the treatment of colds and flu. ²Lemon balm - Melissa are sweat inducing, useful for treating colds and flu, and taste great. Lemon balm also has a relaxing effect that makes it easier to rest. Another relaxing herb, St. John's wort can inhibit influenza A viruses and parinfluenza virus, which produces flu-like symptoms, (but not cold viruses)²

Using Aromatherapy

doi:10.1016/j.physletb.2003.10.071. Renaissance of antimicrobial essential oils as a promising force to fight hospital-acquired infections . (October 2009), Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery Volume 37, Issue 7,

Common sense steps to avoid common flu and swine flu:

1. One of the most effective ways we have of preventing infection is by hand washing. Add a few drops of any of these essential oils to the hand soap dispenser in your house (about a 1 percent dilution).
   Eucalyptus, Tea tree, Thyme, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Cinnamon, Grapefruit, Clove Bud, Sandalwood, Peppermint, and Sage
2. Use antibacteral oils in in room sprays, and aroma lamps.
3. Clean and disinfect household surfaces with vinegar, antiseptic oils and soap and water.
4. Use lavender and tea tree oils in massage blends and apply to your childs chest and neck areas before sending them off to school. When they return home, repeat step one.
5. Add a few drops of essential oil to power up those handy alcohol gel hand sanitizers and take them to work with you. Use aromatherapy disinfectant sprays to cleanse the air in your work space.
6. Get your flu shots.

Herbs Used for Influenza

Andrographis * Bay Rum * Black Pepper * Boneset * Chrysanthemum * Cinnamon * Cypress * Elder * Eucalyptus * Garlic * Holy Basil * Hyssop * Meadowsweet * Peppermint * Poke Root * St. John's Wort *

Astragulas For: Cold prevention
Profile	Unlike echinacea, astragalus may be taken long-term during cold and flu season. Chinese studies have found it to be an effective preventive against the common cold Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Boneset For: Colds,flu, fever
Profile	The phytochemicals in boneset help rev up the immune system's white blood cells against viruses and other microorganisms, explaining its longtime use against colds and flu. Native Americans and colonial settlers used it to treat a variety of fever causing afflictions. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Calendula For: Conjunctivitis,Fevers
Profile	An infusion of calendula flower petals has been used to for treating conjunctivitis and other eye infections. A tea made from fresh blossoms can be taken to break a fever by inducing perspiration. Weiss, Gaea and Shandor, The Healing Herbs (1985)

Camphor For: Colds
Profile	In any condition where there is coldness of the body, a common cold, a cold stomach, influenza - indicates the use of camphor. Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)

Catnip tea For: Colds , Headaches, Fever
Profile	Catnip relieves colds and fevers by inducting perspiration and helps the body to regain it's balance by its calming effect. Catnip tea is good for curing headaches. Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life (2000)

Cinnamon, Lemon For: Infections, Strep Throat
Profile	A recent study by a team of surgeons tested solutions made with Eucalyptus, Tea tree, Thyme white, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Cinnamon, Grapefruit, Clove Bud, Sandalwood, Peppermint, Kunzea and Sage oil. killed a number of common and hospital-acquired infections, like streptococcus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. Large prevailing effective zones of inhibition were observed for Thyme white, Lemon, Lemongrass and Cinnamon oil. The other oils also showed considerable efficacy. Remarkably, almost all tested oils demonstrated efficacy against hospital-acquired isolates and reference strains, whereas Olive and Paraffin oil from the control group produced no inhibition. doi:10.1016/j.physletb.2003.10.071. Renaissance of antimicrobial essential oils as a promising force to fight hospital-acquired infections . (October 2009), Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery Volume 37, Issue 7,

Elder berry For: Flu viruses
Profile	The elder tree's berries are tasty flu fighters. They contain compounds that can inhibit the enzyme that flu viruses use to penetrate our cell membranes. Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Elder flowers and berries For: Coughs & colds
Profile	Combined with yarrow and mint elder flowers and berries are specific for the treatment of colds and flu. The berries are mildly laxative and sweat-inducing, and simmered with sugar, make a winter cordial for coughs and colds. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Elderberry For: Flu
Profile	Elderberry is one of the most effective herbs for preventing and treating upper respiratory infections, constipation, and fever. Elderberry stimulates the immune system and has shown some activity in preliminary trials against viruses such as herpes simplex and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Elderberry contains substances called Sambucus nigra agglutinins (SNAs) that can to "lock" receptor sites on certain strains of flu viruses. This keeps the viruses from infecting human cells. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

Lemon balm - Melissa For: Colds and Flu
Profile	Hot infusions of lemon balm are sweat inducing, useful for treating colds and flu. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Meadowsweet For: Fever
Profile	Meadowsweet's salicylic acid content make it useful in treating influenza, respiratory tract infections, arthritis, rheumatism, and fevers. Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life (2000)

St. John's wort For: Influenza A
Profile	According to studies, it can inhibit influenza A viruses and parinfluenza virus, which produces flu-like symptoms, but not cold viruses... Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Vervain For: Colds, congestion
Profile	A warm infusion of either root, leaves or flowers is helpful for colds fevers, throat and chest congestion and headache. Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life (2000)

White Willow For: Colds, fever
Profile	White willow can be used to help break a low grade fever, and to relieve the body aches that accompany colds and flu.

Wild Cherry Bark For: Sinus/Flu
Profile	Herbal wild cherry syrups are anti-viral & anti-bacterial and most helpful for sinus, upper respiratory infections, colds & flu.

Influenza Information

• Bronchitis :
  Herbs for bronchitis that help expand lung passages and inhibit bronchospasms. Common home remedies that soothe sore throats, are expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and directly antiviral..
• Colds :
  Cold care is one area where herbs really shine because of the many helpful properties these healing plants have.
• Cough :
  Herbal cough remedies that work better than commercial brands. Learn how to make at home yourself.
• Sinusitis :
  Simple herbal home remedies and alternative treatments for sinus infections and colds
• Congestion/Chest & Sinus :
  Herbs with expectorant properties help the body clear mucus from the airways and help you breathe easier. Drinking soothing herbal teas can provide natural relief from sinus and chest congestion.
• Sore Throat/Laryngitis :
  A warm herbal infusion of soothing herbs will help comfort a sore throat. Honey and lemon not only add to the taste but to the healing process as well. You can also apply the healing power of herbs directly by herbal gargles and steam inhalations.