In studying planetary herbalism and other systems of natural medical care and wellness, consider researching these natural solutions and be sure to be working with someone schooled in this type of medicine whom can also do an intake on whomever you are concerned with:
Anti-viral:
Red algae- Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment that is a powerful biological antioxidant. Research on the mode of action of antioxidants and astaxanthin, as well as their possible role(s) in oxidative stress, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, eye health, neurodegenerative diseases, aging, immune response, exercise, and animal health, are summarized here at this site and you are always encouraged to do your own research: Note: google scholar will bring up many peer-reviewed studies
http://www.astaxanthin.org/
Propollis- A simple google search of these terms: propolis virus will pull up information such as this:
Anti-Infective Properties of Propolis
Propolis has been used for wound-healing for thousands of years. During World Wars I and II, soldiers used propolis to prevent their wounds from becoming infected and to speed the healing process. The early research work on propolis was mostly done in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, consisting of highly technical laboratory studies as well as controlled clinical trials. Laboratory tests showed that propolis on its own is effective against over 20 kinds of bacteria.(1) Clinical studies from the former Soviet Union,(2) Romania,(3) and China,(4) demonstrated that propolis was effective against various kinds of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Dr. Kravcuk of Kiev found that propolis was effective against sore throats and dry coughs in 90% of 260 patients.(5) A recent study by Serkedjieva, et al, showed that the active ingredients in propolis significantly inhibited the Hong Kong flu virus.(6) Therefore, propolis might be a good agent to prevent and treat the common cold and flu. Recent studies also show that propolis is effective against the herpes simplex virus.(7,8)
http://intelegen.com/ImmuneSystem/propolis_a_remarkable.htm
Yin Chiao
In 1798 Dr. Wu Ju Tong first published the cold remedy known as Yin chiao. He knew it worked, because everyone had already been using it for generations.
For hundreds of years, Yin Chiao and similar Chinese remedies have dealt a quick end to billions of hated colds, flu and other ailments.
http://www.yinchiao.com/
Special Report on SARS: How you can support your immune system
Dr. Maoshing Ni, a Licensed Acupuncturist and a Diplomat of Chinese Herbology, is currently in general practice at the Tao of Wellness Clinic in Santa Monica, California. The Tao of Wellness Clinic is one of the oldest in Los Angeles, established in 1976. (310) 917-2200
Extensive studies of ways to strengthen the human defenses have been carried out for centuries in China, producing a wealth of knowledge on Chinese herbal medicine and its effect on the immune system. While there is currently no cure for SARS, the Chinese Government Health Authority recently released its recommendations for preventing SARS. These recommendations consist of Chinese herbal medicine formulations as prophylactic agents against SARS. They are herbs that have been found to contain anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and have immune boosting qualities. Some are effective in increasing the white blood cell production in your body (they are your defense troops), while others increase lymphocyte activities such as killing foreign invaders, etc. Fundamental principles of Chinese medicine are, of course, “Treating disease before its occurrence”, and “Strengthen the defenses to prevent sickness.”
The recommendations are listed below:
Lu Gen (reed root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Lian Qiao (forsythia fruit), Chan Yi (cicada shell), Jiang Chan (silkworm), Bo He (peppermint), Gan Cao (licorice)
Cang Zhu (Chinese atractylodes rhizome), Bai Zhu (white atractylodes rhizome), Huang Qi (astragalus root), Fang Feng (siler root), Huo Xiang (patchouli), Sha Sheng (silver beech root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Guan Zhong (dryopteris root)
Guan Zhong (dryopteris root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Lian Qiao (forsythia fruit), Da Qing Ye (Isatis leaf), Zi Su (perilla leaf), Ge gen (Kudzu root), Huo Xiang (patchouli), Cang Zhu (Chinese atractylodes rhizome), Pei Lan (ornamental orchid), Tai Zi Sheng (pseudostellaria root)
Persons whose jobs (health workers) or relations may bring them into contact with someone with potential SARS are advised to take the following formula:
Da Huang (Chinese rhubarb root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Chai Hu (bupleuri root), Huang Qing (skullcap root), Ban Lan Gen (Isatis root), Guan Zhong (dryopteris root), Cang Shu, Yi Yi Ren (Job’s tears), Huo Xiang (patchouli), Fang Feng (siler root), Gan Cao (licorice)
http://www.acupuncture.com/conditions/sars.htm
Colloidal silver-
This is one of those controversial items to take. Naturally, some say, conventional medicine will tell you not to take colloidal silver because most big pharmaceutical companies and the doctors and nurses they help graduate will try to discredit natural cures all together because it hurts their business interests:
Be careful to stop taking it after the virus symptoms clear and use only as directed. Some people have gotten so excited about the results they continue taking it daily forgetting that silver is a heavy metal and will accumulate like any other heavy metal which can poison the body.
Mayo Clinic tells persons not to take colloidal silver http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colloidal-silver/AN01682
However, colloidal silver continues to be a big seller as persons claim they have good results with it.
This video of a retired pharmacist and Doctor of Pharmacology gives information about the history of colloidal silver. He says in the video that between that silver has been used for thousands of years however, if the wrong grade or if it is overused, heavy metal toxicity can result. Mr. Harris says that between the years of was the drug of choice 1900- 1938 when penicillan was discovered because it will kill over 650 pathogens. The Egyptians were the first known culture it is thought to have used silver. During the bubonic plague, the commoners who used wood to eat on or with died he claims while those upper class who ate on or with silver, lived.
http://video.google.com/videosearch?rlz=1C1GGLS_en-USUS293US304&sourceid=chrome&q=colloidal+silver&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=Xpn3SdrIG4WwtAOg_p3dDg&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title#
Want to brew up your own cold and flu recipes?
See this link below:
http://www.livingawareness.com/coldandflurecipes.aspx
And of course, it is always best practice in working with natural herbs to find a good licensed herbalist/ accupuncturist practitioner through good recommendations per your own personal network or your own research. Here is a site that I have heard many good things about : http://www.acufinder.com/ OR- shop at a health food store who will often hire persons highly knowledgeable about natural herbs in general.
