Unfortunately, flu season is an inevitability. As soon as the cold weather begins to set in, flu and colds begin to appear. Many people look upon the flu season as a yearly ordeal that must be tolerated, and expect to become ill every autumn or winter. Fortunately, nature has provided two very effective ways to manage flu season. The first line of defense consists of building up the immune system of the body to such a degree that catching flu in the first place will be almost impossible. If you do catch the flu, however, there are safe and effective homeopathic, natural remedies that can help you feel better fast.

The immune system is the first line of defense against any sort of disease or illness. Keeping this system in the best condition is vital under any circumstances, but can be especially important as flu season approaches. Before flu strikes is the best time to start boosting your immune system. One herb that is famous for its ability to build up the immune system is American coneflower (echinacea purpurea). Coneflower actually causes the number of macrophages in your blood and boosts the levels of your interferon. These, and other immune factors that have been increased, act as a first line of defense against invading flu viruses. Another natural product that increases the numbers of T-cells is African potato extract. You can also rely upon goldenrod and buchu to help keep your immune system at its peak and ready to fight off flu.

Maintaining a good circulation will assist in keeping your healthy during flu season. As so many of us lead sedentary lives, herbs that will keep our blood moving are important not only in building a healthy, strong immune system, but also in ridding our bodies of toxins and infective agents. Hawthorn is just such a natural remedy to keep up circulatory health, and strengthen the heart as well. The tonic effects of two herbs, milk-vetch and wu-wei-zi will not only improve circulation, but will also keep the immune system working well and support such organs as the liver and kidneys.

There are immune system elements in our bodies called phagocytes that actually surround and destroy viruses and bacteria when they invade. Keeping these phagocytes strong and helping their numbers grow is important in flu season, and it has been found that olive leaf extract will do this for you. Propolis is often added to an immune system boosting regimen because of its ability to strengthen your immunity to disease.

Sometimes, when the immune system has not been strengthened sufficiently, you and your family can become sick with flu. Generally, one or two weeks will pass before you are free of this disease. The symptoms of fever, chills, cough, runny nose, and sneezing can make those days miserable. Complications can also set in, such as throat or lung infections, laryngitis, or a sinus infection. Treating the symptoms as quickly as possible will not only help you to feel better fast, but will also lessen the chances of secondary infections.

Lowering a fever naturally is easy with gelsemium. The most common symptoms of flu, besides fever, are respiratory ones. A runny nose can be dealt with effectively with horehound and hyssop. These herbs will help to open the respiratory systems as well as assist the immune system to fight off the influenza virus. Licorice root has long been valued for its ability to soothe an irritated respiratory system. The cough that usually accompanies flu is annoying and can prevent the patient from getting the rest they need. Belladonna has been found to be able to control a throat cough very effectively, and can also help with headache.

Keeping the immune systems of your family and yourself in top order can help to keep flu away, and using homeopathic natural remedies is an ideal way to do this. And, if flu does strike, there are many natural remedies available to promote a return to full health as quickly as possible.