As the world braces itself for the H1N1 pandemic, Yukoners have a unique opportunity to try and prevent the spread and contraction of this flu. We are unique because of our low population base, clean air, water and the energy of the vast boreal forest that we live in.
Avoiding stress by eating well, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep are some key factors to keeping your immune system strong and healthy.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has given some really practical solutions such as diligent hand washing, coughing into the crook of your arm instead of your hands and avoiding being in contact with others when you are sick, so yes it is OK to stay home from work or school if you have the flu.
With the change in seasons, many factors conspire to weaken the immune system, which makes us vulnerable to colds and flu. There are many ways we can protect ourselves naturally.
When functioning at its optimum, the immune system is a powerful protector. It is the body’s highly specialized front-line defence system that identifies, remembers, attacks and destroys disease-causing invaders.
Essentially, the immune system is the body’s means of surveillance, intended to protect it from disease by searching out and destroying any health-damaging agents. It consists of many organ systems, an army of white cells, antibodies, lymphatic channels, glands, hormones and chemicals.
The immune system can become weakened by overuse of prescription antibiotic drugs, radiation, electromagnetic fields and inorganic chemicals in our polluted environment. Foods and beverages that are devitalized, full of sugar, processed, irradiated and otherwise adulterated, further contribute to altered immunity and to fatigue.
A healthy attitude, a balanced diet including whole foods, fruits, vegetables, fresh air, exercise, herbs and nutritional supplements can help support the immune system and our overall health.
The following are some natural remedies that can be used:

1. Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil is first aid in a bottle. Tea tree oil disinfects and has very powerful antiseptic and immune-stimulating properties. I use tea as a hand disinfectant and protector. I keep a bottle in my pocket at all times.
Drip one drop onto the centre of your palm, rub your hands together, cup your hands over your nose and inhale deeply. This allows the vapour to enter your respiratory system to protect it from flu germs ... and it protects and cleans your hands. Tea Tree is considered a mega essence and it’s antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal.

2. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) essential oil is considered the oil of respiration. It is best known as a decongestant for coughs and colds. It is a very powerful bactericidal with anti-viral properties.
Eucalyptus is an excellent immune stimulant and is good for people who are tired, rundown and prone to frequent colds. Eucalyptus can be used in a bath or as a massage oil for sore muscles, aches and pains.
AVOID DURING PREGNANCY OR IF YOU HAVE EPILEPSY OR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.
The essential oil diffuser is the most common way of using and enjoying essential oils. This method involves gently heating oils so they vaporise or diffuse into the air. The diffuser method makes your space smell great while influencing your mental state and energy in positive ways. Most essential oils are antimicrobial, so they also kill germs and viruses that could cause illness such as colds and flu.
Inhalation and steams are a therapeutic and powerful way to get essential oils into the respiratory system. Pour hot water into a large bowl, add two or three drops of essential oil, place the bowl on a table and sit comfortably in front of it. Using a large towel, make a tent over the bowl and put your head in the tent and inhale the steam for up to five minutes.
Inhalation can also be achieved by smelling the oil from the bottle or placing a few drops on a tissue and wafting under your nose throughout the day.
THE INHALATION METHOD SHOULD BE AVOIDED BY PEOPLE WITH SEVERE ASTHMA OR EPILEPSY.

3. Vitamin C, Vitamin D, probiotics and essential fatty acids help to keep us strong and healthy throughout cold and flu season.
More than 20 studies have proven that Vitamin C can dramatically shorten the length of the common cold, as well as easing symptoms. It is vital to a healthy immune system: it enhances the protective function of our white blood cells, which are called into action whenever an infection sets in.
A cold, flu or sore throat can deplete the level of Vitamin C stored in our white blood cells. It is important to replenish our levels constantly at these times to keep our immune system strong. A recommended dosage when a cold or flu is setting in is 500 to 3,000 milligrams per day.
Local rosehips are high in Vitamin C, so consuming rosehip tea, daily, is very helpful.
An important note is that white sugar and all refined carbohydrates should be avoided because sugar competes with Vitamin C for uptake and absorption into white blood cells in the immune system.
Preventative herbs, such as garlic, oregano oil, astragalus root, elderberries, rosehips and echinacea root, are also good to include in your flu-prevention regime.

4. Garlic is one of the most potent antiviral and antibiotic substances available. It contains dozens of compounds and volatile oils that are potent immune stimulants. It can be eaten in foods, drunk in teas or taken in supplement form.
For those who don’t want garlic breath, they can either use an odourless garlic supplement or eat raw parsley after consuming raw garlic. Parsley is high in chlorophyll and neutralizes the smell.

5. Astragalus root is a deep immune-system tonic. In oriental medicine, astragalus is said to tonify the Chi (a term that roughly translates into essential energy or resistance factor).

6. Elderberries are a good source of Vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus, B vitamins and potassium. For centuries, Europeans have been using elderberry juice as a guardian of health for preventing colds and flu.

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7. Echinacea root is used to prevent and treat the common cold, influenza and other infectious ailments. Echinacea is a non-specific immune stimulant that puts the body in a state of heightened resistance.

8. Oil of oregano contains the key ingredient, carvacrol, which has been found effective against upper-respiratory infections (including colds and sinus infections). Other studies have confirmed oregano oil to be more than just antibacterial. It actually has powerful antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic properties. It has been shown to actually strengthen the immune system.
AVOID USING OIL OF OREGANO DURING PREGNANCY.

Prevention is the key to try and avoid getting hit by the H1N1 virus during this cold and flu season. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Beverley Gray is a skilled herbalist, registered aromatherapist, reflexoligist and an award-winning natural health-product formulator who owns Aroma Borealis Herb Shop in Whitehorse, Yukon, www.aromaborealis.com.