The following article was compiled by Lucy Chapa, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist/Herbalist located at Partners in Health. The article is a synopsis of a lecture by Paul Bergner, the director of the North American Institute of Medical Herbalism in Boulder, Colorado.

The H1N1 virus is threatening because it is such a new strain that the general population has not formed any immunity toward it. With the upcoming Flu Season, there are certain things that you can do to prepare. All of the suggestions offered here are for both the H1N1 virus and for the regular seasonal flu virus.

Viruses have a 7 day cycle, which comes in waves. The most important thing about this time period is to increase your resting and sleep cycles. By allowing your body to build up strength while resting and sleeping, you give it a chance to put its effort into fighting off any virus onslaughts. It makes for a quicker recovery and a lessening of the illness severity. Even though you might feel great after days 3 to 5, fight the temptation of overdoing the stress and physical activity you impose on your body - the virus might still be lying in wait.

• Vitamin D

  4,000 – 10,000 IU
  (Most important to take)
• Vitamin A

  1,000 IU Retinol or 10,000 – 25,000 IU Beta Carotene
• Vitamin C

  500 – 1,000 mg
• Vitamin E

  100 – 200 IU
• Selenium

  200 mcg
• Zinc

  25 mg
• Essential Fatty Acids

  1 tsp of Cod Liver, Fish Oil, Flax Seed
  Approximately 500 mg of EPA and DHA

The following herbal remedies are to be taken for preventing and shortening the duration of the illness. As with any herbal remedy, do not take long term.

• Elder Flower or Elder Berry Tincture

  10 to 12 drops, four times a day
• Boneset Tincture

  10 to 12 drops, four times a day

Lucy Chapa, Certified Clinical Nutritionist and Herbalist

720-470-7800

Partners in Health, 308 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette, Colorado