The Wall Street Journal ran an article today criticizing home flu cures as bad medicine. Not surprisingly then, the article states, “according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the officially sanctioned vaccine is the only proven way to prevent the H1N1 virus.” It went on to say that Tamiflu and Relenza are the only antiviral drugs proven to shorten the duration of the flu.

Although placing an onion in your bedroom may not protect you from getting the flu, there are many natural remedies to consider for flu prevention. These include:

1. Gargle with salt and water. It can take 2-3 days for flu germs to proliferate in your throat or nasal cavity. Gargling can help prevent proliferation.

2. Snuff salt and water. Just like in your throat, irrigating your nasal passages can help prevent the proliferation of the flu in your nasal cavity. My grandfather was a pharmacist and I can’t tell you how many times he told me throughout my life to gargle and snuff salt water, and although it always sounded so gross to me, he was right. In fact, a neti pot is the best way to irrigate your nasal passages. If this doesn’t work for you, then swabbing your nasal passages with salt and water can also help.

3. Sleep, sleep, and more sleep. I know I’m the worst offender on this front, but a good night’s sleep goes a long way toward good health. Unfortunately, you usually need more than one good night.

4. Hydrate and in particular drink warm liquids. The warm liquids help to wash away any flu cells that are proliferating in your throat. We recommend green or herbal tea as coffee is a diuretic and will dehydrate you at a time when you need to hydrate.

5. Wash your hands, wash your hands, and wash your hands.

6. Eat well, and boost your vitamin C intake.