Natural Remedies for Flu: Expert Tips from Herbalist Trudy van Diepen-Stam
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As flu season approaches, many are searching for natural ways to alleviate symptoms and boost their immune systems. Trudy van Diepen-Stam, a seasoned herbalist and educator, offers a wealth of knowledge on combating flu complaints using nature’s remedies. Born in 1945, Trudy transitioned from a career in childcare and education to herbal medicine in the 1990s. Today, she shares her expertise through lectures and creates natural medicines in her own herb garden. Here are her top tips for managing flu symptoms naturally.
1. harness the Power of Herbal Medicines
Trudy’s first advice is Echinacea, a well-known herb celebrated for its immune-boosting properties. “What I recommend is Echinacea, that works very well. A few drops every hour. This fabric provides some more white blood cells,” she explains. Echinacea is widely available in tincture or tea form and can be a powerful ally in fighting off infections.
2. Sip on Elderberry Juice
Elderberry juice is another staple in Trudy’s flu-fighting arsenal.“If you have a low fever,which is also not good,it will increase your temperature. If you suffer from a high fever, it ensures a lower body temperature.But than you have to heat the juice for a while,” she advises. elderberries are rich in antioxidants and have been used for centuries to support immune health.
3. Try the Garlic Foot Remedy
For those battling a high fever,Trudy suggests an unconventional yet effective method: garlic. “What also works very well with a high fever and you don’t want to take paracetamol is cutting a garlic and sticking it under your foot with a plaster. because you know what that does? It gets the warmth out of the head. And with children, it is entirely advisable to do this because fever should not be too high in children,” she shares. This remedy leverages garlic’s natural antimicrobial properties to help regulate body temperature.
4. Brew Bramble Leaf Tea
If flu symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea, Trudy recommends turning to bramble leaves. “Do you suffer from vomiting or having diarrhea,there is probably some bramblad nearby. Make here tea from, because that stops,” she says. Bramble leaf tea is known for its soothing effects on the digestive system and can provide much-needed relief.
5. Practice Self-Compassion
Beyond physical remedies,Trudy emphasizes the importance of self-care. “This is very crucial. You are often grumbling on yourself. You don’t say that to a child who is sick. You tell them to lie down on the couch, or watch television. But you are hard for yourself. You really have to be very soft for yourself,” she advises. Rest and kindness are essential components of recovery.| Remedy | Benefit | How to Use |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|——————————————————————————–|
| Echinacea | Boosts white blood cell production | Take a few drops every hour |
| Elderberry Juice | regulates body temperature | Drink heated for high fever, unheated for low fever |
| Garlic Foot Remedy | Reduces high fever | Place a garlic slice under the foot with a plaster |
| Bramble Leaf Tea | Soothes vomiting and diarrhea | Brew tea from fresh or dried bramble leaves |
| Self-Compassion | Promotes mental and emotional well-being | Rest, relax, and treat yourself kindly |
Trudy van Diepen-Stam’s holistic approach to flu management combines natural remedies with self-compassion, offering a gentle yet effective way to navigate flu season. Whether you’re sipping on elderberry juice or brewing bramble leaf tea, these tips can help you feel better while staying connected to nature’s healing power.
For more insights into herbal medicine, explore herbal remedies or learn about Echinacea’s benefits. Stay healthy, stay kind to yourself, and let nature guide your recovery.
Holistic Flu Remedies: A Conversation with Trudy van Diepen-Stam
Q: What are some of the most effective natural remedies for boosting the immune system during flu season?
Trudy: One of my top recommendations is Echinacea. it works exceptionally well in boosting white blood cell production, wich is crucial for fighting off infections. I suggest taking a few drops of Echinacea tincture every hour. It’s widely available in tincture or tea form adn can be a powerful ally in supporting your immune health.
Q: How does elderberry juice help with flu symptoms?
trudy: Elderberry juice is a staple in my flu-fighting arsenal. It’s particularly useful for regulating body temperature.If you have a low fever,elderberry juice can increase your temperature slightly,which is beneficial. On the other hand, if you’re suffering from a high fever, heating the juice ensures it lowers your body temperature. Elderberries are also rich in antioxidants, making them a centuries-old remedy for immune support.
Q: Can you explain the garlic foot remedy for high fever?
Trudy: Absolutely. For those battling a high fever and looking to avoid medications like paracetamol, a garlic foot remedy can be highly effective. Simply cut a garlic clove, place it under your foot, and secure it with a plaster. This method helps draw warmth out of the head, reducing fever. It’s especially advisable for children, as high fevers can be perilous for them. Garlic’s natural antimicrobial properties make it a great choice for this remedy.
Q: What natural remedy would you suggest for flu symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea?
Trudy: In such cases, I recommend bramble leaf tea. Bramble leaves are frequently enough easily accessible, and brewing tea from them can provide significant relief. This tea is known for its soothing effects on the digestive system and can help stop symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea effectively.
Q: Beyond physical remedies,what role does self-compassion play in recovery?
Trudy: Self-compassion is crucial. When we’re sick, we often push ourselves too hard instead of being kind to ourselves. Just as you would encourage a sick child to rest and relax, you need to do the same for yourself. Rest, treat yourself gently, and allow your body the time it needs to heal. Mental and emotional well-being are just as vital as physical remedies in the recovery process.
Key Takeaways
Trudy van Diepen-Stam’s holistic approach to flu management combines natural remedies with self-compassion, offering a gentle yet effective way to navigate flu season. Whether you’re sipping on elderberry juice or brewing bramble leaf tea,these tips can help you feel better while staying connected to nature’s healing power. stay healthy, stay kind to yourself, and let nature guide your recovery.
