Now before we get to the good stuff, a quick disclaimer: like Brian, I, too, am not a doctor. Do I drink a lot of tea? Yes. Am I a bit of a hypochondriac? Yes. But a doctor? Not so much.
Why are we focusing on natural remedies this week? For one, Hershel was willing to risk his life delivering that tea, and for two, what happens if the medicine from the veterinary school doesn’t work? Or if the gang (and by gang, I mean show favorites Daryl, Michonne, and Tyreese) doesn’t get it back soon enough? Hershel is taking matters into his own hands, but is brewing some tea really enough?
So here’s what we do know about this magical elderberry tea: some studies have shown that elderberry tea is effective against several strains of influenza and can reduce the duration of the flu symptoms by a few days. In addition, some scientists and practitioners of holistic medicine argue elderberries also have antibacterial properties. DOUBLE WIN!
Could Hershel’s tea be part of the reason that no one else has suffered Vincent’s swift decline? Last week, a lot of people posited that the infamous 1918 Spanish Flu was a likely inspiration for this strain of influenza that kills overnight. Does anyone know if there were any effective efforts to curb the quick progression of the disease? Was elderberry tea a popular and effective remedy back in 1918, or were its properties unknown at the time? Maybe some historians or history buffs could shed some light.
Unfortunately, despite elderberries naturally growing in North America, several other natural flu remedies are not so easy to come by. Ginger root, which is often boiled or added to food to help overcome illness, is not native to American soil. Similarly, other natural remedies including horseradish and garlic aren’t going to be found within walking distance of the prison fence.
If only they could get their hands on some vitamin C or zinc! Chances that the prison stocked up on OJ are slim, however. Maybe there are some native foods that sport high levels of vitamin C and zinc in the area? Let us know if you know! And tell us if you can think of any other naturally occurring flu remedies that the survivors might have access to in Georgia.
Also, fun fact, I’m sick this very instant! It’s just a sore throat, but I’m popping vitamin C and drinking my fair share of tea. Want some bonus points, though? Leave a comment or drop me some tips at the end of your insightful paragraph(s).
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well, whiskey can be used with hot water, raw honey and lemon to make a hot toddie these have been known to help strengthen your immune system…but, raw honey given to infants is not wise so, Judith would be the only survivor unable to partake of the honey.
I hold the same disclaimer you guys do, but I do a lot of reading & have done my fair share on herbal remedies & such. Needless to say, I’m always open for correction/enlightenment.
The Spanish Flu wasn’t “eradicated” back in the day…it just ran its course in about 3 waves, killed off A LOT of people, and was done. In fact, people didn’t quite know what the flu was, so it did prompt MDs to research & discover what flu is & ways to treat it.
The holistic approach is more of a comfort creature while a sickness takes its course…unless you’re getting plenty of the Vit C & Zinc, etc. to begin with. That would boost the immune system BEFORE you get sick or even lessen the chances of your getting sick at all. The survivors have been doing good to be eating what is obviously organic produce but all the other options to help keep them healthy are not there. Water’s not pure/treated, living quarters are tight and nasty, dead stuff everywhere, rats, FLEAS (I just had to toss that in there)…and stress. Stress in combination with the above also takes toll on the physical.
A sickness of this magnitude portrayed in the show…let’s just say Hershel’s attempt is better than nothing, I guess. They’re too tight, too close together in that prison…they need to get out & get air…
…which looks like the very thing taking place in their near future.
One thing that they could all do very, very easily is maximize their Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is absolutely crucial for immune health, though scientists really don’t understand its role yet. The body can manufacture it with adequate sun exposure, so the survivors should be making sure that they all get daily sunlight (bare arms and legs) for at least 15 minutes.
Maybe they could make some colloidal silver, too! http://youtu.be/WonMg3CCmxM
Dandelion greens are actually an ok source of vitamin c, and a really good source of vitamin a. They are quite plentiful in Georgia!
Also, my understanding is vitamin d isn’t actually manufactured by sunlight, but is converted from D3 to the usable form, D4.
My grandmother made her own sassafras tea and would cover her chest in her homemade mustard plaster whenever she got sick. She died at 95.