Are there flu herbal remedies that actually work? - Yes.. in fact, here are the top 4 natural remedies that have been studied and proven to be effective in stopping the flu, and flu like symptoms.

The flu is one of the most common parasites to infect the human body. And it is also the one parasite that modern medicine has the most trouble stopping. We have penicilin and antibiotics for bacterial infections, we antifungual medication for skin and respratory infection. We even have effective treatments for many forms of cancer and older diseases such as smallpox, and the mumps. But we just can seem to find a good way to stop the flu!

One of the reasons that the flu is very difficult to stop is it is a viral infection. Bacteria are much larger than a virus, and much easier to study. Therefore, it was possible for humans to find ways to stop them. Not so with viruses. They are tiny, in fact, even seeing them was impossible until we invented the electron microscope...and even then, only when they are already dead.

Since it's hard to kill something you can't even see...science and medicine have a way to go when it comes to beating the virus like we have the bacteria.

However, NATURE has some very powerful tools that we are just now studying under the lens of science. What we are finding is some natural herbs and supplements work very well at preventing infection, treating infection, and minimizing flu infection symptoms.

We did the research, and found there are several with proof that they work... of all the ones we looked at, we found 4 that have some wonderful healing properties when it comes to avoiding the flu, treating the symptoms, or actually fighting the infection off:

#3 - Coffee
One of the top flu herbal remedies is coffee. Although it does little to prevent an infection, and even less to fight one, coffee has a remarkable property of fighting nose and throat congestion, a frustrating symptom of the flu. In fact, a report in the "Annals of Epedimiology" reported a study found asthma sufferrers experienced a 29% drop in asthma symptoms by drinking coffee regularly. One cup of coffee a day is enough to reduce congestion symptoms due to asthma, or any flu infection.

#2 - Ginseng:
The number 2 on our list is ginseng. Ginseng as an herbal remedy for the flu is a very viable herb. In fact, a study was conducted out of Canada between the University of Western Ontario and the University of Alberta. It had 170 people between 18 and 65 take a 200mg capsule of American Ginseng, or a placebo. The Ginseng was able to cut the frequency of catching the flu down by 25% - 50%! And, those who did contract the flu had milder symptoms. This was a big study, with solid controls and a statistically significant result. So yes, American Ginseng can resist the onset of the tiny flu virus.

#1 - Echinacea:
And the #1 hebal remedy for preventing the flu is Echinacea. What makes Echinacea #1 at fighting the flu virus infection? Well, an analysis of studies and research conducted on echinacea by the University of Wisconson found that 85% of studies found echinacea effective in treating upper respiratory infections. Think of the cough, the sore throat, the mucus...echinacea is effective in treating all of these. In fact, some studies show it as effective as the anti-viral medications available by prescription only! It is often taken as a capsule or drunk as a tea...but a tincture is probably the most effective. 2 - 3 drops is all that is needed in a cup of warm water, taken twice a day. It has been known to cause numbness of the mouth, and an irritated stomach. Also, an allergic reaction is always possible, so be sure to talk to a doctor before taking echinacea.

Not on the list: - Vitamin C:
Not that this is exactly a new or unknown flu herbal remedy, but vitamin C is actually quite ineffective at preventing colds or the flu...Or is it the other way around? There are some studies that say it works if taken in very high "mega doses"...and while doses up to 3,000 to 4,000 mg per day may not be terrible for the body, they can tax the digestive system, and be a source for stomach pain and gas.

And then others say it doesn't do much to prevent viral infections. There is one place the studies agree: In extreme situations of cold, or physical stress such as experienced by marathon runners, cross country skiers, etc does vitamin C reduce the incidence of colds and the flu. So while vitamin C may or may not be a sure thing...you can take it anyway, even though the jury is still out on just who, and how well, it works for.

Be particularly sure to consult a doctor before using any of these herbs. This information is for educational purposes only, and not to be taken without professional consultation. Harmful side effect are possible.