First off let me say that I hope this is taken the way it is intended. It is interesting that when I saw the last thread about "combatting" swine flu, I was startled. I felt scared and worried. Then I read the thread and was relieved that Julie spoke about language and the importance of where we choose to shine the light on a situation. I find using war metaphors in general to be hard on my well being and using them in terms of my health, I find down right disconcerting.

While I do not want to down play the importance of keeping an eye on public health and finding ways to prevent illness, as well as to treat it when necessary, I just do not want to fight anything.

So my strategies in general apply when I think about the swine flu. They are many fold.

First I need to maintain my health (this is an ongoing dance and sometimes I am better at this than others)...human I guess you would say. But the bottom line here is nourish, nourish, nourish. No matter what, one cannot nourish enough. So I maintain my health by eating well, drink nourishing herbal infusions, excercise, getting enough rest and maintaining close connections with those who nourish me. I also wash my hands and during the winter months I increase the number of herbs that I ingest, which nourish my lungs and respiratory system. I also collect information and stay informed.

Secondly, if need be I ingest antiviral and immune boosting herbs. In this realm it is a dance for me, as I do not believe there is one herb that is a cure all for everyone who has a cold or flu. I find that I am usually working with the symptoms and the sense I am getting from the illness. This is true no matter what is happening, I assess the situation and choose from the herbs I have available to me. Of course there are certain herbs that I tincture and have ready to support me if needed. Antivirals are important here of course and elecampane and elder are two of my favorites. I also have poke root tincture and frozen berries on hand. If I had the flu, I would eat a few berries each day (and not chew the seeds, as the berries are edible the seeds are not).

Finally, If I am sick and need support I will ask for it. Before one gets sick, I think it is advisable to find people you trust, that you can turn to for guidance. As when we are really ill, it can be hard to think clearly and make the best decisions. Knowing who that person is ahead of time can be really helpful in assuring you will get the support and guidance that is in your best interest.

Lastly, I do not worry about nor do I fight the flu. What I do is I collect tools (herbal remedies and the knowledge that goes with it are tools. And I collect options. This feels sound to me and is proactive, rather than fear based. The media and the current medical establishment is working from a place of fear and a need to protect a public that is not always willing to take responsibility for their health. So I hope that by taking responsbility and collecting tools, I will not act out of fear, even if the swine flu appears at my door step. I am also happy to act as a tool and support for others.

Again I did not mean to uspurp your post Trish, I just feel that changing our language from a fighting to a nourishing tone is imperative to sustaining health. How do others feel, first about what I am saying and secondly about supporting your immune and respiratory system...what are your tools, what are your options?
Blessings
Linda