Common Flu Blend Kit

Description

This is a kit based on the “Common flu blend” Stephen Buhner mentions in his book Herbal Antivirals. It provides baseline effectiveness and fewest contraindications. Note that while this should be better-tolerated by more people, it lacks several higher-potency antivirals. If you have no ongoing medical conditions, you might consider the Common Flu Blend PLUS Kit, which has more active ingredients, and also consider finding premade isatis and/or chameleon plant tinctures.

PLEASE NOTE: These are Buhner’s assertions, not mine. I am making no claims about efficacy; I’m simply providing materials for people to easily follow his protocols. Please see “Buhner Kits” for important information about this herbal blend.

Contraindications: Pregnancy, bleeding issues (e.g., DON’T take red root if you’re on blood thinners). Licorice can increase blood pressure if taken in high doses and/or for a long time. Be especially careful if you have high blood pressure, low calcium levels, low testosterone levels, or high blood sodium. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR if you have any ongoing health issues or medications before taking this. 

Ingredients: Lomatium (Lomatium dissectum), red root (Ceanothus americanus), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

Preparation instructions: Suggested preparations are included for making tinctures, non-alcoholic decoctions, and teas from this kit. Download Buhner Flu Kit Info Sheet. The short version, for making a tincture is:

• Dump contents into a 16 oz jar (like a pint canning jar).
• Fill the jar with 80 proof alcohol, like vodka.
• Shake the jar occasionally – or better yet, after about a week, blend the contents in a blender, then return to the jar.
• Let sit for 4-6 WEEKS.
• Strain through a sieve into a clean jar.
• Will keep without refrigeration for several years.

Dosage: Start with 1 teaspoon 4x/day; can go up to 6x/day in acute cases. This kit makes about 72 teaspoons (12oz) of finished tincture – should make plenty for one adult “bout” lasting 10 days. Don’t take it for more than 10 days – licorice should not be used long-term.