Curcumin possesses strong antiviral properties that have a direct effect on influenza infections, or their prevention. According to a study published in a 2009, curcumin can reduce viral replication by over 90 percent in laboratory cells infected with influenza varieties. Curcumin decreased viral replication in infected cells, but also seemed to protect other cells from becoming infected. The researchers suggest that curcumin-rich turmeric is a viable candidate for treating influenza naturally, as it can interfere with the replication process in viruses and other microbes.

The extensive antiviral effects of curcumin against different viral pathogens nominate it as an effective natural antiviral drug.

Curcumall®, the concentrated liquid extract of turmeric/curcumin can be taken preventively or during an influenza infection. As a preventive health supplement, Curcumall® is taken 1-2 times daily—a teaspoon in a glass of water taken on an empty stomach. During an influenza infection, a teaspoon of Curcumall® can be mixed in a cup of warm milk and taken three times daily.

Curcumall® can also be used in cooking. It can be added for flavor and spice in different dishes  (for cooking ideas see “Cooking with Curcumall®” at www.curcumall.com)

For Quick Recovery from Flu Symptoms:

1. For sore throat: At the first sign of symptoms, gargle with Curcumall® 2-3 times daily. Mix 2 tsp of Curcumall® in ¼ glass water and gargle for 30-60 seconds. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes afterwards.

2.  For quicker recovery from Flu: Mix 2 teaspoons Curcumall® in a glass of water or milk and drink twice daily. You may drink this before gargling.

3.  Recipe for warm milkshake of Curcumall and Ginger.    http://www.curcum-all.com/curcumalls-health-blog/new-turmeric-and-ginger-latte-a-curcumall-milkshake/.

Background Research: Curcumin Demonstrates Potent Anti-Flu Properties

“New research has documented that the physical structure of curcumin is able to bind to cells and reduce the entry of a virus into a cell. The research was done studying the influenza A virus, though the mechanism of benefit is relevant to any viral infection. In order for any virus to infect a human cell, it must bind on to the cell and then enter it. It binds on to a carbohydrate projection from the cell membrane called sialic acid. The researchers showed that curcumin leaves residues on the sialic acid structure, preventing the virus from binding to the cell. This is a broad-based anti-viral principle. Previously, it has been found that various milk proteins such as those in colostrum, whey protein, and arabinogalactan contain sialic acid molecules that fool a virus into attaching to them which renders the virus harmless. This is a natural “trick” to prevent a direct battle with an infection while rendering it harmless. We can now add curcumin to the anti-viral immune support program, with its novel mechanism for broad-based anti-vital protection.”

“results demonstrated that treatment with 30 μM curcumin reduced the yield of virus by over 90% in cell culture.”

Abstract and Methods: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814609010553