Do Flu-Fighting Alternatives Work?

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Some healthy adults aren't waiting for their turn to get the H1N1 vaccine. They're trying to find ways to avoid getting sick now.

You aren't going to find many doctors writing prescriptions for it. It's over-the-counter, and unregulated by the FDA.

But, some Des Moines merchants are reporting sales are through the roof as the H1N1 vaccine is in short supply and conventional medicine is offering few alternatives.

To avoid the flu, growing number of people are turning wheatgrass juice.

Juicing and taking shots have a whole different meaning at Fresh Café and Market in West Des Moines where a shot of wheatgrass comes with an orange chaser. They're $2.50 a shot.

Kerri Rush said her wheatgrass business has spiked with the start of the flu season, and talk of H1N1.

Right now, because it is flu season people are more concerned. I see more people come in for grass," said Rush.

The wheatgrass shot contains Vitamins A, E and B-12, Calcium, Magnesium and Iron. Webmd.com said one ounce is the equivalent of one ounce of fresh vegetables.

Campbell's Nutrition will take it a step closer. Naturopathic consultant Sandy Seeman said elderberry lozenges can block H1N1 from making you sick. The pills are a dollar each, sold in bottles of 30.

"In a test tube they put healthy cells, the H1N1 virus and then they put in this elderberry. And what they found is that the elderberry stopped this H1N1 virus from getting into the healthy cells," said Seeman.

Seeman said another study shows elderberry syrup can reduce your time with symptoms.

"It actually lessens the duration of the flu for four days," said Seeman.

The syrup runs $19.99 for an 8-ounce bottle.

Doctors said there's no mainstream evidence to support claims elderberry can do either of these things, or that wheatgrass can boost your immune system.

Rush said she doesn't need the studies, she hears testimony every day. And she's living proof.

"I have to find some wood to knock on, because I haven't been sick in a long time," said Rush.

Jeff Brock is the Infectious Disease Pharmacist at Mercy Medical Center. He said to use caution when trying nutritional supplements. They can have interactions with medications or cause allergic reactions. He recommends consulting a doctor or pharmacist before trying them.

He also said eating a healthy diet, getting rest, exercising, washing your hands and avoiding people who are sick are the cheapest and most effective way of avoiding the flu.

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