Illness is best defended against by maintaining a strong immune system. There are some illnesses that cause the immune system to attack the body. When this happens, it is called a Cytokine Storm.
DEFINE A CYTOKINE STORM
Tiny regulators in your body known as cytokines direct the immune response. If too many cytokines respond to a pathogen by over-stimulating the immune system, the resulting exaggerated response is called a Cytokine Storm.
Cytokine Storms are very serious. Symptoms of a Cytokine Storm include redness, inflammation, high fever, nausea and weakness. If the storm is located in the lungs, the combination of overwhelming mucus and inflammation could block airways and cause death. The strong Cytokine Storm response in young people is thought to be the reason for the high death rate among that group during the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic.
AVOID IMMUNE BOOSTERS DURING A CYTOKINE STORM
During a serious viral infection, immune boosting foods and herbs are best avoided. Oregano, Aloe Vera, Pau d’arco, Elderberry and Echinacea are some of the herbs which are immune boosters and would offer an initial relief followed by more severe symptoms in this instance. Some foods such as Chocolate, Kimchi, Chlorella Algae, Spirulina and Elderberry Juice (Sambucol) will also increase the production of cytokines and should be avoided during a Cytokine Storm. These foods are good for treatment of less severe colds and flu, but should be avoided when symptoms become severe.
USE ANTI-VIRALS TO ATTACK THE PATHOGEN
Use Antipathogenic herbs – also known as anti-virals – to fight a virus. Several helpful anti-virals include Pine Needles, Mullein, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Ginger, Garlic, Eucalyptus (inhaled) and Apple Cider Vinegar.
IMMUNE RESPONSE BROUGHT INTO BALANCE WITH IMMUNOMODULATORS
Foods and herbs classified as immunomodulators should be selected for use. These aid the body in regulating the immune response. Herbs and foods known as immunomodulators include Ginseng root, Chamomile, and Olive Leaf Extract.
WAYS TO TREAT SYMPTOMS
Cytokine Storms characterized by symptoms of bronchial inflammation and excess mucus can have those symptoms eased by the administration of anti-inflammatory treatments. Apple Cider Vinegar, Curcumin (extracted from Turmeric), Ginger, Marshmallow, Mullein, Mustard, Onions, Plantain, Pine Needles, Pleurisy Root, Red Clover, Yarrow or Eucalyptus (inhaled) are helpful in dealing with these symptoms.
REMEDIES
Most herbs can be made into a pleasant tea to drink. Inhaling the steam of herbs and/or Apple Cider Vinegar simmering in water is another way to receive the beneficial properties of herbs. In a plaster, onions and mustard can yield their benefits. It is also possible to deliver the benefits of onions in a soup. By smouldering the herbs as incense, their essential oils can be carried by the smoke into the air and inhaled into the lungs.
Rest and plenty of fluids are also very helpful in recovery. Monitor symptoms closely and seek additional help at the first sign of a life-threatening condition.
This information is given as a reference to the reader and not considered a substitute for medical examination. All liability is assumed by the individual employing these methods. Said readers should exercise common sense, educate themselves on the procedures and risks and exercise common sense when applying methods described.
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