The whole question about viral and bacterial involvement in respiratory infection is one which has been skewed for a very long time, as the medical profession had nothing but antibiotics to offer. Originally the justification was to give the antibiotics just in case a viral infection developed into bacterial one which is of course a possibility as the thickened mucus involved in a viral respiratory infection is an ideal breeding medium for bugs.
However after nearly 50 years of overuse of antibiotics in this manner we now have highly drug resistant strains of bacteria and the cracks are becoming obvious.
In fact, of course, is that the health of the immune system is what is most important. A person with a healthy immunity will be able to deal with a viral infection quickly and easily and is also much less likely to develop a secondary bacterial infection. A recent study done in Australia has conformed the COVID-19 strain of virus stimulates the immune system the same way as ALL viral infections are known to.
My approach to the COVID-19 Virus is the same as for any respiratory infection.
I treat primarily the immune system and support the health of the other systems and tissues involved. I also encourage people to allow the infection to run its course to some extent, as one of the immune systems responses that of elevated temperature, is one of nature’s tools to destroy viruses. These fragile organisms are very temperature sensitive and are destroyed by elevated body temperature.
My herbal treatment programs reflect this multi directional approach as follows:
· Fresh garlic as a natural antibiotic and blood cleanser (high in iron and sulphur) and is anti-viral
· Echinacea fights infection by stimulating white blood cells.
· Fenugreek which is a powerful lymphatic system tonic and specific for the health of mucosal linings in the upper respiratory system (to support the health of mucus linings and help prevent secondary bacterial infection developing)
· Nettle as a high iron tonic to assist the immunity generally.
· Maritime Pine Bark to build up immunity at the deepest levels.
· Yarrow as an astringent tonic, blood tonic and a support to red blood cell production.
· Rosehips as the best upper level immunity tonic high in iron, vitamin C, copper, cobalt and as an adrenal and kidney tonic
· Thyme to address secondary strep infections of the throat
· Liquorice as decongestant, adrenal support and boost your energy.
· Ginger to stimulate heat in the body and act to support gut health
All this sounds like a lot but all the ingredients are safe and natural all work in harmony with your own immunity to both deal with a current infection and to build up the immunity after brush with the flu to healthy levels essentially providing immunity against future infections.
Nowadays the secondary bacterial infections are now more drug resistant than ever before and that generally the modern person has a much lower immunity generally in the 21st century than ever before, due mostly to our interference of natural diet and lifestyle.
Family Flu Mix - This mixture evolved over the years as the all purpose flu remedy in my own family's file at the clinic. It contains yarrow, rosehips, garlic, fenugreek, echinacaea, ginger, thyme, nettle and liquorice along with the Bach Flower Remedies, olive and chestnut bud. A very poplular and powerful combination!
