Cytokine Storm Management
A healthy immune system is your best defense against a multitude of illnesses. Some sickness can cause your immune system to become your enemy. The name for this phenomenon is a Cytokine Storm.
DEFINE A CYTOKINE STORM
Messengers in your body that regulate your immune response to sickness are called cytokines. When cytokines over-stimulate your immune system to produce an exaggerated response to a pathogen, a Cytokine Storm has begun.
Cytokine Storms can cause great physical harm. High fever, inflammation and redness along with nausea and weakness are symptoms of a cytokine storm. If the storm is concentrated in the lungs and airways, the mucus and inflammation has the potential to block airways and result in death. Many believe that the high death toll among otherwise young and healthy adults during the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918 was due to the Cytokine Storm response.
AVOID IMMUNE BOOSTERS DURING A CYTOKINE STORM
During a serious viral infection, immune boosting foods and herbs are best avoided. These include herbs such as Echinacea, Elderberry, Pau d’arco, Aloe Vera, and Oregano which offer temporary relief followed by more severe symptoms. Additional foods that increase cytokine production (and should be avoided during a Cytokine Storm) include: Sambucol (Elderberry juice), Spirulina and Chlorella algae, Honey, Chocolate, and Kimchi. Normally these foods are a good resource for treating less severe colds or flu but are to be avoided when the symptoms are severe.
USE ANTI-VIRALS TO ATTACK THE PATHOGEN
Use Antipathogenic herbs – also known as anti-virals – to fight a virus. Apple Cider vinegar, Eucalyptus (inhaled), Garlic, Ginger, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Mullein and Pine needles are helpful in this application.
USE IMMUNOMODULATORS TO HELP BALANCE IMMUNE RESPONSE
Foods and herbs classified as immunomodulators should be selected for use. These help to balance the immune system and bring the immune response back into normal parameters. Herbs and foods known as immunomodulators include Ginseng root, Chamomile, and Olive Leaf Extract.
WAYS TO TREAT SYMPTOMS
If you are dealing with a Cykotine Storm which has resulted in bronchial inflammation and lots of mucus, you will want to utilize herbs which are anti-inflammatory and help expel the mucus, reducing the symptoms. A list of helpful anti-inflammatories includes: Yarrow, Red Clover, Pleurisy Root, Pine Needles, Plantain, Onions, Mustard, Mullein, Marshmallow, Ginger, Curcumin (from Turmeric), Apple Cider Vinegar and Eucalyptus (inhaled).
REMEDIES
Most of these herbs can be administered in an herbal tea or in tincture form. 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. Onions can also be given as an ingredient in a soup. A slow heating and burning of herbs (as an incense) can release their essential oil which is carried by smoke to the lungs of those that inhale it.
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. The reader will exercise common sense, seek to be informed and assume all liability in the use of these methods.
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