Posts Tagged ‘Virus’

An Herbal Approach to H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)

Over the last few days, I have watched the media accelerate in alerting us to the possible shortage in the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccinations. We are being warned that the H1N1 virus will hit this winter in pandemic proportions. Many of us are quite frankly confused as to the prevenative/treatment approach for ourselves and family members. As practicing herbalist, I have been asked my opinion on this provocative issue.

Vaccinations are sometimes necessary. The elderly, persons with a compromised immune system and very young children should be protected. Caregivers are needed and are often not enough. Therefore, caregivers and educators should consider getting vaccinated. With that being said, the decision to be vaccinated should be weighed carefully. Are there sensible and easy options to protect you and your family without being vaccinated, while the choice is still ours? Sure there are, and one choice is to use an herbal approach.

Herbalism like prevention, is all about personal responsibility, responsibility to yourself and others. If you are sick, prevent others from being so by self quarantining. Most employers have viewed the H1N1 virus as a serious enough threat to encourage their employees to utilize their sick days when feeling ill. Some have even allowed employees to take days even when you have exhausted your sick time.

Prevention in this case and all other health concerns, is the most worthwhile consideration. Specifically for this flu season, building your immune system should be your utmost concern.

Herbs that build the immune system and can be taken prior to feeling ill are:

Astragulus (Astragalus Membranaceus) – A potent immune enhancer. Best taken before cold and flu season strikes, it builds the body’s resistance.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticos) – Has anti-viral properties and boost the immune system.

Codonopsis Root (Codonopis pilosulae) – For immune deficiency and frequent infections

Schizandra Berries (Schizandra chinensis) – Boost the body’s immune function

Reishi Mushroom – (Ganoderma lucidum) – Stimulates the immune system

All of the herbs listed above can be taken as a tea or a tincture during this flu season on a preventive basis.

What to do if you are feeling ill:

Know your body and recognize the symptoms of illness. Everyone begins to feel ill in a different way; fatigue, sore throat, headache, nausea, chills, etc. The first hour of an illness setting in is most important in treating that illness. An herbal approach to treatment of the flu includes all of the following: clearing toxins and excess conditions by increasing sweating, killing germs and reducing fever, pains, stiffness and congestion.

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Eco-Friendly Water Bottle For Biking – An Easy Way to Maintain Your Health As Well As Wealth

If you are like me and love biking, then this article is exactly for you. Have you thought of using an eco-friendly water bottle for biking? Let me tell you, it is simply a great way to manage the water needs while on the run.

Before I share the information about an eco-friendly water bottle for biking, let me ask you a simple question first. How do you manage your water requirements while biking? Do you prefer bottled water or carry your water along?

Well, whatever the case is, let me warn you that it is very harmful for your health.

How?

Bottled water is notorious for being nothing more than tap water. And tap water – as we all know – has loads of impurities like chlorine, pesticides, cysts, virus etc. Consuming such water can lead to various health problems. Read more…

Swine Flu – H1N1 Virus – Outbreak Information – Part 1

Although swine flu, H1N1 virus, outbreak information is scarce, should I be concerned? The purpose of this article and the follow up to it is not to alarm you, rather, the purpose is to inform you and let you begin to prepare now. Although little outbreak information on swine flu, H1N1 virus, is seen, you should be concerned enough for your family to begin preparing for this next flu season. On August 25, 2009 NBC morning news reported some interesting statistics from an article in Time Magazine.

The report said that as many as one-half of Americans could be infected by the H1N1 virus. If this were to occur, our hospitals – short staffed as they are – would be overwhelmed. As many as 30,000 – 60,000 deaths could occur as a result of the H1N1 virus, and over 50% of these deaths among young adults and pregnant women.

The H1N1 virus needs to get your attention so you can begin planning for your family, today. The target age group is 2 to 49 years of age. The young adults seem to be the hardest hit of all age groups. If you’re pregnant, you are especially vulnerable to attack by this flu virus. For some reason pregnant women contract the flu more readily, and they have the most trouble overcoming it.

You might be wondering, “Can I avoid catching the H1N1 virus?” It is possible! Some people simply have built in immunity to the flu and cold viruses. It is rare if they ever catch a cold or have the flu. Perhaps one reason for their never getting sick is they have a great immune system. If you aren’t one of those, then here’s what you may need to consider. Begin to build your immune system, now. Always consult your physician before you begin taking any kind of product-natural or not.

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Mesothelioma – Can The SV-40 Virus Cause It?

The vast majority of Mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos in the workplace or at home. This is a common statement put forth about the cancer, but you’ll note it doesn’t state that all cases are caused by asbestos exposure. There are instances where asbestos is not involved. One that is garnering attention is whether the SV-40 Virus might cause it.

SV-40 stands for Simiun Virus 40, which is to say it is derived from monkeys. How did this virus become a concern to humans? Well, polio was once a huge health problem. A vaccine was developed for it that has largely eradicated the disease. Oh, there was one small problem. The vaccine was grown on monkey kidneys. Some of the monkeys had contracted SV-40. While not impacting the effectiveness of the vaccine, the virus did travel along with it into some human hosts. Read more…

What You Should Know About HIV

HIV is a virus, which can be spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. Contrary to many people’s conceptions of HIV, it is not a virus limited to the gay population or drug users. Until recent decades, people could contract HIV while getting a blood transfusion. Medical personal put themselves at risk of contracting HIV. Newborns may be born with HIV. Infants can contract HIV while being breastfed by an infected mother. It is possible to live for years without symptoms and without knowing you may be infected.

Being diagnosed with HIV is no longer a death sentence. Although there is still no cure, there are a wide variety of medications, which can enable people who are HIV-positive to lead perfectly normal and happy lives. HIV and AIDS are two different things. While HIV is a virus, AIDS is a disease, which is also not curable. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, so you can not contract AIDS without first contracting HIV. People whose HIV has advanced to AIDS are also living longer healthier lives due to the advance in available medications. Read more…

Will you be denied the swine flu shot this fall?

The question: Will you get the swine flu shot this fall? Will you even be eligible to receive it?

Stephen contacted me recently and helped me realize that very few people have fully appreciated the fact that shortly the biggest and most costly inoculation program in the history of public health will be launched. The cost to U.S. taxpayers alone to foot the bill for a swine flu vaccine will be in the vicinity of 10 billion dollars.

I agree with Stephen that most people are likely to jump at the opportunity to get the vaccine. What I did not fully appreciate, and what most others probably also do not fully understand, are the pros and cons of doing so. I certainly was not aware that there may only be sufficient vaccine to inoculate a select portion of the population, so many of us may be required to forgo our spot in the line. Read more…

How To Win With Cancer

Just as in the general population, there has been a
growing epidemic of cancer among celebrities and
public figures, such as in the recent cases of
Patrick Swayze, Cristina Applegate, Sheryl Crow,
Melissa Etheridge, Farrah Fawcett, Ted Kennedy,
Kylie Minogue, Rudy Giuliani, Lance Armstrong,
just to name a few.

Even more celebrities have lost loved ones to cancer,
such as:

Angelina Jolie, Madonna and Rosie O’Donnell (who all lost
their mothers to cancer); Paul McCartney (who lost his first
wife, Linda, to breast cancer); CBS news anchor Katie Couric
(who lost her husband to colon cancer); American Idol David
Cook (who lost his maternal grandfather to lung cancer);
Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News (who lost his mother to
lymphoma and his sister to breast cancer); S. Epatha
Merkerson of “Law and Order” (who lost 2 of her very best
friends to lung cancer) … and the list goes on. Read more…