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It’s difficult to make sense of all the hype and fear around the coronavirus. Between varied news reports, social media, and conspiracy theories, we have generally raised an abundance of fear. Despite appearances, it is obvious that most people that become infected to do not progress into serious illness. The numbers and percentages we are given are only based on people that have been tested and only very sick, high-risk people have been tested in our country. Those that have died have generally been older and/or immune compromised; it is pneumonia that ultimately leads to death. This virus does appear to be heat sensitive, meaning that it will not survive as well in warmer weather, so Phoenix will likely be less impacted than colder regions of the world. Fever is the body’s natural defense against heath sensitive pathogens like the coronavirus.
People have been asking me how to best deal with the situation. I cannot claim to know what the most effective strategy will be against this virus, but I do have years of experience in dealing with alternative approaches to treating viruses. Here are some suggestions to prepare for this threat.
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The best way to stay well is to not get sick; being careful to wash hands frequently and avoiding close contact with sick people is the first step. Many people choose to wear masks in public; this can only help if the mask is fitted and worn properly. If you choose to wear a mask while out and about, be sure you know how to wear it correctly.
Avoid refined sugar as it weakens the immune system, as does alcohol and other simple refined carbohydrates; eating a clean diet high in veggies and whole foods is best. Vitamin D3 deficiency has been correlated with susceptibility to viral infections; the flu season follows the darker months of the year when decreased sunlight lowers our production of Vitamin D. A blood test can tell if you levels are within a healthy range. Other nutrients that are important for a strong immune system include vitamins A and C, zinc, selenium, and magnesium.
I have avoided colds and the flu for years by keeping my immune system strong and using antiviral supplements. Some that I use most often are:
Lauricidin- This coconut derivative is very safe and has wonderful antiviral properties as well as being antibacterial, anti-fungal, and immune stimulating. Generally, this is something I can rely upon to keep me healthy even while being exposed to sick people in cold and flu season. COVID-19 is known to be a lipid coated virus, in Dr. Kabara’s past research Lauricidin was shown to be effective with these types of viruses, such as herpes and influenza. It is also a great treatment for shingles.
The general adult dose is one scoop three times daily.
Laurishield- This line of products includes soap, hand cream, and skin ointment, and is made with Lauricidin. It has the antiviral qualities of Lauricidin that other antibacterial soaps don’t offer. I especially like the hand cream as frequent hand washing leaves the skin dry and its integrity compromised; cracked skin can make you more susceptible of getting sick if you touch something that has been contaminated with viruses. The Laurishield offers an added layer of protection when applied to the hands and body.
Uña de Gato (Cat’s Claw)- This Amazon plant is one of my favorite herbs; it is antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and strengthens the immune system. Uña de Gato can be used to treat cancer and can be helpful for the intestines and kidneys. I use it to keep from getting sick, or to treat viral infections.
The general adult does is 2-8 capsules daily depending on need.
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Meyer’s Cocktail- This is a vitamin and mineral IV that includes a high does of vitamin C which is given to boost the immune system and treat infections. Vitamin C has been proven to have antiviral properties.
Acute Immune- Mountain Peak Nutritionals has created this formula that both stimulates the immune system and kills viruses. It made with beta-glucan, echinacea and DMG to stimulate the immune system, oregano which has antiviral and antibacterial properties, and a six mushroom blend which includes Chaga mushroom. This is a great combination to prevent and deal with infections.
For people dealing with chronic viral infections and for people with a compromised immune system as they are more susceptible I would recommend their Chronic Immune formula.
Chinese Herbals- I first learned that a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, Shuang Huang Lian was effective in controlling the symptoms of the coronavirus but is not eradicating it. At this point, studies in China are being published about this.
According the The South China news, 87% of people infected with COVID-19 were treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The efficacy rate of TCM was 87.5% and the figure rose to 92.3% with the addition of Western drugs; 23 provinces in China have issued TCM programs for prevention of COVID-19. The main principles of TCM use were to tonify qi to protect from external pathogens, disperse wind and discharge heat, and resolve dampness.
The most frequently used herbs include Radix astragalia (Huangqi), Radix glycyrrhizae (Gancao), Radix saposhikoviae (Fangfeng), Rhizoma atractylodis macrocephalae (Biazhu), Lonicerae japonicae flos (Jinyinhua), and Fructos forsythia (Lianqiao). Initial Defense by Kan Herb Company is a Chinese formula that would be beneficial at the onset of illness. Pinellia Dispersing Formula also by Kan Herb Company would help a more advanced state of illness.
Homeopathy- The Indian government recommended that people treat the virus with homeopathy. This recommendation has been criticized by the media, however, properly prepared homeopathic remedies are safe; even if they don’t work, they generally do not cause harm.
The great flu epidemic of 1918 infected 500 million people; the death toll is estimated to have been between 20-100 million worldwide, or 10-20% of those infected. The homeopathic hospitals of the time had a 98% cure rate whereas allopathic hospitals reported only a 60-70% cure rate.
The homeopathic remedies used to successfully treat the Spanish flu of 1918 were Gelsenium and Byronia. Common remedies for pneumonia include Byronia, Causticum, Pulsatilla, Antimonium tartaricum, and Hepar sulphericum.
Engystol- Often called the homeopathic flu shot, Engystol is a German made injection which as been heavily studied and proven effective for the support of the immune system to reduce the severity of symptoms in viral infections, particularly in the early stages of colds and influenza like infections. It can be given to prevent infection, or as a treatment after infection. I and many of my patients receive an injection once a month during flu season to stay healthy.
There are too many herbs with antiviral properties to mention them all, some common herbs to consider are: garlic, ginger, oregano, echinacea, elderberry, licorice, thyme, olive leaf, ashwagandha, astragalus, rosemary, sage, and Saint John’s wort.
I like herbal combination formulas because they hit the pathogen from many sides at once. Other than the formulas I already talked about, these are some great choices:
Microbinate by Researched Nutritionals
Viral Immune by Mountain Peak Nutritionals
Anti-Viral Formula by Herbal Vitality
Parabiotic Plus by Nutra Biogenesis
Para-Gard by Integrative Therapeutics
Flucomune by Ayush Herbs
I recommend having something on hand to support the immune system and at least one antiviral supplement at home in case of need.
As always, you are welcome to stop in or call if you have any questions!