Avian Bird Flu - A Naturopathic Approach to Virus Protection
Bird Flu in the News
With disquieting news of the continuing spread of bird flu and
more human victims, there is increasing concern that this
illness, caused by the Avian Influenza virus H5N1, could spread
even to parts of the world so far unaffected. Many people are
already at risk and many more potentially vulnerable, so we
focus here on bird flu and some natural prevention and treatment
options.
What is a Virus?
A virus is a minute infectious agent consisting of a nucleic
acid core with a protein shell (or capsid) which is often
multilayered (covered) with fats. This capsid shell is an
impenetrable obstacle for many herbs and drugs, including
antibiotics, which are therefore no use against viral
infections. Certain herbs can penetrate or break down the capsid
and these are the herbs we refer to as anti-viral herbs.
The Effects of Viruses
Viruses vary greatly in their effect on the body. The common
cold, for example, is an acute, short-lived viral infection
which usually produces mucous in the throat and sinuses. To take
an example at the other extreme, the polio virus can produce
serious symptoms and can lead to paralysis.
Viral infections usually manifest symptoms like fever,
generalized aches, chills, fatigue as well as typical symptoms
for each specific virus. The particular strain of flu known as
bird flu, avian flu or H5N1 has the symptoms mentioned above of
high fever and fatigue, as well as specifically attacking the
respiratory system and thus the lungs and the oxygenation of
cells.
Of the hundreds of different viruses that may potentially affect
humans, some have the ability to mutate. A specific anti-viral
drug may be successful against a virus for a period of time but,
once the virus it is treating mutates, the drug will no longer
be effective.
For example, the flu virus mutates quite quickly, which explains
why a 'flu shot' will not necessarily provide any protection. It
is made up of antibodies to the previous year's flu virus
strains - usually from 5 to 10 of the most common ones - and
thus may not protect against the current year's strains.
The Value of Natural Anti-Virals
Natural anti-virals are particularly valuable as they contain
many constituents which make them effective over a broader range
of viruses. Even leaving aside concerns over bird flu, it is a
good idea to include some antiviral foods and herbs in your diet.
As well as breaking down the virus' shell anti-viral herbs also
have strongly protective effects on the body. They stimulate the
immune system, specifically increasing macrophages which destroy
foreign agents as they enter the body. Anti- viral herbs also
protect the individual cells, strengthening the cell walls in an
anti- oxidant manner thus preventing a virus from taking hold in
the body.
Please remember that in the preparation of herbal medicines,
oils, etc. the quality of the raw material as well as the
extraction method used hugely affects the final product and its
efficacy. Cheaper products may be made with inferior herbs and
dubious manufacturing methods. It is a false economy to buy
cheap herbal products.
Natural Products to Help in the Fight Against Viruses
Some readily available foods, specific herbs, homeopathics and
essential oils can help protect you and your family against
viruses in general and bird flu in particular. Andrographis,
Astragalus, Echinacea, Garlic, Ginger, Olive Leaf and St. Johns
Wort are all effective anti-viral herbs. Essential oils such as
Cloves and Oregano have anti-viral properties as do foods such
as apples, berries, chillies and seaweed. For a more
comprehensive list see this page on the Mullumbim
by Herbals website. At my dispensary we have also put
together a synergystic blend of ant-viral herbs that we call the
Mullum Herbals Virus Protection Pack.
A Wake-up Call
We can, if we choose, use the threat of bird flu to alert us and
inspire us towards a healthier life-style.
As the virus primarily attacks and breeds in the respiratory
system, smokers would do well to give up their habit (and then
try using the ayurvedic Nasya to help in eliminating harmful
residues).
Coffee, sugar, carbonated soft drinks, and most processed foods
harm our immune systems so we could help ourselves by removing
them from our diet or at least reducing excessive intake.
A final word of warning - stress!! Avoid it whenever possible.