I recently attended a conference on Lyme Disease. We took a tangent during a wonderful lecture about immune system function, and explored flu strains and the vaccines designed to protect us from flu symptoms. I’d like to share with you what I learned.
In medicine, when an infection becomes chronic, we generally consider that either the immune system is failing to control the infection, such as in HIV and AIDs, or that the infection is able to hide from the immune system, such as with the herpes virus that causes cold sores. Evidence suggests that chronic infection with any of the microbes associated with Lyme disease falls into both categories, which is one reason why persistent symptoms are so difficult to treat. [1] This is also one important reason why we turn to botanicals for help.
As the beautiful summer slowly comes to an end many parents are preparing for the upcoming school season. With new lunch boxes and sharpened pencils also come new viruses and colds. There are many things we can do to strengthen our children’s immune systems, including ensuring that they get a good night’s sleep, eat a wholesome diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and keep their daily sugar intake below 30g. Supplemental supports can also be very helpful in keeping young immune systems strong. There are many, many options on the shelves. Here are two that I feel are essential.
I’d like to share with you a youtube video I recently watched on the website of one of the labs I use frequently. It’s an interview with Dr. Stephanie Seneff, an MIT Research Scientist who found herself researching glyphosate in her quest to understand the growing prevalence of Autism in North America (about 1 in 66 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Canada). Glyphosate is the primary chemical in Monsanto’s herbicide Roundup and is considered by many accounts to be the most popular herbicide globally.
It’s a question asked of me frequently, and not an easy one to answer. A review of recent research suggests a decent 42% effectiveness for last year’s vaccine[i],[ii], but also with little to no impact on days of work lost, hospitalizations, or complications from influenza in generally healthy people[iii]. A review last year even noted lack of benefit to the elderly in long term care facilities when healthcare workers were routinely immunized [iv]. Despite the confusion, prevailing medical opinion continues to promote the flu shot as the best way to protect ourselves and the vulnerable members in our community. So, while I struggle to offer clear advice regarding the flu vaccine, here’s what I can tell you about the flu virus:
Throughout history, homeopathy has enjoyed a proven track record in treating influenza and other epidemic disease. During the Spanish Flu of 1918, homeopaths reported mortality rates of 1-5%, while their conventional counterparts, had rates of 30% and higher. Homeopaths of that era used a therapeutic approach in the treatment of the flu, honing in on the most characteristic and individualising symptoms of the flu outbreak in their community.
Today, homeopathy has 4 categories of treatment approaches: constitutional, therapeutic, prophylactic, and isopathic. Each one has unique benefits, and a mix of them can potentially be used together to optimize results for a modern population.
We’ve put together 3 of our favourite products in a nice little gift box, perfect for friends and family and just in time for the cold season. Though true prevention involves addressing immune system balance, these kits are designed to give you an extra boost at the early signs of symptoms. $45 each.
As the cold and flu season encroaches on us it is nice to have a few treatments options at your disposal. This recipe is easy and uses simple ingredients found at home, but the best part is, it really helps! Brew this tea at the very first signs of a tickle in your throat and if your throat is feeling sore. It is especially effective for strep throat symptoms. Drink at least 4 cups a day for relief.
WARNING: This drink is potent. The garlic (a key ingredient) can kill most forms of bacteria but leaves your breath strong enough to ward off vampires. I think this is fine – you are getting sick and this isn’t the time to be a social butterfly. Curl up with a good book and sip away on this tea- you will thank me in the morning.
I find the immune system to be one of the most fascinating areas in medicine. We live in an era of incredibly advanced science and technology, and still the immune system harbours many mysteries: How have we not yet solved the common cold? What causes autoimmune disease? Why do we not yet have a good test for the bugs that contribute to chronic illness? It’s sometimes easier to blame our genetics or bad luck instead of acknowledging our poor understanding of these things. Fortunately, many traditional medicines, with thousands of years of experience, offer priceless insight that can help us stay healthy through application of immune supporting and balancing strategies.
Follow this self-acupressure treatment routine to support your immune system and ward off colds and flus this season:**
1. Get into a comfortable position.
2. Spend 30 seconds on each point, following the order shown below. Apply firm pressure while breathing steadily into your abdomen.
3. As a maintenance routine, you can do this once in the morning and once before bed. If you start feeling fatigued, weak, or like you might be coming down with something, up it to three times a day.
