Cytokine Storm Management
A good defense against most illness is a healthy immune system. Once you’re sick however, some illnesses can actually use your powerful immune system against you. This is known as a Cytokine Storm.
WHAT IS A CYTOKINE STORM?
Tiny regulators in your body known as cytokines direct the immune response. If too many cytokines respond to a pathogen by over-stimulating the immune system, the resulting exaggerated response is called a Cytokine Storm.
Cytokine Storms are very serious. Symptoms of a Cytokine Storm include redness, inflammation, high fever, nausea and weakness. If the storm is concentrated in the lungs and airways, the mucus and inflammation has the potential to block airways and result in death. The strong Cytokine Storm response in young people is thought to be the reason for the high death rate among that group during the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic.
AVOID IMMUNE BOOSTERS DURING A CYTOKINE STORM
At the first sign of serious viral infection, herbs and foods which boost the immune response should be avoided. At first there would be temporary relief after using these types of herbs (such as Pau d’arco, Echinacea, Elderberry, Aloe Vera and Oregano) but this would be followed by an increase in the severity of the symptoms. Sambucol (which is Elderberry juice), Chlorella algae, Spirulina, Chocolate, Kimchi and Honey are additional foods that can increase cytokine production and should be avoided during a Cytokine Storm. These foods are good for treatment of less severe colds and flu, but should be avoided when symptoms become severe.
FIGHT PATHOGENS WITH ANTI-VIRALS
Include herbs which are classified as anti-viral or antipathogenic in order to fight back severe viral infections. Apple Cider vinegar, Eucalyptus (inhaled), Garlic, Ginger, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Mullein and Pine needles are helpful in this application.
BALANCE IMMUNE RESPONSE WITH IMMUNOMODULATORS
Herbs and foods can also be immunomodulators. These aid the body in regulating the immune response. Herbs and foods known as immunomodulators include Ginseng root, Chamomile, and Olive Leaf Extract.
TREAT THE SYMPTOMS
Anti-inflammatories help lessen the symptoms of excess mucus and inflammation that occur in some Cytokine Storms. 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).
TREATMENTS
Most herbs can be made into a pleasant tea to drink. Many herbs and Apple Cider Vinegar (diluted with water) can be heated to a simmer in water using the steam as a medicinal vapor. A plaster of mustard (and even onions) can be applied to the chest for relief. A well-made soup can deliver the benefits of onions. 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. Keep a close watch on the symptoms and their progressions and seek the help of medical personnel should you determine the situation is life-threatening.
This article is presented for information purposes only and not intended as a substitute for trained medical care. The reader assumes all liability, should be informed, and exercise common sense when incorporating these methods.
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WHAT IS A CYTOKINE STORM?
Tiny regulators in your body known as cytokines direct the immune response. If too many cytokines respond to a pathogen by over-stimulating the immune system, the resulting exaggerated response is called a Cytokine Storm.
Cytokine Storms are very serious. Symptoms of a Cytokine Storm include redness, inflammation, high fever, nausea and weakness. If the storm is concentrated in the lungs and airways, the mucus and inflammation has the potential to block airways and result in death. The strong Cytokine Storm response in young people is thought to be the reason for the high death rate among that group during the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic.
AVOID IMMUNE BOOSTERS DURING A CYTOKINE STORM
At the first sign of serious viral infection, herbs and foods which boost the immune response should be avoided. At first there would be temporary relief after using these types of herbs (such as Pau d’arco, Echinacea, Elderberry, Aloe Vera and Oregano) but this would be followed by an increase in the severity of the symptoms. Sambucol (which is Elderberry juice), Chlorella algae, Spirulina, Chocolate, Kimchi and Honey are additional foods that can increase cytokine production and should be avoided during a Cytokine Storm. These foods are good for treatment of less severe colds and flu, but should be avoided when symptoms become severe.
FIGHT PATHOGENS WITH ANTI-VIRALS
Include herbs which are classified as anti-viral or antipathogenic in order to fight back severe viral infections. Apple Cider vinegar, Eucalyptus (inhaled), Garlic, Ginger, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Mullein and Pine needles are helpful in this application.
BALANCE IMMUNE RESPONSE WITH IMMUNOMODULATORS
Herbs and foods can also be immunomodulators. These aid the body in regulating the immune response. Herbs and foods known as immunomodulators include Ginseng root, Chamomile, and Olive Leaf Extract.
TREAT THE SYMPTOMS
Anti-inflammatories help lessen the symptoms of excess mucus and inflammation that occur in some Cytokine Storms. 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).
TREATMENTS
Most herbs can be made into a pleasant tea to drink. Many herbs and Apple Cider Vinegar (diluted with water) can be heated to a simmer in water using the steam as a medicinal vapor. A plaster of mustard (and even onions) can be applied to the chest for relief. A well-made soup can deliver the benefits of onions. 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. Keep a close watch on the symptoms and their progressions and seek the help of medical personnel should you determine the situation is life-threatening.
This article is presented for information purposes only and not intended as a substitute for trained medical care. The reader assumes all liability, should be informed, and exercise common sense when incorporating these methods.