What if your food could be your medicine? Well, it can. And it may surprise you to discover that the herbs in your kitchen cabinet all have medicinal uses too!

This salad combines a myriad of digestive herbs to make a delicious digestive salad.Depending on the time of year, some of these may be easier to find than others. Spring is a great time to have an abundance of these plants growing in your back yard but there are still some of these growing right now for us.

Proportions are not extremely important, just think about the properties of the plant as you pick and add them in. For instance, Dandelion leaves are a bit bitter so you might not want to add as many leaves as the rest.

This is a project of mine, researching different common and uncommon diseases, illnesses and other health inflictions that couldn’t be easily treated during a long term crisis due to lack of medical assistance or medicine. This is not a replacement for medical advice, it is just my notes on how to cope with the situation using herbs if no medical help was available due to a long term crisis or other disaster scenario. It is intended for educational purposes only. 

What is it?

Also referred to as the “flu,” influenza is a virus caused by influenza viruses A, B and C that infect the respiratory tract of many animals, birds and humans. 

Types A and B are the most common and cause respiratory illnesses that are often epidemic and usually during the late winter though they are often seen year round in all climates. 

Type A viruses are divided into types based on two surface proteins, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). At this time there are 16 known H subtypes and 9 known N subtypes. The pandemic of 2009 was the swine flu, represented as H1N1 while the earlier avian flu was referred to as H5N1 and affected mainly birds. Type A infects humans, other mammals and birds. 

Type A viruses go through 2 kinds of changes. The first is a series of mutations over time which causes a gradual evolution of the virus which is known as antigenic drift. The second is an abrupt change in the hemagglutinin and/or the neuraminidase proteins known as the antigenic shift. In the second case, a new subtype of the virus will emerge rapidly, causing pandemics. 

Type B viruses change only by gradual processes and do not cause pandemics. They infect humans and seals.

Type C usually causes a very mild respiratory illness or none at all. They infect humans and pigs.

Why should it be feared?

Influenzavirus A has the capability to rapidly mutate and change, causing pandemics that can be deadly, attacking the lungs and turning the immune system on itself, effectively causing the body to attack itself. 

The pandemic flus have been known to attack young, healthy adults instead of the usual victims of influenza who tend to be infants, elderly or immune compromised individuals. The 1918 Spanish flu (H1N1) lasted for 18 months and is blamed for killing 50 – 100 million, or roughly 3% of the world’s population of 1.86 billion. 500 million or 27% of the world’s population were infected with the Spanish flu which spread to the Arctic and Pacific Islands.

Tissue samples from frozen victims were used to recreate the virus for study which led to the discovery that the virus kills through a cytokine storm. A cytokine storm is a overreaction of the body’s immune system, the turning of the immune system against the body which explains the severe nature of the virus and the unusual set of victims. In this instance, a weak immune system is actually a good thing.

Transmission is primarily through large-particle respiratory droplet transmission such as coughing or sneezing.

Influenza can also cause a secondary infection such as pneumonia which can become life-threatening.

What should be done?

During normal times, many advise to be vaccinated though the vaccine is often only speculation as the strains of the virus are so quickly mutated. During a pandemic, it is doubtful enough vaccines could be made in time to prevent the virus from spreading. Isolation is the best prevention. Keep yourself and your family in the house, if mail delivery is still running, use protective measures (rubber gloves) and do not bring it in the house. Discard unnecessary mail and let all other mail sit in a spot for at least 4 days to ensure the virus is dead before bringing it in the house.

For those who show symptoms of the flu, antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are taken. During a pandemic, these antivirals may not be available. Additionally, the antivirals amantadine and rimantadine may be given to prevent the virus from infecting cells but are only effective against viruses which possess the M2 protein. Viral strains are now showing resistance to these antivirals.

Make sure the patient stays in bed, warm, well hydrated and eats well. Discontinue the use of tobacco, alcohol, sugar and processed foods. 

Quarantine anyone coming into your household for 5 days. If they show any symptoms during this time period, treat them for influenza.

Caregivers should use caution in handling of patient, their bodily fluids and all clothing and linens. Wear a N95 respirator mask, gloves and gown.

What are the stages?

Incubation Period: 1 – 4 days

Patient is infectious from 1 day before symptoms appear though children may shed the virus several days before symptoms appear.

Main Symptoms: 3 – 7 days up to 2 weeks for more severe strain

Initial symptoms are abrupt:

-Fever
-Malaise
-Myalgia
-Headache
-Nonproductive cough
-Sore throat
-Runny nose

Children may present other symptoms as well such as:

-Otitis media (earache)
-Nausea
-Vomiting

Some patients may only have respiratory symptoms without a fever. 

Patients are infectious until 5 – 10 days after the onset of symptoms. 

Complications:

Infections can cause secondary illnesses such as:

-Viral pneumonia
-Bacterial pneumonia
-Sinusitis
-Otitis media

or even death.

Children may experience febrile seizures (about 6 – 20%)

What are my options?

The first step is preventing influenza from invading your home and family. Take all precautions to avoid coming in contact with those infected. In the event of a threat of a pandemic, it is wise to keep children home from school and adults to stay home from work if at all possible. Wear N95 respirator masks and latex gloves when forced to be in public. 

 

Step 1: Prevention

During the winter, keep healthy by getting plenty of sleep and fresh air, eating healthy, minimally processed foods and supplementing with a good source of vitamin D3. From the Fall Equinox until the Spring Equinox, all family members should take a daily dose of vitamin D3:

0 – 2 should take 1,000 – 2,000 IU

2 – 12 should take 2,000 – 5,000 IU

12 to adult should take 5,000 – 10,000 IU

Our primary source of vitamin D3 is through sunlight. However, during the winter months, the angle of the sun does not give those in the northern hemisphere enough exposure to supply us with enough D3. This is why most people become sick in late winter. 

Step 2: Boost or Modulate the immune system

Before getting sick, boost your immune system to fight off infections. Daily doses of these herbs can assist with this but should be stopped if it is known or suspected that the virus operates using a cytokine storm:

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Take lots of  garlic (3 – 4 raw cloves a day). Continue to take even if symptoms appear as garlic can reduce cytokine storm.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida)

Take 1 drop for every pound of body weight once a day. 

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Drink 1 cup of root decoction daily or take 1 – 2 droppersful daily. 

If symptoms of the flu appear, discontinue taking the above herbs and switch to any of the following:

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Syrup or elixir, 1 tablespoon 3 – 5 times per day

South African Geranium root (Pelargonium sidoides)

Tincture of root, 1 dropperful 3 times per day.

Holy Basil / Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Tincture, 1 dropperful 3 times per day.

Step 3: Support the Fever

Do NOT suppress the fever. Do not take acetaminophen or NSAID’s such as ibuprofen or aspirin. The fever’s purpose is to burn off the virus. Adults can go up to 108° F before human cells begin to die. For children, exceptions are for infants up to 1 month, 101.4° F may be critical which rises to 102° F at 2 months of age. As long as the patient is comfortable and the fever is below these critical points, allow the fever to burn.

Keep the patient well hydrated, offering herbal teas often. Herbs that will support the fever and help the body to burn and kill off the virus include:

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)

Osha root(Ligusticum porteri)

Peppermint (Mentha peperita)

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Elderflower (Sambucus nigra)

Honeysuckle Flower (Lonicera japonica, L. sempervirens and other Lonicera spp.)

Of the above listed herbs, use what you have available and offer hot tea often. Keep an insulated pump pot (see supplies section) by the patient’s bed to have a supply of hot tea on hand at all times. Diaphoretics work by being dispensed hot.

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Antiviral, febrifuge; general and severe aches and pains “bone break” sensations caused by fever. Tincture 30 – 60 drops in warm water or tea every 2 hours. Infusion of herb (2 tablespoons per quart of water) frequently sipped (every 1 – 2 hours).

Step 3: Reduce Cytokine Storm Activity

The following herbs will inhibit influenza symptoms and  inflammatory cytokines.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Take lots of  garlic (3 – 4 raw cloves a day). Continue to take even if symptoms appear as garlic can reduce cytokine storm.

Baikal Skullcap Root (Scutellaria baicalensis)

Tincture 2 – 3 droppersful 3 times daily.

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa)

Infused oil, taken in capsule form. 1 00 capsule daily.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

If available fresh, 4 slices per 8 oz. water. Powdered root add 1/2 teaspoon to 8 oz water. Bring to boil, turn off heat, cover and let steep for up to 1 hour. Strain and drink 3 cups daily. Tincture 1 dropperful 3 times daily. 

Red Sage Root (Salvia milthiorrhiza) 

Tincture dosage: 50 drops 3 times daily.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Tincture of flowering tops, 3 – 4 droppersful 3 times daily.

Turmeric Root (Curcuma longa)

Powdered root add 1/2 teaspoon to 8 oz water. Bring to boil, turn off heat, cover and let steep for up to 1 hour. Strain and drink 3 cups daily. Tincture 1 dropperful 3 times daily. 

Step 4: Soothe and Support the Cough
Teas are helpful for coughs as they are soothing and warming though tinctures are also beneficial and can be added to an herbal tea. The herbs below may be mixed together or used singly according to their availability. 

Honey 

Although not an herb, honey is an excellent treatment for soothing coughs. Adding powdered herbs such as turmeric, ginger and other mild tasting herbs can also help heal sore throats and irritation caused by coughing spasms. Honey can also be added to an herbal tea to increase the herbal tea’s power. 

Use raw honey from a local source. “Honey” purchased from a store may not be live, rendering it useless for medicine. Honey may contain botulism spores and should be used with caution for babies under the age of 1. 

Herbs for dry, spasmodic coughing:

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

Antispasmodic, mild expectorant. Tincture 10 drops to 1 dropperful every 3 hours as tolerated. If nausea develops, cut back dosage. Start with lowest dosage amount and increase if necessary. 

Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa)

Expectorant, demulcent, relaxant, mild diaphoretic. Good for coughs with burning sensation, coughing up blood (indication of cytokine storm). Tincture 1 – 2 droppersful 3 – 4 times daily. 

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Demulcent, antiviral. Decoction take 1 – 2 tablespoons every 3 hours. Tincture 1 – 2 droppersful every 3 hours. 

Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Antispasmodic, expectorant, antiviral. Syrup take 1 teaspoonful as needed. Tincture take 1 dropperful every 20 minutes until coughing eases then lower to every 2 hours or as needed. 

Peach (Prunus persica)

Antispasmodic, expectorant, antiviral. Syrup take 1 teaspoonful as needed. Tincture take 1 dropperful every 20 minutes until coughing eases then lower to every 2 hours or as needed. 

Balloon Flower root (Platycodon grandiflorus)

Anti-inflammatory, bronchial dilator, anti-tussive, expectorant.  Take 1 – 3 droppersful 3 times daily.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

If using leaves to make tea, strain through muslin and drink 3 cups daily or sip as needed. 

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

Root or leaf can be used. If using root, make a cold decoction. Demulcent, ant-inflammatory. Drink 3 cups daily or take 1 dropperful 3 times daily. 

Herbs for moist, hot coughs:

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis a.k.a. H. decumbens)

Especially helpful for later stages of influenza. Tincture, 1 dropperful or 1 cup tea 3 times daily.

Elecampane root (Inula helenium)

Expectorant, anti-tussive. Tea can be made from the dried root but it will be bitter. Sucking on honeyed roots can be very helpful (see recipes). Tincture can be taken, 1 dropperful every 2 – 4 hours. 

Plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major)

Astringent, expectorant, antispasmodic, tonifying for mucous membranes. Hot tea works exceptionally well, especially when combined with Thyme. Drink 3 cups daily or as needed. If using tincture, take 1 dropperful 3 times daily or as needed. 

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Antiseptic, antibiotic, expectorant. Hot tea works exceptionally well, especially when combined with Plantain. Drink 3 cups daily or as needed. If using tincture, take 1 dropperful 3 times daily or as needed. 

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Drying, astringent, anti-inflammatory. Drink 3 cups daily or as needed. If using tincture, take 1 dropperful 3 times daily or as needed. 

Sources

The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism by Matthew Wood 

http://aradicle.blogspot.com/2009/09/herbal-support-for-influenza.html

http://www.medicinenet.com/influenza/article.htm 

http://www.henriettesherbal.com/faqs/medi-3-12-cough.html 

This is a project of mine, researching different common and uncommon diseases, illnesses and other health inflictions that couldn’t be easily treated during a long term crisis due to lack of medical assistance or medicine. This is not a replacement for medical advice, it is just my notes on how to cope with the situation using herbs if no medical help was available due to a long term crisis or other disaster scenario. It is intended for educational purposes only. All cases of cholera should be assessed and treated by a medical provider.

 

This is a project of mine, researching different common and uncommon diseases, illnesses and other health inflictions that couldn’t be easily treated during a long term crisis due to lack of medical assistance or medicine. This is not a replacement for medical advice, it is just my notes on how to cope with the situation using herbs if no medical help was available due to a long term crisis or other disaster scenario. It is intended for educational purposes only. All cases of smallpox should be assessed and treated by a medical provider.

What is it?

It is an infectious disease caused by a virus. There are two variants of the virus, Variola major and Variola minor. V. major is the most common form of smallpox and is also the most severe. 

Infections are highest during the winter and spring in temperate climates. Tropical climates can see infections throughout the year with few seasonal variations.

Smallpox is considered a ‘filth’ disease so making sure your community keeps clean can help to reduce the chances of outbreaks. 

Smallpox looks similar to chickenpox and is often mistaken as chickenpox or vice versa. 

Why should it be feared?

Variola major has a mortality rate of 30% while V. minor has a mortality rate of 1%. It causes ulcerations of the cornea which can leave infected persons blind in one or both eyes. It can also leave severe scarring. There is no cure or conventional medication for smallpox. It can be spread by prolonged face-to-face contact as well as through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated items such as clothing and bedding linens.

What should be done?

During normal times, there is no treatment for the smallpox virus. Supportive care is given to control fever and pain. Fluids are also administered to prevent the patient from becoming dehydrated. 

The patient should be quarantined and all linens and clothing should be washed in hot, soapy water with bleach to kill the virus. All infected surfaces should be washed with a bleach water solution.

The caregiver should wear a face mask and wash their hands with hot, soapy water after any contact with the patient or patients belongings.

What are the stages?

Incubation Period: 7 – 17 days

During this time, infected people feel fine and do not show any symptoms. They are not contagious at this time. 

Stage 2/Initial Symptoms: 2 – 4 days

The first symptoms include general malaise, fever, headaches and backaches, and sometimes vomiting. The fever will range between 101° to 104° F. The patient is possibly contagious at this point.

Stage 3/Early Rash: 3 – 4 days

A rash will first be seen as small red spots in the mouth and on the tongue. These spots will develop into sores that break open and spread large amounts of the virus into the mouth and throat. This is the most contagious phase of the virus.

When the sores in the mouth break down, a rash appears on the skin, beginning on the face and spreading down the arms and legs then to the outer extremities. They will often be present on the palms and soles. The rash usually spreads to all parts of the body within 24 hours. The fever usually starts to fall when the rash appears and the patient will start to feel better.

On day 3 the rash becomes raised bumps or pustules. 

On day 4, the raised pustules fill with a thick, opaque fluid and the pustule will have a depression in the center, making the bumps look a bit like donuts. 

The location of the rash and the shape of the pustules are both major indicators that the patient has smallpox and not chickenpox. 

On day 4 the fever usually rises again and will remain high until the scabs for over the pustules.

The rash occurs at the same time during this period with the pustules on any part of the body remaining in the same stage of development.

Stage 4/Pustular Rash: 4 – 5 days

The pustules become sharply raised and round and often are described as feeling like there are bb pellets embedded in the skin. The patient is still contagious.

Stage 5/Scabbing: 4 – 5 days

The pustules begin to form a crust and then will scab over. About 14 days after the rash first appears most of the pustules will have scabbed over. The patient is still contagious. 

Stage 6/Scabs Heal: 5 – 6 days

The scabs begin to heal and fall off. Marks will remain on the skin that may eventually become pitted scars. Scabs typically fall off 14 – 28 days after the rash begins. Once the scabs have completely fallen off the patient is no longer contagious.

What are the options?

There are many herbal remedies which will be beneficial for treating smallpox. 

Keep the patient comfortable and avoid bright light since the eyes are weak at this time. 

Step 1: Diet

Keep the diet light and easy to digest so the body can concentrate on fighting the virus. Foods to feed the patient include:

Bone broth, vegetable broth

Miso

Oatmeal or barley water

Congee (12 parts water: 1 part rice)

Natural juices both vegetable and fruit

Ripe fruits, especially pears and apples to help cleanse the bowels

Yogurt

Step 2: Encourage the Fever and perspiration

Giving diaphoretic herbs and hot baths will encourage rash to break out quicker and encourage faster healing. Give teas made from any diaphoretic herb available. Store teas in a thermos after making to keep them warm for administering as the patient needs them. Offer a continuous cup of tea for sipping and encourage them to drink often. Alternate with rehydration fluids to keep the patient from becoming dehydrated.

Do not attempt to suppress the fever or stop the pustule eruptions. Only use herbs to bring them out faster, encourage perspiration to flush the body and support the body as it works through the process.

For best results try:

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is specific for smallpox. May be combined with equal parts of Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa) and Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium acaule) for best results. If Lady’s slipper is not available, substitute Catnip (Nepeta cataria) or Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis). 

Red Sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Regular Sage (Salvia officinalis) may be effective if Red Sage is not available. 

Do not give medications or herbs to suppress the rash and pustules from erupting, this is part of the body’s cleansing process. The larger the break out, the more toxins that will leave the body. 

Step 3: Alleviate Itching

To soothe itching, wash pustules with either full strength lemon juice or a mixture of 50/50 apple cider vinegar and water. 

Make a bath tea of Burdock root (Arctium spp.), Yellow Dock root (Rumex crispus) and/or Goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis) to relieve itching. 

Step 4: Reduce Pitting/Scarring

Jethro Kloss suggests using a sterile needle to pop the pustules 4 days after they come to a head and washing them thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide to prevent pitting. 

Goldenseal  (Hydrastis canadensis)
Goldenseal is a specific to reduce pitting. Washes of Goldenseal root may be used to cleanse pustules as they burst. A salve made from Goldenseal root, fat and beeswax or even an oil of Goldenseal root and fat can be applied several times a day over the pustules to avoid much pitting.

Step 5: General Herbal Treatment

In addition to the above mentioned herbs, the following are various herbal treatments that have been used for treating smallpox. Use what you have available in your region.

Bistort (Polygonurn bistorta)

Decoction of root is cleansing, astringent and toning.

 

Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

Red Raspberry leaves can be mixed with Bistort for a toning and astringent tea.

 

European Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Do not confuse this with American Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides). European Pennyroyal has a warming influence for the stomach and is also diaphoretic and stimulating which is good for treating feverish conditions, bronchial congestion and eruptive diseases. Give 6 – 8 oz. infusion every 1 – 2 hours.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita, M. discoidea)

Chamomile and Pineapple weed (also known as wild Chamomile, M. discoidea)  are very soothing to the eyes and can help ease pain and inflammation of the eyes. Make a strong tea, soak some flannel cloth in the tea and drape over the closed eyes. It may be warm or cool, whichever the patient finds most soothing. The tea may also be used a was over the eyes. Be sure to strain all Chamomile plant material out first. 

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Tea or tincture from this plant can be soothing to the nerves, helping to calm an anxious patient. Catnip is also good for treating fever and can be used as an enema to help bring on perspiration. Catnip will also help to overcome the discomforts of smallpox. 1 cup of tea several times a day or 1 dropperful of tincture as needed.

Sources

Back To Eden by Jethro Kloss pgs. 369, 538 

http://www.herballegacy.com/Smallpox.html 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002332/ 

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/smallpox/en/