NatureFresh

We strive to enlighten, to assist and to uplift.

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2021 News

Sue, Helen and Michelle with Chris, Jim and Mahir – and Jambo

Helen took over from Tammy in October 2020 is now in control of the front desk. Chris joined us after Anton left in December 2020. Chris is as energetic and enthusiastic as his mother – but a lot taller and stronger. Mahir is now in charge of the warehouse, deliveries and production – assisted by Chris. Helen is at the front desk and Michelle runs the office upstairs in the morning and she finishes off at home, often working till midnight.

 

We continue to develop new products and keep up with the latest trends. Our Face Food with Hyaluronic acid is a big hit. We keep our prices affordable and believe that  paying exorbitant prices for such a moisturizer does not mean you get a superior product. 

Thanks to the outbreak of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, we have been very successful with our herbal products that deal with viral, bacterial and other microbial and parasitic infections. It is interesting that our 3 key ingredients are also used to fight malaria: Artemisia, olive leaf and Nigella Sativa (black Cumin). Here are some articles to explain the background to the ongoing pandemic and why they can’t really come up with a proper vaccine!

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Metformin offers protection for diabetics

Metformin helps us control our weight, insulin levels – and it fights the Covid-19 virus!

Metformin is based on a natural herb called French Lilac,

also called Goat’s Rue or Gallega officinalis

Who was to know that Metformin, a tried and trusted drug that is used to treat insulin resistance was originally developed to fight the flu in the 1920’s? They discovered an unexpected side effect – that of lowering blood sugar levels. A new drug was thus launched and the vast majority of diabetics still use it today. A comparative reduction in the rate of mortality in diabetic patients on Metformin with severe SARS-CoV-2 has been observed according to four hospital studies that show lower instances of death in their patients who take Metformin.

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According to other studies, Metformin has demonstrated the potential to directly inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is excellent news, especially in the light of trying to establish (and promulgate) a vaccine for one of an ever-mutating family of coronaviruses. A drug like Metformin /Glucophage is based on the molecular components (or actives) of a plant called French Lilac or Goat’s Rue. This remedy has a good safety profile, kills parasites as well as viruses and bacteria. Yet unlike other antibiotics, it is beneficial to the gut microbiome in a number of ways. It alters the bacterial strains to improve insulin sensitivity and the uptake of short chain fatty acids.  This helps to reduce inflammation and prevent gut permeability. It is not yet clearly understood how it is able to enhance the growth of some bacteria in order to benefit the host. Goat’s Rue in its original form is also available as a health supplement and the recommended dose on most products is a 500mg capsule. Like Metformin, it is recommended for lowering blood glucose and for weight loss.

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There seems to be a link between insulin resistance and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections. We are familiar with older people who have cardiovascular problems, inflammation, elevated blood sugar, metabolic disorders and other debilitating conditions that require chronic medications. Such coronavirus patients (including SARS-CoV-2) who are unable to control high glucose levels in their bloodstream are more prone to hyper inflammation, vasoconstriction and blood clots.

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We hear a lot about angiotensin 2 enzyme (ACE2) receptors that are present on the spikes of all coronaviruses. Coronaviruses use these extrusions to bind to their target cells. But normally, these receptors are used for controlling inflammation with the enzyme we call ACE2. They degrade angiotensin 2 into angiotensin 1–7 (ACE 1-7) to reduce insulin resistance by decreasing cellular oxidative stress, enhancing insulin signalling and insulin-stimulated glucose transport activity. It reduces inflammation as well as vasoconstriction and blood clotting. ACE2 is expressed in tissues that include lung alveolar epithelial cells, pancreatic beta cells and enterocytes of the small intestine to ward of the ravages of inflammation that we call a cytokine storm, linked to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) that drives insulin resistance and cardiovascular problems.

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Metformin can lower blood sugar by preventing the liver from producing too much of it. Lowering blood sugar also enables vitamin C to directly access receptor sites that glucose competes with. Less sugar = less inflammation. Metformin restricts the growth of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa – a nasty bacterium within the lungs. Recent studies have shown that larger parasites like Trypanosoma Cruzi and Trichinella Spiralis are also killed off. Larger parasites, especially eggs and larvae that migrate to the brain, heart and lungs can cause a lot of inflammation. that complicate Covid-19 outbreaks in countries like China, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Brazil where a lot of meat, especially pork is consumed. Consuming raw or undercooked meat poses a greater risk for infections. Hyper inflammation can lead to sepsis (blood vessel and organ damage) and here too, Metformin helps to decrease the pro-inflammatory cytokine load.

 

NATURE FRESH HEALTH PRODUCTS

Address: Unit 16 Boulevard Way, Capricorn Business Park, Muizenberg 7945, Western Cape, South Africa

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Phone: 021 709 0050      info@naturefresh.co.za   sue@naturefresh.co.za

We are in Muizenberg and offer natural health products – sustainably sourced, well researched, and very affordable.

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Treating COVID-19 with repurposed drugs

Treating COVID-19 with repurposed drugs like Ebselen and Ivermectin versus orthomolecular supplementation

Radio interview for Ifm with Sue Visser and Zulaikha Amod 3:30 pm 20th August 2020

Finding new applications for the already approved drugs we have in the marketplace gives us the advantage of knowing about side effects and cheaper generic versions are available in some cases. As soon as we mention the pandemic, people get excited about Plaquenol, the drug we call hydroxychloroquine. Another popular – and very expensive antibiotic called Zithromax is used in combination with this anti-malarial drug.

Q: In the first place, what is the most common cause of symptoms that affect breathing, fever and inflammation?

A: Certainly not any defficiency of hydroxychloroquine or Zithromax! A lack of glutathione is now what the latest scientific studies are pointing to as a primary cause of coronavirus-based complications. There are a number of key micronutrients as well as amino acids we need to maintain our glutathione status. So the most common cause of a global coronavirus pandemic should be addressed. This involves nutrition, not drugs! When we are full of toxins, pathogens and chronic conditions caused by poor eating habits our immune system is already down and out. Dr Horowitz a renowned researcher of Lyme disease noticed the dramatic, almost immediate relief that patients who could hardly breathe experienced with glutathione within 1 hour of administration. “Although anecdotal,” he said, “I have heard from patients who were on NAC and glutathione when they were exposed to COVID-19, that they did not get sick or test positive for the virus, when others around them did.” Cytokines are made by the body to fight invaders; but when there are too many, when the immune system is on overdrive, the cytokines turn on the host itself. Glutathione and related supplements may well stop COVID’s “cytokine storm syndrome.”

Q: What exactly is glutathione – can we buy it over the counter, without a prescription?

Glutathione is one of the body’s master antioxidants and plays an important role in our defences, regulating cytokine responses and immunity. GSH is a small protein molecule composed of 3 amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine called GSH precursors or building blocks. (I often talk about glutamate and the supplement L-glutamine converts to glutamate, as does MSG.) Vitamin C, another very effective antioxidant also inhibits airway inflammation and increases glutathione. Zinc is known to play a central role in the immune system and is one of the most effective ways to deactivate the replication of the coronavirus’s RNA. The most effective way, as we mentioned in the first of our talks on Covidd-19 is to tune up the immune system. Selenium is a cofactor for the production of glutathione. Supporting our natural ability to ward off and treat both viral and bacterial diseases is all we need to do. However, this approach is the one we are constantly reminded to forget about!

Oral glutathione supplements that include the bioavailable precursors such as N Acetylcysteine can effectively increase glutathione production and hence improve the outcome of patients. For the emergency treatment of coronavirus-infected patients, some forms of glutathione can be inhaled into the lungs or used trans-dermally or intravenously.

https://www.lymedisease.org/pfeiffer-preventing-covid/ Science suggests we can prevent COVID, even when defenses fail by Mary Beth Pfeiffer, thefirstepidemic.com https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7172740/ Efficacy of glutathione therapy in relieving dyspnea associated with COVID-19 pneumonia: A report of 2 cases http://www.immunehealthscience.com/glutathione.html What Glutathione (GSH) is and how it affects your immune health

Q: What is this newly re discovered – wonder drug they call Ebselen and are there any harmful side effects?

A: How about Ebselen? In the past, doctors have used Ebselen to help treat bipolar disorder, cataracts and hearing loss. Recent studies show that it inhibits the virus’s main protease, which is known as Mpro. As a consequence, scientists have already shown that Ebselen is safe. It also exerts a powerful antibacterial effect on drug resistant strains like staphylococcus aureus and significantly reduces their elusive biofilms. It doubles up as an anti-inflammatory and can reduce cytokine levels. Ebselen is a selenium-based organic complex, which can mimic the activity of glutathione peroxidase. It is a strong antioxidant, which increases the efficiency of glutathione and has a strong neutralizing effect against free radicals, especially when it comes to inflamed airways. Not only for coronavirus patients, but also for lungs that have been damaged by cigarette smoke.

The use of colloidal silver and Ebselen in synergistic formulations has been shown to be effective against five, clinically difficult-to-treat MDR Gram negative bacteria. Ebselen has low cytotoxicity (LD50 tests in rats) and its safety in humans has been evaluated in several clinical trials. The clinical potential for the combination of Ebselen plus colloidal silver for SARS-CoV-2 treatment is very promising. It would bypass the necessity for separate antiviral drugs – plus antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs as well as antioxidants. Novel antimicrobials are becoming increasingly difficult to develop and are currently unable to keep pace with the emergence of resistant bacteria as it is. Because Ebselen mimics the natural substance we call glutathione peroxidase, it behaves like a micronutrient in its own right with an excellent safety record.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/another-existing-drug-shows-promise-against-covid-19#Ebselen

https://www.nature.com/articles/srep11596 Repurposing Ebselen for treatment of multidrug-resistant staphylococcal infections

https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/08/14/sciadv.abd0345

Q: What is colloidal silver and why are we told it is dangerous.

According to WEBMED, “There are currently no FDA-approved over-the-counter or prescription drugs containing silver that are taken by mouth. However, there are still colloidal silver products being sold as homeopathic remedies and dietary supplements. Colloidal silver is used for infections, hay fever, skin conditions, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of its uses. Colloidal silver can be unsafe when taken by mouth, applied to the skin, inhaled, or given by IV. Despite some claims, there is no good evidence to support using colloidal silver for COVID-19. In fact, it can be unsafe. We are advised to follow healthy lifestyle choices and proven prevention methods instead.” Is this really the case? Absolutely not! Only silver nanoparticles (colloids) can survive inside the body. Metallic silver particles are unaffected by hydrochloric stomach acid and chloride ions and will circulate in the bloodstream. The particles will slowly be eliminated from the body and do not build up. It is the particles of metallic silver that provide the real benefit, especially against viruses as well as bacteria.

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-779/colloidal-silver

Q: Does it really make us turn blue?

The adult daily dosage of supplemental colloidal silver is about 5ml – 10 ml daily and this amount could hardly be deemed as dangerous or the cause of argyria (turning the skin blue) or anything untoward. Unlike the queue of pills that are prescribed for treating both chronic and acute conditions, there are no side effects at the recommended dosage. Nobody would overdose on their prescribed medications, would they? We would have to consume 48 times more colloidal silver every day for a year in order to turn blue. If you take 48 times more antivirals, antibiotics, blood thinners, sleeping pills or antipsychotic medications than prescribed, you would not turn blue!

https://readynutrition.com/resources/colloidal-silver-series-part-1-myths-and-truths-about-side-effects_21052018/ Colloidal Silver: Myths And Truths About Side Effects BY READY NUTRITION · PUBLISHED MAY 28, 2018

Q: What about other drugs that can support glutathione?

A: Antabuse, a drug that is commonly used for treating alcohol abuse offers a number of benefits as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2. The generic of is called Disulfiram and as previously demonstrated in vitro with SARS and MERS coronaviruses, inhibits the main coronavirus protease (M pro) and stops it from replicating. It also helps the body to compensate for a loss of glutathione. As we now know, a glutathione deficiency (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral) is the leading cause of respiratory distress and cytokine storms. The drug is not expensive and has the advantage of doubling up as a treatment for alcoholics. For South Africa this has additional benefits, as many of the vacant coronavirus/pandemic beds are occupied by the victims of alcohol abuse.

https://medicaldialogues.in/medicine/news/alcoholism-drug-disulfiram-potentially-effective-against-covid-19-68350

https://english.jagran.com/lifestyle/drug-used-against-alcoholaddiction-may-be-key-to-covid-19-cure-finds-russian-study-10014992

Q: Are there any drugs that can help with the cytokine storm?

A: Yes, a surprising one comes from a popular veterinary drug called Ivermectin. It is used for killing scabies and other parasites that affect farm animals. Now, according to Dr Kylie Wagstaff, who led the latest study: “We found that even a single dose could essentially remove all viral RNA by 48 hours and that even at 24 hours there was a really significant reduction in it,”. Besides this, it is also used in a tablet form to cure roundworm infection and second-line treatment for scabies and rosacea, a skin condition that results in redness and causes pus-filled bumps on the face. I noticed how well the Ivermectin injection worked for my cat that had some crusty sores that were red and itchy. After a few days, the lesions were gone and the bleeding, inflammation and itching stopped. I thought this was due to the shot of cortisone that was given. But then I heard about the use of Ivermectin for COVID-19 and discovered that the way it kills parasites is to super-relax them so they lose their grip on the host. Ivermectin is classified as a GABA – agonist. In other words it works as an activator of GABA, our chief inhibitory neurotransmitter. Natural equivalents we all use come from herbs like valerian, passiflora and hops that are herbal tranquillizers and sedatives!

https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/coronavirus-drug-ivermectin-6355993/ Lice drug ‘possible’ solution to Covid-19: What is Ivermectin?

Q: What about natural or herbal remedies or orthomolecular medicine?

In the absence of a scientifically proven cure or preventive for novel coronavirus infection, should one use alternative medicine? We could well ask if a brand new and untested vaccine is safe to use, especially if there is no guarantee and no liability?

As a health researcher and keen observer of Covid-19 treatments for the global pandemic it is difficult to recommend a tried and tested, reliable natural remedy like Artemisia, olive leaf, kalonjie or colloidal silver without being shot down in flames. As for orthomolecular medicine, do we need any more scientific proof that we lack the basic nutrients we need to maintain a healthy happy immune system. Like all viruses, the latest strain we now call SARS-CoV-2 spreads by RNA replication and the race is on to find something to inhibit it. Coronaviruses involve proteases that are situated on their characteristic spikes. In this case, the protease called Mpro is one of the main targets to address with an effective protease inhibitor.

We are constantly reminded by the WHO that: “While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional medicines.” They say that “Doctors are discouraging use of drugs recommended by practitioners of alternative medicine because a drug has to be developed keeping in mind its safety and efficacy.”

https://www.medicalacademic.co.za/integrative-medicine/natural-remedies-for-covid-19/ Natural remedies for COVID-19? By Sue Visser

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/can-alternative-medicine-work-against-the-coronavirus-6335098/ Explained: Can alternative medicine work against the coronavirus?

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How the COVID lockdown has affected our emotional, hormonal and weight issues

How the COVID lockdown has affected our emotional, hormonal and weight issues

IFM Radio talk with Zulaikha and Sue 22 July 2010

We are all getting used to the new corona pandemic-orientated lifestyle, as the months go by under lockdown. Some of us are back at work – others have lost their loved ones, careers, businesses and incomes. It has been an emotional rollercoaster all round, but according to Sue, a new mindset called “coviditis” has developed.

Q: What do you mean by “coviditis”?

Coviditis is what we call an attitude that people have when they try to blame their shortcomings, especially not doing their normal duties on the covid situation. People are so used to not having their normal supplies or being unable to do things or go to certain places that a degree of laziness has crept in. The closure of gyms especially, becomes the excuse for not being fit and not burning enough calories. The temptation to shut down, watch more TV and eat more junk food is overwhelming. But covid is to blame, as is not working as hard because of justified as well as imagined reasons – all because of the pandemic. We don’t have hairderssers, beauty parlors and so on. So we can be scruffy – because of covid. We can shut out everybody and be rude – because of covid!

Q: Sitting around does tempt one to eat more. What can we do about the weight gain?

It has become too convenient to just sit at home with nothing to do and one gets used to it. Apathy sets in and one is less inclined to budge because it becomes too much effort. No more freedom of movement, especially in the earlier days when we had a more severe lockdown resulted in doing less exercise. The frustration and the boredom led to more eating and snacking – unfortunately for some of us. Others enjoyed having the free time to do more cooking and baking and the results speak for themselves. More cookies and cake and more and when one is bored and depressed, more people look for comfort food.

Q: You mentioned emotional problems. How do these affect our hormones?

Our emotions affect our hormones and also our immune system. When we feel angry, frustrated, anxious and depressed we release a lot of stress hormones like adrenaline, cortisol and epinephrine. These hormones not only depress the immune system, they make us store fat as a result of stimulating our flight or fight response. They raise our blood sugar level, for instance to help us flee from the perceived threat but we don’t run away. We sit and fret and fume. Eating sweet food for comfort means we disable the immune system. Sugar usurps our vitamin C receptors. Depression and anxiety make us seek out the sweet stuff for comfort and once you start eating sweet food, the release of insulin – another hormone, is increased. Over time the excess insulin causes a drop in blood sugar and leads to shakiness and hypoglycaemia. Another excuse to load up on sugar – unfortunately. When we fail to burn all this fuel, it leads to chronic weight gain. Lockdown obesity is a big problem!

Q: Do calorie restricted diets help or hinder weight loss?

When your food is your comfort, restricting it causes further stress, more emphasis on deprivation and a greater obsession for trying to cheat on not only covid restrictions, but your food intake. The eat as much as you like diet is not the answer either, unless you exercise a lot and burn up all the calories. Eating the wrong food causes more inflammation and that in turn, makes one swell up and feel bloated.

Q: What is the most sensible diet to follow?

It is best to start with a selection of what I call safe zone food that really suits you, as an individual. That means eating for your blood type. Any diet is fine, but leave out the items that do not suit your blood type because regardless of the amount of kilojoules, the contain antigens that disrupt your digestion and can cause inflammation. Inflammation causes chronic weight gain, regardless of the portion size or the amount of exercise you do. It is not fair, to see somebody thrive on brown bread and stay slim when it makes you feel fat and sluggish. We provide free blood type lists and slimming information on our website. Use the SEARCH box at www.naturefresh.co.za and take advantage of years and years of well researched material.

Q: If weight gain is caused by hormonal problems, especially thyroid imbalances that slow down metabolism or PCOS that cause insulin resistance – do we need to first address the hormones?

Yes, otherwise all your hard word and discipline will be of no benefit. Once you stop the diet, you will revert – especially if you do not stick to the blood type diet. If you keep eating the food that inhibits your thyroid function, the metabolism will not speed up. For some blood types, eating a lot of cabbage every day blocks iodine because for them, it is goitrogenic. But not for everybody. Eating too much beef and potatoes makes blood type A feel sluggish. There are good supplements on the market to assist thyroid function and there are plenty of fat burners. Best of all is Coleus Forskholii, as recommended by Doctor Oz as it helps the thyroid and speeds up the metabolism. There are many product on the market, so look out for ones that best suit your needs.

Q: If unhappiness is the cause of our weight issues, what can we do?

Feeling sad and heavy and depressed is no joke and one may feel trapped inside a huge, dysfunctional body. It is not easy to overcome such inertia. Where help is needed, one can choose from the many Bach flower remedies that deal specifically with all kinds of mental issues. From feeling tired, anxious or unmotivated to being angry or suffering from a locked in feeling – they can help you. They are available from health shops or online. Homeopathy also has many of these remedies to help you over the gap. But if you have the desire, the motivation can come from asking for help – even a family member who can accompany you and offer support.

Resources for help with emotional / anxiety problems. Online support groups and counselling:

1 https://sandtonchronicle.co.za/263291/covid-19-deal-panic-lockdown/?fbclid=IwAR3Ui4wNQlFfJAMV4jxqJKDGXWTBxleqNLh72F-YYSHy1L7fUpPPVw2LKvM#.XxgE6xyUzgo.facebook

2 https: //sandtonchronicle.co.za/260997/covid-19-keep-anxiety-check/

Help with gluten free and blood type related weight issues:

https://naturefresh.co.za/blood-type-lists/ for free blood type lists

https://naturefresh.co.za/category/blood-group-diet/ blood type guidelines and articles

https://naturefresh.co.za/gluten-blood-type/ how gluten affects your blood type

https://naturefresh.co.za/gluten-free-challenge/ go gluten free for 1 month – try it under lockdown!

https://naturefresh.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/7_step_MEGASLIM_diet_plan.pdf 7 day diet plan

https://naturefresh.co.za/products/nf-045-megaslim-50-capsules/ Megaslim (correcting hormones)

Help with hormonal issues: PMS, menopause (male and female), PCOS, testosterone, etc

https://naturefresh.co.za/female-hormones/ female hormone problems

https://naturefresh.co.za/google-cse/?q=hormones list of articles for more help

https://naturefresh.co.za/hormone-supplements/ hormone balancing tinctures for PMS and menopause

https://naturefresh.co.za/male-menopause-andropause/ male menopause

https://naturefresh.co.za/megamax-full-research/ testosterone imbalances in men and women

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Traditional Medicines. Research on Artemisia Annua

Traditional Medicines. Research on Artemisia Annua 11th July 2020

Dear Frank,

At last I have found the truth about the Artemisia Annua story, after all the publicity from Madagascar. So they said South Africa was going to help with the research – but nothing happened. I even wrote to the health minister to offer my help. No reply, obviously! You are the best person to approach, as we have the same goal in mind: to prove that Artemisia Annua is effective against COVID-19. No commercial agenda required, not even coffee to add. But the Max Plank institute produced the first positive evidence we so badly needed.

It is shameful that our local folk were prevented from picking and selling their Unhlonyane / Lengana / Wilde Als to their people on the streets – R20 a bunch. Maybe they know a thing or two. I am very keen to share my 25 plus years of experience with this and other herbs as this can save you a lot of time in terms of 1 on 1 human trials. I have dozens of triumphs to share, especially with HIV/Aids and how a remedy I made has cured a number of cases. This knowledge is to be shared with our people. Enough bullying and scoffing from the “you-know-who”! We are already promoting the serving of free tea at feeding stations and selling teabags to schools and the general public to get the ball rolling. So far people love the Artemisia Annua / Wild olive leaf blend. I do however, keep reminding them that everybody has the right to grow their own and take medicine in its natural state. I think you feel the same way, so I am looking forward to hearing from you real soon!

Best regards,

Sue Visser sue@naturefresh.co.za

SUE VISSER is the health researcher and product developer for Nature Fresh health Products. She has developed over 45 products, beginning with her unique Calcium Complex formulation in 1997. With over 25 years of experience in Complementary and especially Traditional Medicine, Sue shares her articles freely with doctors (SA Medical Academic) and other publications. For many years, she has given free presentations, radio shows, workshops and has appeared in the two TV series on local herbs (Nature’s health – 2007 and 2009). She is the author of two books and dozens of research papers and published articles. Sue investigates current health trends, products and modalities on a constant basis and interacts with fellow South Africans at all levels to learn more about their health issues. Artemisia Annua and other anti-malarial species, especially Olea Europa/Afra have now come to the fore as treatments for CV-19. The new Nature Fresh prototypes are having very successful results with viral infections by using herbs that treat malaria. www.naturefresh.co.za sue@naturefresh.co.za

Some quotes from my articles: Olive Leaf and malaria

“For many years the missionaries and their families who visited Mozambique used these 100% olive leaf tablets and never got malaria. Olive leaf has a number of other therapeutic effects, including lowering blood pressure, improving insulin functionality, warding off colds and flu and eradicating viruses, microbes and parasites. It does not wipe out beneficial gut flora. Unlike many of the popular anti-malarial drugs, no drug resistance has been reported with olive leaves. Seven olive leaves are used for 1 olive leaf tablet (9), so when making tea or tinctures (10) one needs to bear that in mind as a dosage guideline. The most studied active components of olive leave are oleacin and oleuropin but in nature, the synergy from the entire leaf or plant component is always more effective than its mere extracts. At the time, during the pioneering work over 20 years ago we did not even know that the whole leaf contained cinchonine – one of the most potent anti-malarials we have in nature.” (Article by Sue Visser. Published in Townsend Letter and Medical Academic https://www.medicalacademic.co.za/integrative-medicine/can-herbal-treatments-for-malaria-work/)

Artemisia and Olive leaf used as a 100% dry leaf remedy is worth considering to help overcome the threat of worldwide malaria epidemics. It is sustainable and can help impoverished communities to generate a lucrative income. (So why not COVID-19?)

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Back to school. How to cope with COVID complications

Back to school. How to cope with COVID complications      Radio talk July 2020

Zulaikha Amod and Sue Visser discuss problems that affect teachers and their pupils who return to school during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

School teachers are now experiencing a lot of problems with teaching in a normal classroom under abnormal circumstances and they too, suffer from many inconveniences, difficuties, ailments and adversities that are related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Q: We are especially worried about the sanitisers. Some make us feel lightheaded and people complain of rashes. Are they safe to use so frequently?

A: No. Sanitisers have to contain over 60% alcohol to be effective. The idea is to rob the virus of the oil that protects its contents. But all that alcohol on the skin strips off ur natural layer of oil as well! Another problem is the type of alcohol that is used. Ethanol is a food-safeform of alcohol, but some cheaper brands use aa wood-based alcohol called methanol. Read the label, if you go shopping but most of us get sprayed at the doors of shops without questioning the active ingredients. There are many complaints about the effects that methanol have on the brain: dizziness, poor attention, brain fog and so on. Some sanitisers smell nice – especially the citrus ones. But some people react to citrus oil and bergamot oil because it makes them photosensitive.

Q: Can we make our own sanitisers, and how do we know if they will be effective?

A: It is hard to guarantee that our own recipes for sanitisers work as well as the alcohol-based ones. Yet many of the essential oils one can use are very effective against viruses as well as bacteria, mould and other microbes. You can use a clear gel and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil to it. The gel type hand sanitisers do not strip off your skin and the oil stays on the surface of the skin so it lasts for many hours. Colloidal silver is also good – but expensive. It can be used for a throat and nose spray as well as for th mask before you wear it.

Q: We know that we all need to wash our hands a lot. What is the best soap to use?

Any soap will do because they all strip off the oil from your hands! I guess the idea is to make our hands so dry that the skin cracks and flakes off and we suffer from rashes and dermatitis? However, hand washing is still claimed to be the most effective way of killing germs. (You can’t kill a virus, you can only interfere with its ability to replicate.) Somesopas are sot as harsh, but are normally very alkaline – at pH 10. I recommend a pH balanced liquid soap or personal cleanser, in the acidic range of 4 – 6. The skin is pH 6.5, so attacking it with caustic substances and alcohol are not going to make the skin feel comfortable.

Q: Should we use hand cream if our skin feels dry?

Yes, but rather use a non-oily gel, so it can moisturise without making the hands greasy. Alcohol may deal with the virus but it is only effective until it evaporates, which is almost immediately. I prefer to add eucalyptus or tea tree oil to the gel and rub it on my hands, thus sanitising and protecting it in one go.

Q: What about masks, we have problems with children not being able to breathe and some suffer from emotional as well as mental difficulties. How can we help them feel more comfortable?

One problem is that the masks are different. There is no standard government issue as is the case in countries like Japan and Taiwan where people are used to wearing masks and choose to do so when they have a cold or a cough that may spread infections. They have always worn masks to prevent any human emmissions. We know the virus gets through the fabric, otherwise neither could the air we breathe. But if a child is sitting within a screened area and nobody is around them, why wear a mask that reduces your oxygen and increases carbon dioxide?

Are there any other tips we can share with our school children and teachers?

For more information about herbal remedies please use this link: https://naturefresh.co.za/covid19/