Natural COVID-19 Resources for Health Professionals to consider
Disclaimer: This information is based on the most up to date research on Natural treatments for viruses, bacteria, fungi and other pathogens that are being studied for their efficacy in both treating as well as preventing coronavirus infections. The main focus is on COVID-19 as this is the central issue associated with the global pandemic. According to the WHO, there is no remedy or vaccine for COVID-19. But according to a recent report from the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (Potsdam, Germany) and virologists at Freie Universität Berlin: “laboratory studies confirm that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of specially bred Artemisia Annua are active against the new coronavirus that has caused the COIVID-19 pandemic.”Artemisia Annua as an anti-COVID-19 remedy
When the school children of Madagascar came out of lockdown, they were allowed back on condition they drank a daily cup of COVID-organics – a herbal tea containing Artemisia Afra. South Africa was invited to partake in scientific trials to investigate the effects of the Artemisia/Afra plant against the COVID-19 virus. Nothing happened, but other African countries, especially Tanzania, Uganda and Cameroon have been using the tea. Recently, some of our local South African Inyangas and practitioners of traditional medicine were forbidden to wild harvest the plant and were accused of unsustainable harvesting. We can grow our own and use it for private consumption. Some bush doctors selling bundles of Artemisia Annua/Afra known as Lengana, Umhlonyane or Wilde Als on the streets were arrested. What is going on?Information for Integrative Health practitioners on the South African Medical Academic website.
Sue Visser is a Healthcare researcher and product developer for Nature Fresh Health Products. She provides practical health solutions for Health practitioners with patients who seek medical guidance when using natural supplements, traditional medicine and herbal alternatives to conventional drugs. Doctors need to know that these remedies can produce the same effects as prescribed medications. This is especially the case with Artemisia Annua/Afra, Olive leaves and Black Cumin/Nigella Sativa/Kaloenjie. They compete with blood thinners, anti-diabetic remedies and high blood pressure medications especially. Patients who wish to include them for their effects on coronaviruses need help with adjusting their current medications. According to a number of studies mentioned in the hyperkined articles, their immunomodulating effects help to prevent cytokine storms. They support the development of leukocytes while protecting red blood cells from damage that causes hypoxia, hyperinflammation, clotting /bleeding and lung damage. Artemisia Annua/ Afra and olive leaves have been used successfully for many decades to treat malaria and they remain effective despite the failure of other remedies like Arteminisin (the isolated extract), chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine. Products that contain Artemisia Annua/Afra plus olive leaves and Nigella Sativa (Kalonjie) can be used for both helping to prevent as well as provide symptomatic treatment for the COVID-19 virus. The dangers of Ivermectin that we don’t hear about January 2021 Sue Visser (natural health researcher) sue@naturefresh.co.za www.naturefresh.co.za Ivermectin (Stromectol) is a veterinary medicine that is used for controlling mites, scabies, roundworms and other parasites. Recently, it was shown to reduce viral colonies of COVID-19 by 5,000 times within 48 hours of a single treatment in a cell culture infected in a laboratory. Ivermectin is already being used to both treat as well as prevent these infections in sample groups of the human population. Yet little is known of its safety profile, side effects or contra indications – despite what doctors tell us. Why is Ivermectin contraindicated by veterinarians for kittens and certain breeds of dogs? What happens when it penetrates the blood brain barrier? There is more to Ivermectin than meets the eye, regardless of the enthusiastic reception it gets from politicians and medical practitioners alike. Ivermectin is an avermectin – a naturally occurring compound derived from soil-based organisms known as actinomycetes. Streptomyces avermitilis in particular, comes from a fermented culture that is now synthesized to produce Ivermectin. It kills scabies, worms and other parasites that attach themselves to host animals by paralysing them to death. Their mode of action as a neurotransmitter is to continuously and irreversibly stimulate the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA or inhibitory) receptor in the parasite’s (or your) peripheral nervous system. It thus deactivates impulses to nerves and muscle cells and causes a lockdown or paralysis. If glutamate is able to penetrate the blood brain barrier, why not Ivermectin? Many people are said to have a “leaky brain” as a result of parasites, gluten sensitivity plus EMF and other forms of radiation. During long cell phone conversations the integrity of the epithelium of the blood brain barrier is also temporarily breached. These gaps in the membrane may thus allow an influx of Ivermectin into the brain. Ivermectin kills parasites by permanently latching onto GABA receptors and shutting them down. This is why the BBB prevents external sources of neurotransmitters from occupying both dopamine and GABA receptors. This guarantees the constant interplay between neural synapses – the on and off signals. Overstimulation of a dopamine receptor with glutamate causes over excitation and neural burnout. Overstimulation on the opposing GABA receptor causes a shutdown and hence paralysis. Precautions that are outlined for veterinarians are: “Clinical signs of Ivermectin toxicity include dehydration, bradycardia, respiratory depression, cyanosis, mydriasis, vomiting, ataxia, tremors, hyper salivation, coma, and death. Ivermectin should not be given to kittens, as it can cross the BBB. (Even if we are told it doesn’t cross ours?) At higher doses, more animals show similar signs of Ivermectin toxicity. According to one study for instance, it caused testicular damage in rats, thereby impairing male fertility. Some dogs are unable to clear Ivermectin from their brain tissue with the result that they could die after a shot of Ivermectin. Collie dog breeds are very sensitive to a build-up of Ivermectin in the brain and cannot eliminate it. There is no guarantee that humans with a leaky brain on even higher doses of Ivermectin may not share the same fate. Dogs with a sensitivity to Ivermectin can show symptoms of toxic build up in the brain within 4 to 12 hours of exposure to the drug. Even dogs being treated preventatively for parasites with smaller doses can experience the following symptoms within 48 to 96 hours of exposure:- Pupil dilation that is unresponsive to a flashlight.
- Loss of appetite, chronic bouts of vomiting that can lead to dehydration.
- An affected dog may also exhibit excessive drooling.
- Lack of energy that can progress to an inability of your dog to rise to their feet.
- Motor impairment as the drug begins to affect critical areas of the brain. Your pet may stumble or fall as they try to walk or stand. The dog may also appear disoriented and unresponsive to your voice or actions.
- Breathing may become shallow and laboured, and loss of consciousness may occur.
- The dog may experience seizures or fall into a coma. Without treatment, the affected dog may die.
Glutathione is the key to immune function – we make our own primary antioxidant!
Those who are depleted of iodine and neglect their intake of vitamin C or don’t produce enough glutathione have no defence against the ravages of acute inflammation, microvascular damage, and increased pulmonary vascular and epithelial permeability. Their homocysteine levels shoot up and the blood becomes too acidic. Without alkaline minerals to buffer it, a respiratory crisis develops. We make our own glutathione – our master antioxidant (superior to vitamin C) out of the amino acids glutamine, glycine and cysteine. So if the cysteine is not being channelled into glutathione production there will be raised levels of homocysteine, a pro-inflammatory chemical instead. Glutathione is one of the body’s most important and potent antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress by combating free radicals in the body. It also helps to detoxify heavy metals and boost T-cell and natural killer activity in the immune system. High homocysteine levels (above 15 μmol/L) in the blood are considered to be a high risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Some medications also may increase inflammation and hence homocysteine. Tylenol depletes glutathione. Genetic factors cause some people to be more prone to homocysteine / cysteine imbalances.
We live in a polluted habitat and are stressed by microwaves. Without regular exercise, fresh air, antioxidants and enough wholesome nutrition – let alone restful sleep, glutathione takes a back seat. We need to take supplements of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, selenium and Vitamin C. Dietary sources of cysteine such as whey protein – a complete protein. AAC 200 fizzy tablets help to produce more glutathione. Glutamine becomes glutamate, MSG or glutamic acid in the body. L-glutamine (supplement) and MSG (a condiment) are both precursors for the free form glutamate we need for glutathione. We produce about 10 g of glutamate a day, from sources of dietary protein. When a molecule of glutamate bonds to a sodium molecule it is called monosodium glutamate.
Viruses are contagious, spreading from handshakes or by touching places that are infected and can live on surfaces like tables or door handles for 1 month. When airborne, sneezing and coughing also spread them. Some strains also spread in bodies of water such as small lakes or swimming pools. Wearing a mask or hiding inside won’t really protect you from any virus that is currently being branded as a No 1 killer if you do not have a strong immune system.
Supplements are available, and here is an example from the internet: Total Glutathione Enhancement GSH Gold helps to improve Glutathione levels through three distinct pathways.
Directly enhancing Glutathione levels with L-Glutathione.
Promoting natural Glutathione production with proven effective precursors.
Improving the body’s methylation cycle with a specially formulated vitamin complex, helping to recycle oxidized Glutathione back into its active form.
Some glutathione supplements break down into the 3 amino acids, glutamine, glycine and cysteine so look for a supportive multi- supplement combo. They are very expensive – 60 capsules cost over R600. For the emergency treatment of virus infected patients, some forms can be inhaled into the lungs or used trans-dermally or intravenously. The AAC 200 fizzy tablets are worth a try, (25 for R90) but are not as thorough – or effective. Keep taking your whey protein for cysteine and eat lots of brassica veggies and high protein foods rich in precursors of glutamine/ glutamate, but the treatment is very costly.
Viruses can also be successfully treated with iodine . “Though iodine kills most pathogens on the skin within 90 seconds, its use as an antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal agent has been completely ignored by modern medicine so we do not hear one word about it as the coronavirus spreads.” Dr Mark Sircus. Dr. David Brownstein says, “Iodine is essential to not only fighting off an infection it is necessary for proper immune system functioning. There is no bacterium, virus, parasite or fungus that is known to be resistant to iodine.” He is the iodine expert and claims that iodine also prevents cancer and can be used to treat fibrocystic breast disease within half an hour when used topically in the vagina.
They tried to induce cancer in rats that had optimal levels of iodine, but failed. Lugol’s iodine is the best form to take. (10% potassium iodide / 5 % elemental iodine in 85% water) We need iodine on a daily basis to top up our reserves in the thyroid and particularly under the arms, where it kills bacteria that causes body odour. So if you have bad odour problems, take your Lugol’s!
Buy some brewer’s yeast tablets. They are inexpensive and absorb a few drops of Lugol’s iodine. Using a dropper, dot 2 drops of brewer’s yeast onto each tablet. When dry, return them to the container. This works well and adds selenium and some B vitamins to improve your glutathione levels – and improve thyroid health. Olive leaf tablets or other supplements (but not calcium) can also be enriched with iodine. Kelp is not a reliable source of iodine and people who are allergic to it give iodine a bad nameIt seems that main issue is a super-inflamed immune system and systemic acidity – all of which can be treated and prevented in the first place, by maintaining optimal levels of glutathione and reducing homocysteine.
Probiotics are important to replace after antibiotics have destroyed them.
Taking antibiotics deplete our healthy gut flora – especially taking a full course to treat a virus! Repeated use of antibiotics leaves a lot of yeast residues in the gut and they form pathogenic moulds, mycotoxins and fungi (candidiasis). A healthy immune system includes our gut flora as they are 80% of it and they control mould, fungi and yeast overgrowth. Many people complain about yeast infections, especially candidiasis but probiotics eat yeast so if there are enough of these strains of beneficial gut bacteria there should be no yeast left to develop into candidiasis.
Taking olive leaf tablets for 3 weeks is very effective at killing the toxic by-products of the overgrowth of yeast and they do not affect the good guys, but a good intake of probiotics is needed to maintain the balance of beneficial yeast strains. Probiotics that are in liquid form can be added to food and will grow and multiply rapidly, allowing them to populate the gut without the need to take specially coated capsules. The more strains the better, as most people have n overbalance of lactobacillus acidophilic. To support the argument about bypassing stomach acid is the tradition of eating a lot of fermented foods that contribute to our hundreds of strains of beneficial bacteria. Adding the contents of a probiotic capsule to a cup of yoghurt and leaving it to stand overnight will automatically increase the population of microbes.
Learn how to make your own delicious fermented food such as pickles, cheeses and Kombucha. Buy more gherkins, pickled onions, olives, Amasi (fermented milk). Try Chinese and Japanese fermented soya products like miso, natto (stinky beans) and tempeh. Fermentation enhances flavours, makes fibrous food more digestible and provides a steady stream of potent probiotics. These gut friendly bacteria are easy to maintain without the need for supplementation by eating regular helpings of traditionally fermented foods every day. Our gut health affects our immune system, digestion, our vitamins, hormones, emotions, energy levels and our brain function.
Traces of mould toxins are commonly found in cancer patients, because they begin to suffer from advanced oxygen starvation and chronic acidosis. People get easily fatigued, irritable, spaced out and suffer from constant inflammation, swelling, gas, bloating and other digestive disorders. Within the gut probiotics help us to neutralize toxins, remove heavy metals and create vitamins and hormones like serotonin. They also speed up the elimination of toxic waste in the bowel, bulk up the stool and balance the water content. But if they are not present, these functions are affected. Naturally fermented vegetables to which liquid probiotics are added grow and multiply rapidly. And actually do the same job as laxatives and fibre supplements.
Probiotics keep cholesterol and triglyceride levels in check and break down excessive hormone levels to control oestrogen dominance that causes PCOS and some types of cancer. Not many people know that the colon can only function normally when there is adequate lactic acid in which most of our probiotic species of the Lactobacilli and bifido bacteria live. Lactic acid is a by-product of fermentation and it is a sterilizing compound. It suppresses harmful micro-organisms and breaks down the fibre (prebiotics) we eat such as lignin and cellulose. Antibacterial compounds attack pathogenic bacteria, yeasts including candidiasis or yeast overgrowth is thus controlled. A vaginal douche with 5% of a lactic acid or vinegar solution balances the acidity of the vagina. It should be within a range of 3, 5– 4 to control odour and irritations.
Avoid alkaline soap, rather use specially formulated intimate cleansers to maintain a healthy pH balance. If you suffer from vaginal dryness, itching, burning or inflammation no matter what you try, it could be a wheat allergy or a deficiency of B-vitamins. I discovered this when formulating the lubricants for a gynaecologist who could not understand why “it” was red, itchy and inflamed in some women, but the lab tested clear of infections! More help at: www.naturefresh.co.zaWarning about Ivermectin