DEALING WITH A CYTOKINE STORM

A healthy immune system is your best defense against a multitude of illnesses. 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?
Messengers in your body that regulate your immune response to sickness are called cytokines. When cytokines over-stimulate your immune system to produce an exaggerated response to a pathogen, a Cytokine Storm has begun.

Cytokine storms can cause great physical harm. High fever, inflammation and redness along with nausea and weakness are symptoms of a cytokine storm. If the storm is located in the lungs, the combination of overwhelming mucus and inflammation could block airways and cause death. Many believe that the cytokine storm response was what caused the deaths of so many young adults in the 1918 influenza 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. These include herbs such as Echinacea, Elderberry, Pau d’arco, Aloe vera, and Oregano which offer temporary relief followed by more severe symptoms. Additional foods that increase cytokine production (and should be avoided during a Cytokine Storm) include: Sambucol (Elderberry juice), Spirulina and Chlorella algae, Honey, Chocolate, and Kimchi. These foods are good for treatment of less severe colds and flu, but should be avoided when symptoms become severe.

USE ANTI-VIRALS TO ATTACK THE PATHOGEN
Include herbs which are classified as anti-viral or antipathogenic in order to fight back severe viral infections. These include Garlic, Olive leaf extract, Grapefruit seed extract, Ginger, Mullein, Pine needles, Eucalyptus (inhaled) and Apple Cider Vinegar.

USE IMMUNOMODULATORS TO HELP BALANCE IMMUNE RESPONSE
Select herbs and foods that are known as immunomodulators. These help to balance the immune system and bring the immune response back into normal parameters. Herbs and foods known as immunomodulators include Ginseng root, Chamomile, and Olive Leaf Extract.

TREAT THE SYMPTOMS
If you are dealing with a Cykotine Storm which has resulted in bronchial inflammation and lots of mucus, you will want to utilize herbs which are anti-inflammatory and help expel the mucus, reducing the symptoms. Eucalyptus (inhaled), Ginger, Mullein, Curcumin (extract of Turmeric), Pine Needles, Apple Cider Vinegar, Onions, Marshmallow, Mustard, Plantain, Pleurisy Root, Red Clover, Yarrow and can help with these symptoms.

APPLICATIONS
Most of these herbs can be administered in an herbal tea or in tincture form. Many herbs and Apple Cider Vinegar (diluted with water) can be heated to a simmer in water using the steam as a medicinal vapor. Mustard and onions can be applied via a plaster to the chest. Onions can also be given as an ingredient in a soup. Another effective way to administer these herbs is by applying a low heat and breathing the resulting smoke (incense).

Lots of liquids and rest will also help as the patient recuperates. Monitor symptoms closely and seek additional help at the first sign of a life-threatening condition.

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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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