Dealing With A Cytokine Storm

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.

DEFINE 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 be dangerous. High fever, inflammation and redness along with nausea and weakness are symptoms of a cytokine storm. If the storm is concentrated in the lungs and airways, the mucus and inflammation has the potential to block airways and result in death. Many believe that the high death toll among otherwise young and healthy adults during the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918 was due to the Cytokine Storm response.

AVOID IMMUNE BOOSTERS DURING A CYTOKINE STORM

During a serious viral infection, immune boosting foods and herbs are best avoided. Oregano, Aloe Vera, Pau d’arco, Elderberry and Echinacea are some of the herbs which are immune boosters and would offer an initial relief followed by more severe symptoms in this instance. 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. Normally these foods are a good resource for treating less severe colds or flu but are to be avoided when the symptoms are severe.

FIGHT PATHOGENS WITH ANTI-VIRALS

Use Antipathogenic herbs – also known as anti-virals – to fight a virus. These include Garlic, Olive leaf extract, Grapefruit seed extract, Ginger, Mullein, Pine needles, Eucalyptus (inhaled) and Apple Cider Vinegar.

BALANCE IMMUNE RESPONSE WITH IMMUNOMODULATORS

Select herbs and foods that are known as immunomodulators. These can help bring the immune response back into balance or normal range. Olive Leaf Extract, Chamomile and Ginseng fall into this category.

TREATMENTS TO EASE SYMPTOMS

Cytokine Storms characterized by symptoms of bronchial inflammation and excess mucus can have those symptoms eased by the administration of anti-inflammatory treatments. Apple Cider Vinegar, Curcumin (extracted from Turmeric), Ginger, Marshmallow, Mullein, Mustard, Onions, Plantain, Pine Needles, Pleurisy Root, Red Clover, Yarrow or Eucalyptus (inhaled) are helpful in dealing with these symptoms.

APPLICATIONS

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. Mustard and onions can be applied via a plaster to the chest. It is also possible to deliver the benefits of onions in a soup. 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 information is given as a reference to the reader and not considered a substitute for medical examination. The reader will exercise common sense, seek to be informed and assume all liability in the use of these methods.