We’ve all heard that younger and older people die from the flu because they have weaker immune systems and are more prone to pneumonia or heart attacks following the flu.  I’ve also heard that the flu vaccination does not help those under 2 years, or much over 60, in fact, it is only about 10% effective in producing any type of immune response in healthy people, which can usually handle the flu without complications.  But sometimes a strain of influenza comes along that causes a higher mortality rate in healthy people, like the flu pandemic of 1918 that was most deadly for those between the ages of 20 to 40 years old. (1)  This was due to what is called a cytokine storm.

Cytokines are proteins produced by the immune system in normal, inflammatory response to a virus.  However, a healthy immune system can produce an overwhelming, massive amount of cytokines, which is called a cytokine storm (think of it like a hurricane), causing the immune system to attack the body , which can lead to sepsis and multiple-organ shut down, causing death.  (2)

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, fast breathing, fast heartbeating, low blood pressure, seizures, headache, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, tremor, and loss of coordination. (9)^]

The best line of defense against the flu is, of course, prevention.  I’m not get deep into that here, because that’s not what this post is about.  Good nutrition and getting plenty of sleep go a long way in building a healthy immune system.  Even small amounts of sugar can lower your immune system, so try to reduce or avoid sugar intake.  Avoid going out around people during epidemics when possible, and wash your hands often if you must go out. (3)

While it’s not always possible to avoid a cold or flu, there are certain plants and herbs that can take the edge off a cytokine storm.  There are many articles written on the subject, so take time to research and read through them for options that you are most comfortable with, but my advice would be to do it before you get sick so you are prepared with what you need to have on hand when you need it, you certainly aren’t going to feel like doing it when you feel like crap.

Herbs and Spices

There are herbs and foods that can increase cytokines, many of these you’ve probably heard being used to stimulate your immune system at the first signs of a cold or flu, while it’s still in the head and throat.  (11)

• Echinacea
• Elder
• Honey
• Ginseng
• Chocolate

It is important to note that once it moves to the chest you need to stop using these and start using things that reduce cytokines.

• Turmeric
• Garlic
• Grape Leaf (for the Resveratrol)
• St. John’s Wort
• Ginger
• Milk Thistle
• Skullcap
• Quercetin

 

This is not a complete list, there’s a more complete list close to the bottom of the article I found here, which is full of great information, “Death by Influenza – Cytokine Storms and Ineffective Flu Vaccines.”  (4)

Antioxidants can help to inhibit viral replication, which leads to a reduced inflammatory response. (10)

There is a nutritional supplement, Cell Shield RTQ, that contains Resveratrol, Turmeric, and Quercetin, which are all substances that help suppress a cytokine storm if taken while your immune system is battling the flu.  It’s high in antioxidants and helps protect against cell-damaging free radicals, which goes a long way in reducing inflammation and building a healthy immune system when taken daily.  Cell Shield RTQ can be ordered from Amazon, or save 30% by becoming a Preferred Member for free at Youngevity, click here.

 

CBD Oil

Hemp CBD oil is another great option for fighting the flu.  Not only does it have antiviral and antibacterial properties, it helps promote a good night’s sleep, which is not always easy when you ache all over from the flu, and it is very effective at fighting inflammation from the cytokine storms of viral infections, which, as I mentioned earlier, can lead to internal organ failure or other health issues.

It is best to use a CBD oil with low or no THC, which may actually make the flu symptoms worse.  Hemp CBD is naturally low in THC, less than .3%, so it’s non-psychoactive, and there is a completely THC-free Pure CBD available in capsules and liquid as well.  (5)

 

Essential Oils

Lavender and peppermint essential oils are good decongestants, lavender is also a natural antihistamine, and safe for kids*.  For adults and children over 10 years old, essential oils of thyme, eucalyptus, rosemary, and sage all have antiviral properties, to some extent, and can be used in a diffuser, along with lavender and peppermint, to help with coughing, thin mucous, and improve air flow in the lungs.  (6) (7)  *See reference (8) below for more information on using essential oils with children.

Frankincense and Copaiba are both antiviral and support a healthy inflammatory response and so these two oils are even more powerful used  together.

Note: Take care when diffusing essential oils around pets, birds in particular are especially sensitive to things.  Do your research.

Resources:

(1)  The Influenza Pandemic of 1918:  https://virus.stanford.edu/uda/

(2)  How The Flu Kills: https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/24/health/how-flu-kills/index.html

(3) Avoiding the The Cytokine Storm and Swine Flu Panic: http://kivasenchantments.com/avoiding-the-the-cytokine-storm-and-swine-flu-panic.html

(4) Death by Influenza – Cytokine Storms and Ineffective Flu Vaccines: http://www.doctorschierling.com/blog/influenza-deaths-cytokine-storms-and-ineffective-flu-vaccines

(5) Top 3 Ways CBD Oil May Help The Flu:  http://mishaalmira.com/top-3-ways-cbd-oil-may-help-flu/

(6)  Prepping for a Pandemic – Lifesaving Supplies, Skills, and Plans for Surviving an Outbreak: https://books.google.com/books?id=jAsNCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA35

(7) Herbal Antivirals:  Natural Remedies for Emerging and Resistant Viral Infections:  https://books.google.com/books?id=0eRnAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA50

(8) Risk vs. benefit: using potent antimicrobial essential oils with children: http://tisserandinstitute.org/antimicrobial-essential-oils-children/

(9) Cytokine release syndrome:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytokine_release_syndrome

(10)  An Effective Treatment Strategy for Cytokine Storm in Severe Influenza:   https://www.americanlaboratory.com/914-Application-Notes/340464-An-Effective-Treatment-Strategy-for-Cytokine-Storm-in-Severe-Influenza/

(11) The HomeGrown Herbalist: https://homegrownherbalist.net/