There is no ‘cure’ for EV-D68. There is no vaccine. Prevention is your best option. However, we all know how children are and I hate to say it, adults too. We forget to not touch our faces (rubbing the eyes). We forget to wash our hands and well, sanitizing everything in our world is just not practical. So, what does one do IF you suspect you or your child comes down with a suspected case of EV-D68? Or even the common cold?
First things first…Be mindful of your body and how you are feeling and especially with children, be watchful for first ‘signs’…sniffling, not as hungry, perhaps grouchy. You know yourself and your child best and your best bet is to be proactive in ‘catching’ onto something ‘not right’. The faster you start taking care of your child or yourself the faster you get better!
STAY HOME! You do not want to be out and about giving it to others nor do you want your already struggling immune system to pick up something else. I know, I know, its hard to find a babysitter. You can’t take off work. I know all the excuses. However, think about this. YOU OR YOUR CHILD got it because SOMEONE ELSE DID NOT STAY HOME.
And I hate to say this, but everytime you cough, cover your mouth. If you feel a sneeze coming on, do us all a favor and either use your hand or inside your elbow to stop the droplets. Use tissues whenever possible and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after every cough/sneeze.
Next…its time to review home ‘preventions’ except this time you will be amping it up on how often to take.
Goldenseal tincture at the first sign of a cold or sinus problem is where I would start. Take 3-6 times DAILY depending upon severity. It will not hurt you.
Next, get that astragulus tea going and if you can get it, Buchu Leaf tea. Both are very beneficial for the lungs and sinuses. 3-6 cups daily.
SYMPTOM DEPENDANT HELP
Any and all may or may not include a fever which is a separate challenge. Generally the rule of thumb is that without a fever you do NOT have an ‘infection’ which is WHY if any drainage, sneezing or coughing begins you want to get on top of it pronto! Do not let that bug get a hold and allow it to turn into an ‘infection’.
Coughing: try to determine what type of cough it is.
Sinus coughs are going to most likely ‘start’. This is when the sinus drainage runs down the back of the throat and our reflex is to ‘cough’.
Herbs and food:
Horseradish root helps to dry sinuses up and reduce sinus swelling to allow easier nose breathing. Yes, its ‘hot’ but mix it up in some food and eat up!
Elderberry syrup or tea.
Ginger tea.
Peppermint tea.
Essential Oils:
Essential oils can be used topically for relief from runny noses that cause that ‘cough’ that drive so many of us nuts. Essential oils can also be used to help with other types of coughing and they are particularly good ‘killing’ viruses and bacteria to boot. Typically I recommend using ‘straight’ or ‘neat’ unless it’s a child and then I would dilute 50/50. 1 drop of essential oil to one drop of almond oil or even vegetable oil and apply directly under the nose…none of these should be used on someone with asthma, they WILL aggravate
Adults ONLY:
Eucalyptus
Peppermint
Children ages 6-16
Eucalyptus 50/50
Peppermint 50/50
I will not recommend using essential oils on children younger than 6 because I am not there to personally watch for a reaction and many cases of asthma are not known until later in childhood.
OTC Drugs for Coughs:
I do not like to give people anything over the counter for sinus drainage or coughing as it can have what is called a ‘rebound’ effect, meaning that taking the OTC that ‘dries’ up sinus drainage causes even MORE drainage. Drainage is the bodies way of getting rid of something ‘unwanted’ in the sinuses. Simply drying it up doesn’t do anything but suppress symptoms and may in fact prolong or make it worse. But this is up to you.
Chestal coughing: this is the type of ‘cough’ that you really know when you have a cold and if not helped quickly can quickly turn into bronchitis due to secondary bacterial infection. Once this starts the goal is to loosen the mucus/phlegm in the chest/body so that coughing is productive (gets it up and out). Again, you really don’t want to suppress a cough as it’s the body’s way of getting mucous up and out. However, I will say this, if coughing is very persistent or almost constant, you will want to reduce (not suppress) the cough.
A wet cough sounds ‘chesty’ and phlegmy.
A dry cough:
is less likely to produce phlegm (mucus)
can sound irritated, harsh, barking, or whooping
Herbs for chest coughs:
White Horehound
White horehound is used as an expectorant to loosen congestion in the chest and relieve a dry cough. In addition, it is an anti-inflammatory used to relieve bronchitis and coughing related to asthma. It relieves pain during coughing and soothes the digestive tract. This can be found as a ‘candy’, tincture or tea. My suggestion is to use the ‘candy’ in children and a tea for adults if the coughing is not too bad. Otherwise, go directly to the tincture form.
Marshmallow is a proven mucus thinner and expectorant. This maybe used as a tincture, tea or syrup. This can be combined white horehound for helping to reduce phlegm.
Anise works well on very hard spasmodic coughs or a dry, irritating cough. Use 3-6 times daily as a tincture.
Wild cherry bark is a powerful cough suppressant and is used for dry, nervous coughs or coughing associated with a sore throat. Combine in syrup form with, garlic, onion, and slippery elm for a powerful combination.
If a cough reaches potential bronchitis stage then use Hyssops which is best combined with mullein, plantain, or white horehound. And should be used primarily as a tincture since it does not taste very good.
If you STRONGLY suspect that you or your child has ED-V68 then I highly recommend Devil’s Club. It is an excellent ‘go to’ for a cough that seems deep or bronchial in nature especially with a fever. It is also useful for pneumonia and is highly anti-viral in nature. Traditionally it is used as a strong tea though it is excellent as a tincture.
Boneset via strong tea 4-5 times daily would be indicated also given this is viral in nature.
Homeopathic Cough and Cold Remedies: I like to use homeopathic cough and/or cold/mucous remedies and have a complete single remedy recommendation listed here.
However, there are several very good commercially available combinations and these are what I personally use. Note on how to use homeopathic tablets. They are taken under the tongue or slightly chewed and then allow to melt. Typically with the ones listed below I recommend 3 tablets. You should see results within 15 minutes (lessening of symptoms). Personally I repeat as needed as often as needed. So if symptoms lessen, take again once symptoms begin to return. That may be every 15 minutes…take as NEEDED. You will find yourself increasing the time in between usually within a few doses. IF you notice that symptoms are not getting better after 3 doses (ie you take it 3 times spaced 15 minutes apart) then you need a different remedy.
There is ONE homeopathic single remedy that stands out though for ED-V68 and that is Aconite: first stage of colds and coughs with sudden onset, develops after exposure to cold
air or wind, often with high fever, often with restlessness or fear, chill from drafts, heat
comes on during sleep, very thirsty, pupils contracted
Worse: night or after falling asleep, warm room, touch, fright, noise, light
Better: motion helps the chill but in general sitting still helps, open air
Heel’s Bhi Mucus Relief (formly known as ‘Bronchitis’)
As a side note, I can personally attest to the effectiveness of this homeopathic as I developed severe bronchitis in January of 2014 to the point of not being able to catch my breath. This was the ONLY thing that allowed me to get better!
Boericke and Tafel – Bronchitis and Asthma Aide 100 tabs
If you are experiencing coughing/colds not as severe as bronchitis then I recommend the following homeopathic syrup:
Boiron Chestal for Cough Syrup, Honey
Yes, it is in honey so not suitable for those under 1 year of age. They make 2 types, one for adults and one for children. Save the money and just buy the larger size for adults…they are the exact samething. You may take this as needed.
There are other homeopathic cough and cold syrups available, but this is the one I find to be the most effective. Do NOT waste your money on Boiron’s cough/cold tablets. I have found that they do NOT work well.
Fever and Pain:
Frankly at this point and time I would stick with the OTC such as Tylenol and Ibuprophen since they will work the best and more quickly. However, in the single homeopathic remedy worksheet found here, you will find single remedies for fever. Please note, homeopathics do work well for fevers also, however, you must keep a close watch on children for when the temperature begins to return. Children have a hard time handling temperature ‘spikes’ and can have seizures if their temperature suddenly climbs very quickly.
I will also say that I typically do NOT try to reduce a fever unless it gets above 103 degrees. Yes, you have to monitor and be sure dehydration does not occur, but a fever is the bodies natural response to killing germs, bacteria and viruses as many of them cannot handle the ‘heat’ (pun intended).
Herbs for fevers:
Most effective is Yarrow which can even reduce even very high fevers. Tea or tincture.
Holy Balsi aka Tulsi leaves as a strong tea drink three to four times a day.
Boneset via strong tea 4-5 times daily.
Herbs for pain relief associated with coughs/colds/viral infections:
Ginger root as a tea (and btw ginger root found at the store will grow at home!)
Boneset via strong tea 4-5 times daily.
It is my sincerest wish that you find this information useful. Many of the above suggestions will work for the common cold, upper respiratory infections of all sorts and maybe helpful with the flu also.
Survivingshtfmom-
Laura Macklem
PS…I am not a professional medical doctor, I just enjoy sharing knowledge and hope to empower you to take care of yourself. As always, do not hesitate to consult professional medical practioners in the event you feel its necessary.
survivingshtfmom 
Homeopathy and Herbs During Ebola Threat Pt.1
First, let me clear, I am not a licensed health care professional, just someone who is very passionate about alternative therapies. I have managed to live to the rip old age of 42 with very little help from the medical community in dealing with illnesses. I have managed to keep my 5 children out of the doctors office also, none of them have seen a doctor for anything except one case where a school official forced me into getting an ‘all clear’ note from a doctor during a strep outbreak. So with this in mind, let me share with you what you can do for yourself to support your health in the event of an outbreak of ebola.
AS ALWAYS: SEEK PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL CARE WHEN INDICATED. MY ARTICLES ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS TREATMENTS OR CURES, BUT ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. I REFERENCE EXCELLENT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE GIVEN BY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS.
First things first, prevention is going to be KEY as is the case in type of viral or bacterial ‘outbreak’ within a given population or community. Since we have no vaccine for Ebola at this time we have to fall back onto the basics.
Frequent hand washing with soap and hot water. Hand sanitizers do NOT WORK against many viruses though rubbing alcohol will.
Not touching the eyes, nose or mouth (easiest pathway for germs/viruses/bacteria to enter)
Sanitizing surfaces with bleach or rubbing alcohol.
Avoiding contact with those who may potentially have Ebola (Isolation).
Seems simple right? Well, tomorrow I really want you to practice these preventative measures and then keep on going. It takes time to get into infection control practice.
Next, we want to help your immune system to be at its peak. Ways of doing so can be found here.
Okay, got that down. Now what specifically can YOU do to help your body fight off a potential viral infection? There are a few herbs that are known to help support the body in this matter. Boneset and Goldenseal are the two best for this. Use either one daily. You can find more information on viruses and how to protect yourself from them here in my discussion on Entero Virus 68.
Now, let us say you have done all this, taken all the precautions you can possibly take to keep yourself and your immune system healthy. You hear on the news that an Ebola case has been confirmed within 300 miles of your area. Now what?
Time to REALLY practice your ‘staying healthy protocols’. But there are other things to add to this. If you are a normal healthy person with no pre-existing conditions you could also begin to add either Kola Nut tincture or Japanesse Knotweed tincture. Both of these have highly active compounds that viruses of all sorts do not like. A recent paper was presented in St.Louis, Missouri speaking about and Kola Nut extract Ebola. Sam Coffman over at the Herbal Medic speaks about Japanesse Knotweed and Ebola. I would like to make 2 notes here. Kola Nut contains natural caffeine and would not be suggested for those with high blood pressure or anyone sensitive to caffeine. Japanesse Knotweed must be used sparingly as overuse can cause bowel bleeding in some individuals and must NOT be used in individuals prone to bleeding or suspected of having Ebola. For more information on viruses, herbs and tinctures please visit here.
Homeopathy also offers supportive measures. When dealing with homeopathy less is MORE! According to Dr. Vickie Menear, M.D. and homeopath, found that the remedy that most closely fit the symptoms of the 1914 “flu” virus, Crolatus horridus, also fits the Ebola virus nearly 95% symptom-wise! So what does this mean to you? If Ebola is in your area or near you, you can use Crolatus Horridus 30c to help support your immune system against Ebola.
How?
Homeopathy is a proven and safe method for supporting the body and helping the body to come back into a normal state of health. Used as a preventative this is what you do according to Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na):
ONE DOSE of Crolatus Horridus 30c DAILY IF NEAR BY or potentially exposed to the Ebola virus. (of course all other safety measures should be taken IF you have knowingly been exposed or come into contact with an infected individual)
Stop taking once threat is over!!!
this means in your local area and ONLY in an epidemic/pandemic situation…otherwise follow the advice below.
However, standard prophylaxis protocol maybe used in the event that it is in your REGION (about a 300 mile radius)
According to Miranda Castro (a trained homeopath):
OK, in brief here are my thoughts about using homeopathic remedies as preventatives.
1. The beauty of homeopathy is that less Is more. More is not more. In fact, more can be a bad, bad thing.
2. If you take too much of a remedy – whether you need it or not – and, if you are sensitive in general and/or if you are sensitive to the remedy in particular – you can get symptoms you never had before. They don’t usually last long but they can be a pain. Literally. It’s how we test our medicines.
3. Don’t give the children unnecessary medications. Including homeopathic medicines.
4. Use homeopathic preventatives only in an epidemic. And only if the epidemic is really and truly in your area.
5. The safest preventatives are the ones with a proven track record. Some are nosodes (Pertussin for Whooping Cough, Morbillinum for Measles and so on). Some are not – the genus epidemics is the very best preventative of all (homeopathically) – the remedy that is helping the most in any epidemic.
6. Stick with a 30C potency (unless you are under the guidance of a homeopathic practitioner who has made other recommendations). 30C is strong but gentle and has a proven track record. No need to go higher.
7. You only need to give a single dose every 3-4 weeks – that’s how long the effects of a preventative typically last.
REMEMBER: do NOT take more of any alternative method/remedy than recommended, especially homeopathic…you will make yourself ‘prove’ it (make yourself sick!)
So with this advice in mind, stay safe, be prepared and take good care of yourself and those you love. In a later post I will talk about how to support yourself in case you contract Ebola in spite your best efforts until you can get to professional medical care.
survivingshtfmom