Why am I Still Sick?
- Angela Lagarra
- Sep 11, 2024
- 3 min read
Contents
Long Haul Illness
In recent years there have been two diseases that linger. Covid is called long haul covid, long covid and an array of other names and Lymes disease called (PTLDS) Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome.
Both have symptoms that linger well after the initial germ is gone.
What’s happening?
Your immune system is on high alert-still fighting an illness that was long ago gone. The main cause of these symptoms is inflammation caused by a reaction or rather an overreaction of the immune system.
Should you just take anti-inflammatories to control the symptoms? NO. You need to do more than baby the symptoms, you need to fix the problem-an overactive immune system on high alert.
This is also not a time to stimulate the immune system or to suppress it but rather to regulate it and support it.
The best herbs to regulate an overactive immune system include:
Herbs that are immunomodulatory regulate the immune system and its response. They don’t stimulate it, so they are usually safe and helpful in autoimmune diseases, but they also don’t suppress it.
Siberian ginseng
Eleutherococcus senticosus-Siberian ginseng is immunomodulatory. It is also an adaptogen which means it helps our bodies recover from stress and return to normal homeostasis (balance). It supports the adrenals and protects from damage from long-term stress.
The adrenal glands are necessary to counteract inflammation.
Any long-term illness is a long-term stress.
Cleavers
Gallium aparine-cleavers are immunomodulatory and also an alterative which means it gradually restores the natural processes of the body.
It is also a lymph system detoxifier.
White peony
Paeonia lactiflora-white peony is an immunomodulatory herb.
It is also an adaptogen meaning it helps the body handle stress while restoring the normal balance of the body and an alterative which slowly restore the normal processes of the body.
Pomegranate
Punica granatum-pomegranate is immunomodulatory.
Research shows it is useful in autoimmune diseases.
Neem
Azadirachta indica-neem is an immunomodulatory herb. It is also a useful detoxifier. It helps detoxify the blood, intestines, liver and kidneys.
Dan Shen
Codonopsis pilosula-Dan Shen is an immunomodulatory and an adaptogen that restores the health of the lungs and spleen. Note: not the same as Danshen.
Other good choices are Hibiscus sabdariffa-hibiscus, and Hippophae rhamnoides-sea buckthorn.
The best nutritional protocol to regulate the actions of the immune system are:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, and the mineral selenium are important for a healthy immune system.
Vitamin D is regulatory. It helps control inflammation and plays a role in preventing an autoimmune response.
Autoimmunity is a situation where the body attacks itself. Some examples are M.S. (multiple sclerosis), that’s when the immune system attacks the protective sheath of the nerve fibers of the brain, type 1 diabetes that’s when the immune system attacks the pancreas, and rheumatoid arthritis that’s when the immune system attacks the joints.
Selenium
Selenium helps to regulate the immune response. While inflammation is necessary to control the spread of germs within the body, excessive inflammation can lead to long-term health complications like those seen (in some people) after they were infected with the Covid-19 virus. Selenium helps to regulate the inflammatory response.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel and a shorter path going forward.
Important Information. I am a holistic health professional. I am not a medical doctor. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical treatments or care. Always consult with your medical doctor before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or fitness programs. I’ve have not included precautions in this article. A more complete list of uses and precautions can be found in my Herbal Consulting Business Career Course.
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