In this part of my preparedness series, I will talk about different common and uncommon diseases, illnesses and other health inflictions that wouldn’t be easily treated during a long term crisis. This is not a replacement for medical advice, it is just my notes on how to cope with the situation using herbs if no medical help was available due to a long term crisis or other disaster scenario. It is intended for educational purposes only. All cases of tuberculosis should be assessed and treated by a medical provider when necessary.

Symptoms of Active Tuberculosis: 3 weeks

Cough lasting longer than 3 weeks

Chest pain

Night sweats

Daily exposure to sunlight is important too, exposing the eyes without glasses or contacts for at least 15 minutes daily. 

Step 3: Eat nourishing foods

Avoid eating sugary foods, preservatives, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and any medications that may contain immune suppressing substances. 

Add foods and herbs to the diet that include both vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B6, C, E, Beta Carotene, Selenium, Amino Acids, Lysine and Zinc. 

The following vegetables and herbs should be eaten in large quantities: 

In this part of my preparedness series, I will talk about different common and uncommon diseases, illnesses and other health inflictions that wouldn’t be easily treated during a long term crisis. This is not a replacement for medical advice, it is just my notes on how to cope with the situation using herbs if no medical help was available due to a long term crisis or other disaster scenario. It is intended for educational purposes only. All cases of polio should be assessed and treated by a medical provider.

What is it?

It is a virus which only infects humans. It is more common during summer months in temperate climates. The virus lives in the intestinal tract and the mucus of the nose and throat. 

It should be noted that there is some dispute that polio is caused by a virus and the possibility of polio actually being symptoms of DDT poisoning. For more information, see sources at the end of this chapter.

Why should it be feared?

It is highly contagious. Anyone residing in close proximity of the infected person will most likely contract the virus. It is generally spread through handling the infected person’s stools. There has been some research showing flies may also contribute to the spread of the virus.

Up to 95% of the people who are infected will have no symptoms but will still spread the virus to others.About 2 – 5% of children and 15 – 30% of adults infected with the poliovirus will die from the infection.

Polio can cause paralysis, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), high blood pressure, fluid in the lungs, pneumonia and urinary tract infections. 

What should be done?

During normal times, there is no treatment for the polio virus. Supportive care is used to control fever or pain. Fluids are offered to keep the patient from becoming dehydrated and the patient should rest until the fever is gone. For every 3 days of fever, 2 extra days should be spent resting.

For severe cases, medications are given to reduce pain and improve strength. Antibiotics are given for treating secondary bacterial infections, if they should arise. Antibiotics will not do any good for the actual poliovirus. Breathing assistance with a ventilator may be necessary as well.

What are the stages and symptoms?

Incubation Period: 4 – 35 days

While the incubation period runs between 4 and 35 days, symptoms usually start 7 – 14 days after becoming infected with the poliovirus.

Those infected with the virus are contagious 7 – 10 days before and after symptoms are seen and can spread the virus for weeks in their stools.

Symptoms

Up to 95% of the people infected with the virus will have no symptoms. There are 3 types of polio:

I. Minor polio, referred to as abortive poliomyelitis. Minor symptoms last 2 – 3 days with complete recovery and no paralysis or other serious symptoms will occur. 4 – 8% of the people who are infected will develop minor symptoms which include:

Fever

Sore throat

Abdominal pain

Constipation

Nausea

Vomiting

Flu-like symptoms

2. Aseptic meningitis

Early symptoms can be similar to minor polio symptoms. Then aseptic meningitis symptoms can develop but will improve within 2 – 10 days with complete recovery. It is estimated 5 – 10% of infected people will develop this type of symptoms. Aseptic meningitis symptoms include: 

Stiffness of the back or legs or back/leg pain

Stiffness in neck or neck pain

Increased or abnormal sensations

Fatigue

Muscle spasms

3. Paralytic poliomyelitis

Less than 1% of those infected with poliovirus will result in paralysis. Those falling in this category will begin with other minor illness symptoms plus:

Fever

Muscle aches

Loss of reflexes

After several days, the symptoms will improve. 5 – 10 days later, the fever returns and paralysis begins and progresses for 2 – 3 days. Usually, once the temperature returns to normal, the paralysis goes away. The risk of paralysis increases with age. Children 5 and under often have paralysis in 1 leg. Adults often have paralysis in both arms and legs. Most people with paralytic symptoms recover completely and muscle function returns to some degree. If paralysis hasn’t resolved after 6 months, it is usually permanent. Other paralytic poliomyelitis symptoms include:

Painful muscle cramps

Muscle Twitching

Bladder muscles may be disabled, causing uncontrolled urination

Breathing may be affected

Headache

There are several types of paralytic poliomyelitis:

Spinal polio 

Most common, affects the nerve cells in the spinal cord and may cause paralysis of the muscles that control breathing and the arms and legs. If neurons are completely destroyed, there will be no recovery from paralysis.

Bulbar polio

Sever type, affects the cranial nerves which control the ability to see, hear, smell, taste and swallow. May also affect the movement of muscles in the face, heart, intestines and lungs. Affects ability to breathe, speak and swallow and can be fatal without respiratory support.

Bulbospinal polio

A combination of bulbar and spinal paralytic polio and can lead to the paralysis of arms and legs and also affect breathing, swallowing and heart function.

Post-Polio Syndrome

Some people who have recovered from polio will contract Post-polio syndrome 10 – 40 years after the initial illness. Signs and symptoms include:

General fatigue and exhaustion after minimal activity

Breathing or swallowing problems

Muscle and joint pain

Sleep apnea and other sleep related breathing disorders

Decreased tolerance to cold temperatures

Muscle weakness in arms and legs that may or may not have been originally affected

What are my options?

Prevention is the best medicine. Cleanliness is best to avoid contracting the disease. Avoid sugar and increase calcium in the diet. Quarantine anyone suspected to be infected. 

Step 1: Kenny packs.

Named after a nurse from Australia who practiced this treatment with her patients. She applied hot water packs to the patients on parts or all of their bodies. Have the patient take hot baths or apply hot water bottles to the body and wrap in wool blankets.

Step 2: Boost the immune system

Vitamin C supplements or herbs high in vitamin C such as pine needle tea (Pinus spp.) and rose hips (Rosa spp.) tea and/or tincture, elderberries, citrus, strawberries, basil, cilantro, thyme, parsley, bell peppers, dark leafy greens, mulberries, passionfruit, tomatoes should be given. 

Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) given hourly (tincture form, 1 dropperful) or alternated hourly with Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) tincture, 1 dropperful, through duration of illness.

Avoid sugars, alcohol (tinctures are ok), and processed foods. Feed patient wholesome food, dark, leafy vegetables, nourishing bone broths, etc. 

Step 3: Herbal Treatments

Antispasmodic Herbs

If patient is having muscle spasms, abdominal cramping or muscle cramps, use any of these herbs you have available:

Tincture or tea, taken internally, 1 dropperful or 1 cup of tea as needed unless otherwise noted.

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) 

Tincture can be applied directly to the area and rubbed on like a liniment or taken internally.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Tincture or tea, taken internally. Essential oil can be applied to cramped area, it should be diluted, 1 – 2 drops in 1 teaspoon carrier oil (whatever you have available).

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Tincture, tea or syrup, taken internally, 1 dropperful, 1 cup of tea, 1 teaspoons syrup as needed.

Cannabis (Cannabis indica, C. sativa)

Infused animal fat or coconut oil, applied locally to muscle spasms or used as massage oil.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) 

Useful for heart conditions, heart palpitations and other problems of the heart. Use if heart problems are suspected. Tincture, 1 dropperful as needed.

Nervines

These herbs will help soothe nerves that are being attacked by the virus while helping to calm the patient.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Tincture taken internally, 10 – 15 drops 3 times a day. Infused oil used during massage.

Milky Oats / Oatstraw (Avena sativa)

Infusions of Oats (both tops and straw) are very soothing to the nervous system. A bag of oatmeal in the hot baths will also help in soothing the body.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Tincture, 1 dropperful every 2-4 hours or tea, 1 cup 4 times a day.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) 

Useful for heart conditions, heart palpitations and other problems of the heart. Use if heart problems are suspected. Tincture, 1 dropperful as needed.

Sedative Herbs

Herbal sedatives are helpful for treating patients’ anxiety towards paralysis and muscle weakness. Keeping the patient calm is important.

Tincture or tea, taken internally, 1 dropperful or 1 cup of tea 3 times per day unless otherwise noted. Can be taken every 15 – 20 minutes for first hour.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) 

Useful for heart conditions, heart palpitations and other problems of the heart. Use if heart problems are suspected.

Antiviral Herbs

These herbs are antivirals and may help reduce the virus in the body. These can be combined or used singly. Use what you have available.

Tincture or tea, taken internally, 1 dropperful or 1 cup of tea 3 times per day unless otherwise noted.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage is often used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Use if heart problems are suspected.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Tincture, taken internally, 1 dropperful or 1 cup of tea 3 times per day.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)

Studies in China show promise for Japanese Knotweed inhibiting poliovirus. Tincture of roots/rhizomes, 1 – 2 droppersful 3 times a day.

Step 4: Massage and Physical Therapy

This treatment should be reserved for the recovery stage, after the fever lowers. Passive and strengthening exercises, sitting balance and standing balance training all should be incorporated. 

Light massage can be helpful during and after the onset of symptoms. Make a massage oil out of any available oil infused with equal parts of Skullcap (Sculletaria laterflora), Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) and St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) oil.

Sources

Vaccinations: A Thoughtful Parent’s Guide. How to Make Safe, Sensible Decisions about the Risks, Benefits and Alternatives by Aviva Jill Romm pgs. 

Healing Lyme Disease Naturally by Wolf D. Storl, A Necessary Comment Regarding Polio pgs. 80 – 82

http://www.physiotherapy-treatment.com/polio-treatment.html

http://naturalencyclopedia.com/Polio 

http://www.tolaymat.com/Diet-English/Illnesses/Polio-E.html 

http://polio.emedtv.com/polio/treatment-for-polio.html 

http://www.itmonline.org/arts/coxsackie.htm

In this part of my preparedness series, I will talk about different common and uncommon diseases, illnesses and other health inflictions that wouldn’t be easily treated during a long term crisis. This is not a replacement for medical advice, it is just my notes on how to cope with the situation using herbs if no medical help was available due to a long term crisis or other disaster scenario. It is intended for educational purposes only. All cases of anthrax should be assessed and treated by a medical provider.

What is it?

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by spore-forming bacteria known as endospores. It most commonly appears in domestic and wild herbivores such as cattle, sheep and goats but can also occur in humans when they are exposed to infected animals or tissue from the infected animals. While carnivores (including humans) can contract the disease from eating herbivores, there is little chance of it being spread from human to human by contact.

Anthrax has also been listed as a potential biological weapon and has been used as such in the past.

Why should it be feared?

Spores live in the soil and can live for decades before an animal comes into contact with the spores (usually by grazing) and is infected. 

When humans come in contact with the spores through inhalation, the disease can cause severe and fatal respiratory collapse. Historical mortality was 92% and in modern times when treated early, mortality was 45%.

Those who contract anthrax through eating tainted meat face a 25% – 60% chance of dying from the disease, depending on how quickly it is treated. 

The least feared form comes from those who contract anthrax through cuts in their skin. It is rarely fatal if treated and those who go untreated face a 20% chance of progressing to toxemia and death.

What should be done?

During normal times, testing should be done to determine which type of anthrax has been contracted and antibiotics should be given both intravenously and orally. Antibiotics used are erythromycin, vancomycin, penicillin, cyprofloxacin or doxycycline. For inhalation anthrax, a new drug, raxibacumab, also known as ABthrax was created for emergency treatment of inhaled anthrax. If death occurs from anthrax, the body should be isolated to prevent the spread of anthrax germs. Burial does NOT kill anthrax spores. 

There are three ways of contracting anthrax: 

Inhalation / Pulmonary – Caused by inhaling spores. Has highest death rate. This mode of infection is the mode used as a bioweapon.

Ingestion / Gastrointestinal – Contracted by eating anthrax-infected meat. This is the rarest form of anthrax contraction at time of publication.

Cutaneous – Infection is contracted by the bacteria entering the body through a cut in the skin. This method is the most highly contracted form (95% of all anthrax cases are cutaneous), least lethal and easiest to treat.

Those who died due to known or suspected anthrax contraction should be cremated and all items, bedding, linens, etc. coming in contact should also be burned to destroy the endospores. Buried spores will continue to live and may contaminate the surrounding ground over which they are buried. 

Those handling bodies with anthrax/suspected anthrax exposure should use respiratory masks capable of filtering particles 0.5–5.0 μm as this is the bacilli size range. A disposable gown and gloves should be worn as well. 

Clothing, linens, etc. can be decontaminated by boiling in water for a minimum of 30 minutes. Chlorine beach will NOT kill spores. 

What are the stages?

Incubation Period: 24 hours – 2 months

Incubation depends on the type of contracted anthrax.

Inhalation: less than 7 days – 2 months

Ingestion: 1 – 7 days

Cutaneous: up to 24 hours

Initial symptoms: 1-5 days

Inhalation: Symptoms begin with cold or flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, mild fever, nonproductive cough, fatigue, chest discomfort, muscle aches, sweating and malaise.

Ingestion: Begins with nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and fever which progresses to severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood and diarrhea that is usually bloody.

Cutaneous: Starts out as a raised, itchy bump that may resemble an insect bite. Localized itching may occur as well. Within 1 – 2 days the bump changes to a blister. 

Progressive symptoms: 4 – 8 days

Inhalation: After a 1 – 5 days of initial symptoms, there may follow 1 – 3 days of improvement after which an abrupt onset of high fever and severe respiratory distress occurs. 

Ingestion: Spreads throughout bloodstream, creating more toxins and causing abdominal pain, severe diarrhea and vomiting blood. Lesions may appear in the mouth and throat (and intestines which will not be seen). 2 – 4 days after symptoms begin, abdominal pain decreases while accumulation of fluid develops in the abdomen. 

Cutaneous: 7 – 10 days after developing the bump, changes into a painless ulcer that is 1/3 – 1 inch in diameter with a necrotic center that is black. Lymph glands in the surrounding area may swell. 

Death: 2 – 30 days

Death generally peaks at 8 days after exposure.

Inhalation: Shock, followed by death typically caused by respiratory collapse within 24 – 36 hours after high fever occurs. 

Ingestion: Shock and death occur 2 – 5 days from onset of symptoms. 

Cutaneous: As long as treated, rarely occurs.

What are my options?

Even if you cannot get antibiotics, treatment is possible IF it is caught early enough. The most common form (cutaneous) has an 80% chance of resolving on its own. 

Step 1: Cleanse

Inhalation: Use a neti pot to rinse your nasal passages if you suspect exposure. Follow directions supplied with the neti pot. After you have rinsed your nose, spit out any liquid that runs into your mouth and blow your nose. 

Cutaneous: Flush the wound with a saline solution 

Step 2: Boost the immune system

Begin taking herbs to boost your immune system. 

Echinacea (E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida)

A strong dose is recommended: 1 drop of tincture for every pound of body weight taken every hour for at least 10 days.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Elderberry is an immunomodulator. Take 1 dropperful every 2 hours for 7 – 10 days.

Take large doses of vitamin C. Rose hips, Elderberries, Pine needles, tomatoes, citrus fruits all have large doses of vitamin C. 

Step 3: Eat nourishing foods

Avoid eating sugary foods, preservatives, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and any medications that may contain immune suppressing substances. 

Add foods and herbs to your diet that include both vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B6, C, E, Beta Carotene, Selenium, Amino Acids, Lysine and Zinc. 

The following vegetables and herbs should be eaten in large quantities: 

Beets, carrots, garlic and  medicinal mushrooms such as Reishii (Ganoderma lucidum) and Shitake (Lentinus edodes) which can both be found in the wild. 

Seaweeds, dark leafy greens, miso soup, dandelion greens, Nettles (as food and in infusions), sweet potatoes, broccoli, prunes and lentils. 

Step 4: Herbal Treatment

The following are various herbal treatments that have been suggested to be used for treating anthrax. Use what you have available in your region. Combine as many herbs as possible. Herbs that go especially well together will be mentioned in their descriptions.

Poke root (Phytolacca americana, P. decandra)

This herb is a low dose botanical and needs to be respected but it is a powerful herbal treatment for lymph and glandular problems as well as an extreme immune booster. It is also an antibacterial and magnifies the effects of Echinacea which should also be taken during an anthrax scare. Do NOT increase this dosage as serious side effects can take place including dizziness, seeing floaters, spaciness, vomiting, prostration, convulsions and death. When taken appropriately it is safe and highly effective. As a preventative, 1 drop of tincture per DAY up to 3 months. If contact is suspected, dosage may be increased up to 1 drop 6 times a day depending on body weight. For children, stick to 1 drop a day and for teenagers and adults up to 110 lbs, use 1 drop 3 – 4 times a day, backing off if any symptoms of overdose appear. For adults and teens over 110 lbs, use 1 drop 4 – 6 times a day, backing off if any symptoms of overdose appear.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow kills both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Tincture can be added to the neti pot for rinsing the nose (add a dropperful to the pot before flushing). Take 1 dropperful 4 times a day for 20 days.

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)

Cayenne is antibacterial and useful for many things. It can be sprinkled directly into a cutaneous anthrax wound site or made into a tincture to be added to water and drank. Adding it to your food can be helpful too. As a tincture, take 20 – 30 drops in a cup of water 2 times a day.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

A powerful antibiotic, garlic should be eaten with every meal. Cloves can be eaten raw, cooked or pickled. 

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Considered to be one of the most important herbs in the world by many herbalists, this herb can help flavor less tasty herbs while being useful to kill bacteria, boost the immune system and nourish the lungs among other things. It is thought to harmonize the action of all other herbs.  1 cup of tea 3 times daily or 1 dropperful 3 times daily. 

Usnea (Usnea barbata)

Another powerful antibacterial, tincture dose is 1 dropperful 2 times a day for 10 days.

Ginseng root (Panax quinquefolius, P. ginseng) 

Boosts the immune system, and nourishes with the production of responses necessary to help fight off anthrax such as killer t-cells, interferon, antibodies and phagocytes. Can be taken as a tincture, tea or extract. Safe to take in large amounts but if you start feeling jittery, shaky and unpleasant, back off on your dosage.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous)

Astragalus is safe and a long term immune booster and is restorative. It is best taken long term. Either tincture and take 1 dropperful 3 times daily for 6 months or add roots to daily food such as soup.

Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria)

Wild Indigo is a natural antibiotic, capable of preventing microbes and bacteria from multiplying in the body. It also has an immune enhancing effect. Take 1 dropperful 3 times a day.

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Also referred to as Siberian Ginseng, Eleuthero is an adaptogen and will help the body to recover. 1 dropperful or 1 cup of tea taken daily for 1 month. Some people may have reactions to Eleuthero such as jitters, shaking, spaciness and headaches. Discontinue use if these symptoms appear.

Kitchen Herb Tea Blend

Many kitchen herbs are antibacterial and useful for fighting off infection. A strong tea can be drank several times a day and can include kitchen herbs such as Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Oregano (Origanum vulgare), and Sage (Salvia officinalis).

http://www.theforbiddenknowledge.com/hardtruth/anthrax_cures.htm

http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Anthrax.htm