Post H5N1 Herbal Care

These notes are a distillation of ideas, remedies, and perhaps hopes, in an attempt
to provide information that could help individuals survive secondary infections,
bronchial issues, and pneumonia, in the wake of a flu epidemic.

        Currently the world is on the brink of a flu pandemic. H5N1 is a particularly virulent flu, which IF it breaks out through the world tomorrow, would only effect those person who work with poultry and would decimate the commercial fowl market for the next two years. It is not as of this week, transferable from person to person.

What makes this flu so deadly, is the possibility of a mutation, which I will call H5N1 variant or H5N1v. The flu has 50 to 55 percent mortality rate in humans.

        By comparison, the 1918-1919 avian flu pandemic, commonly known as the Spanish Flu had a one percent mortality rate.

        In 18 months it killed by modern estimates  80 to 100 million people. The majority of those died within the first 3 months of the outbreak. In twenty-five weeks it would kill more people than AIDS has killed in 25 years. What made the 1918-1919 flu so terrible was the specter of pneumonia, which literally rode on the flu virus.

        This was discovered only in the last 2 years by researcher in two different US research facilities. If H5N1v also becomes a carrier of pneumonia, the mortality rate could be come greater. We are looking at a possible health catastrophe of Biblical proportions.

        It is now admitted by most health agencies and health research centers that providing a vaccination can be found for H5N1 and its possible mutations, it will be logistically impossible to make enough vaccine for the entire world. A vaccine is usually created within 3 to 6 months of a flu mutation. Remember, the original killer flu took most of its victims in 12 weeks. Using that as our template and timetable, an H5N1v could kill an estimated 250 million to 400 million people between January 1st and the end of March. The World Heath Organization estimates that without a vaccine, 800 million people could die. Let us hope that is a gross exaggeration.

        That being said, those individuals without a vaccine have a 50-50 chance of survival. This does not mean they will be up and about in two or three weeks after they have beaten the Grim Reaper. On the contrary. The chance of secondary infections and bronchial damage will be very very high.

        To prevent these possible deaths, it becomes imperative we use all available methods to fight infection and increase immune support function. These herbal remedies are no substitute for standard medical care. But they can be and should be used in conjunction with accepted medical and hygienic practices for best effect.

        If medical help is not available, as was the case in the 1918-1919, then herbal care, nutrition, and hygiene will be the only weapons against the collateral damage of a post-flu world.

        So, let us begin.

        The basis for these remedies will primarily be found in traditional Hispanic herbalism and care. Some of these will sound like standard home remedies found in most cultures. They are. They have survived in folklore and healthlore, because they work or at least appear to work.

        Let us begin with steam. In treating infections in the lungs, smoke and steam have been traditionally used for generations. As I do not believe in the use of smoke except in extraordinary circumstances, let us investigate the use of steam.

        There is research in the past decade that suggest that some viruses do not respond well in a steam environment. They are limited to a comfort zone of body temperature between 98.6 and 100 degrees. If that is so, then a steady stream of hot steam in the nasal passages should kill or at least neutralize the virus. There
may be some truth to it, but I won't bet my life or lungs on just plain steam.

        These four essential oils should be added to any steam therapy. Thyme, Rosemary, Sage (or White Sage) and Eucalyptus. The last is used as a carrier and bronchial dilator. A personal steamer now manufactured by the Vicks Vapo Rub Company can be purchased for around 40 dollars. Water, and drops of oil can be added to this device, and a hot steam can be aimed directly into the nose and mouth. This is far more convenient than a pot of water on the stove and towel over the head. The Personal Steamer is portable, requires only a bit of water, and is comfortable to use.

I’ve seen many individuals use this simple device incorrectly. So I will make it simple. Put your damn face IN the steam mask, not above it! Don’t be a child!

There. I’m glad I got that off my chest.  

        The essential oils all have certain qualities important to bronchial care. Thyme is one of the most potent herbal antibiotics and antibacterial. It literally kills on contact. Rosemary is anti-viral, but also anti-microbial. Sage and White Sage are both the strongest anti-viral herbs, but may have immune enhancing abilities not quite understood at present. While eucalyptus is not necessarily a powerful anti-anything unless used topically…it is a carrier for other herbs. It acts as a bronchial dilator, as stated before, but it works best when the steam is at its hottest. Tests indicate the other oils bind with eucalyptus and are literally deeper into the chest.
 For a seriously ill individual, steaming may not be easy but the Personal Steamer can be used at a bed side, or a chair. It is most highly effective when used six to more times a day. It is time intensive. A person should use it a minimum of five minutes at a time. I prefer ten minutes. At night, the individual should be wakened at least once to use it.

        Care givers should monitor the sounds of breathing and sound of fluid in the chest by stethoscope. If you don't have one, get one. Most junior colleges sell them for their nursing programs, and occasionally drugstores have them. Take time to learn how to interpret the breathing.

        In treating bronchial illnesses, the color, the density, even the smell of phlegm could give clues. A clear but excessive amount of phlegm could be a sign of bronchial irritation. In this case, drying up the phlegm would aid in avoiding a bacterial infection. Cups of rosemary tea, dandelion leaf, chickweed, or yarrow, could help this. Also, steam with rosemary essential oil could be quickest.
Phlegm that is light yellow could mean the beginning of a viral or bacterial infection but, it may also mean the lungs are taking in a heavy amount of pollutants. Be aware of environmental factors, including smoking and second hand smoke, smog alerts, open windows, and nearby factories.

        Green or brown phlegm are signs of infections, and thus would require the immediate use of thyme and sage. If your client complains of a chest that feels heavy or bloated, consider that the phlegm is very deep, and thus the use of eucalyptus as a bronchial dilator and carrier is called for.

        You may ask why I am not using all the essential oils at the same time. I tend to avoid that, as it can cause a severe headache, or even increase coughing in some individuals. Be conservative if possible. Don't throw the herbal medicine chest at your client.

        If the phlegm that comes up after painful coughing spasms is thick, or even appears as small balls of mucus, the condition is very serious. If you cannot get the person into the hospital, and we are working under the assumption this will not occur, you must break up the phlegm and help the person expel it, as quickly as possible.

        First, increase fluid intake. Hot steamy drinks are recommended, any dairy product is actively discouraged. The commercial brand of loquat syrup sold in many Asian markets (a combination of common herbs, such as spearmint, peppermint, licorice, ginger root, loquat, and several Chinese herbs) gained much popularity in the Hispanic culture here in California. Originally it was made by Chinese apothecaries to order. Two heaping teaspoons in a cup of steamy water makes an excellent beverage. It will ease the lungs, and increase fluid to the lung walls. While it will ease coughing, it will not prevent an effective cough from breaking the phlegm away from the lung walls. Please do not mistake this for an expectorant. Expectorants actually cause a mild irritation to provide some effective coughing.

        Dried mullein tea can also be used to help soothe lungs, and to relieve excessive phlegm. Two to four cups a day, hot or cold, is an effective remedy. Mullein can be used as prophylactic treatment, as it tends to strengthen lung integrity, especially when pneumonia or bronchitis is an issue. During cold season my mother drank two to three cups of mullein a day, usually with a bit of honey, and though she only had one working lung, her colds if any were mild. She only came down with pneumonia the winter she broke her hip and was unable to get her mullein tea.

        Continuing on the fascinating topic of impacted phlegm; when other attempts to loosen phlegm have failed, Wild Ginger must be employed. Heavy doses of the tincture, beginning at 120 drops three times a day, will literally cause the insides of the lung walls to sweat, pushing the phlegm off, and allowing it to be coughed or vomited up. A note on vomit therapy: This should not be use, even though it was effective in the 1800s Lobelia,also known as pukeweed, was used to induce severe vomiting, which spasmed the lungs and caused phlegm to be expelled. One had to have a strong constitution to undergo this tender and loving treatment. More importantly perhaps, Lobelia helped lower fevers caused by infections. More on fevers later.

        Be aware, the client will sweat excessively during this process. It is important that you have the person rehydrate at all points, beginning, middle and end, of this treatment. It is possible, and even likely, that you may have no herbs at all other than those in your kitchen. If this is the case, there is no more treatment which can be attempted.

        The mustard plaster. In my practice, the plaster is used to bring blood to affected areas of the body, which have been damaged by injury, muscular stress, trauma, or wounds. Blood follows heat. And in this matter, heat causes sweat. When used on the chest, the plaster sends heat directly onto to the lungs, bringing in fresh blood to the affected areas, and slowly causing the cellular walls to sweat. Again, the phlegm can be coughed out once it has broken away.

        A mustard plaster consists of powdered mustard, flour and other herbs that causes heat on the skin. In this case I use cayenne pepper powder and powdered ginger.

        The amount of each is not precise. The flour is used simply as a binder. Corn flour can also be used, and is actually more traditional in the Hispanic culture.

        Hot water is added to the combined powders and carefully stirred into a paste. An oil, either olive oil or almond oil can be rubbed on the chest. Then a thin linen cloth is placed against the skin, and the paste rubbed onto the cloth. Another linen cloth is placed on top of the paste. The skin will turn red, but should not begin to rise. If this happens, remove the plaster for a minute or two and return it to the chest. In short you are causing a controlled chemical blistering. The chemicals released by the hot water will filter though the linen and the oil, into the skin and into the lungs. The plaster should be replaced by a fresh one while warm to the touch. This continues for awhile, so make sure it is a two or three person operation. Continued watch should be kept
on the skin. The person will begin to feel a lessening of the phlegm and should be encouraged to cough as much as possible. It will be painful, but it is necessary.

       Care givers should monitor the sounds of breathing and sound of fluid in the chest by stethoscope. If you don't have one, get one. Most junior colleges sell them for their nursing programs, and occasionally drugstores have them. Take time to learn how to interpret the breathing.

        In treating bronchial illnesses, the color, the density, even the smell of phlegm could give clues. A clear but excessive amount of phlegm could be a sign of bronchial irritation. In this case, drying up the phlegm would aid in avoiding a bacterial infection. Cups of rosemary tea, dandelion leaf, chickweed, or yarrow, could help this. Also, steam with rosemary essential oil could be quickest.

   Phlegm that is light yellow could mean the beginning of a viral or bacterial infection but, it may also mean the lungs are taking in a heavy amount of pollutants. Be aware of environmental factors, including smoking and second hand smoke, smog alerts, open windows, and nearby factories.
   
     Green or brown phlegm are sure signs of infections, and thus would require the immediate use of thyme and sage. If your client complains of a chest that feels heavy or bloated, consider that the phlegm is very deep, and thus the use of eucalyptus as a bronchial dilator and carrier is called for.

        You may ask why I am not using all the essential oils at the same time. I tend to avoid that, as it can cause a severe headache, or even increase coughing in some individuals. Be conservative if possible. Don't throw the herbal medicine chest at your client.

        If the phlegm that comes up after painful coughing spasms is thick, or even appears as small balls of mucus, the condition is very serious. If you cannot get the person into the hospital, and we are working under the assumption this will not occur, you must break up the phlegm and help the person expel it, as quickly as possible.

        First, increase fluid intake. Hot steam drinks, no dairy, are recommended.
The commercial brand of loquat syrup, is a combination of common herbs, such as
spearmint, peppermint, licorice, ginger root, loquat, and several Chinese herbs,
gained much popularity in the Hispanic culture here in California. Originally it
was made by Chinese apothecaries to order. Two heaping teaspoons in a cup of steamy water makes an excellent beverage. It will ease the lungs, and increase fluid to the lung walls. While it will ease coughing, it will not prevent an effective cough
from breaking the phlegm away from the lung walls. Please do not mistake this for
an expectorant. Expectorants actually cause a mild irritation to provide some effective coughing.
       
                Once the phlegm has lessened, become more watery, then dis-infection of the lungs can begin with aforementioned herbs. Again, I stress this is not a substitute for any anti-viral or antibacterial medicines being used. If you are unable to receive standard medical treatments, than these treatments are a viable recourse.
We can assume at this point that damage has occurred on a cellular level within the lungs. If during treatment you detect dark speck or bright red specks in the phlegm and mucus, it is quite possible you have bleeding. Bright red specks could be oxygenated blood, coming from the lungs. The problem with this is the lungs will
have been suffering from lack of oxygen for several days. So the blood might not be bright. It is more likely though the blood is coming from a ruptured blood vessel in the esophagus. To stop bleeding, a cup of yarrow tea, or a cup of shepherds purse tea can be given.

        Without medical tests it is difficult to determine how much damage the lungs have endured. We must assume the worst and act accordingly. Damaged lungs will be ripe for re-infection. The use of comfrey in three forms can help repair damage and strengthen the lungs. Mullein can be used, but tends to best
as a preventative.

        Remember please, comfrey is transdermal. It will go through the skin. Comfrey oil, made with the fresh leaves, olive oil, vitamin B capsules as a preservative, and perhaps a bit of almond oil, can be rubbed on the chest to ease the battered muscles of the lungs. This should be done two to three times a day. It can be used warm, but it is not necessary to heat the oil to the point of discomfort. A linen covering can be placed on the chest to keep the oil in place and to prevent staining bed clothes.

        A comfrey tincture should be given, starting at 90 drops twice a day. In between tinctures a warm cup or two of comfrey tea can be taken. The tea works best with dry leaves.

        Horsetail, a plant that saw the dinosaurs come and go, and will no doubt be around when the last human animal leaves for space colonies, is well known for the high amount of silica in its stems. Silica in minute amounts can act as a base for new cells to begin growth. It will also, though the reason is unknown, set itself around areas where damage from pneumonia, bronchitis, and COPD is most evident in the lungs.

        It is possible that horsetail could be used in very early stages of emphysema to repair lungs but this remains to be seen, as most emphysema sufferers seek medical aid when damage is quite extensive. Most of the information on this form of treatment is coming out of China, and difficult to find in English translations.

        If you find a horsetail tincture, use it. Start with 60 drops twice a day. If you are unable to find a tincture, but know of a horsetail patch in a none polluted area, go gather it, dry it, and give as a tea two to three cups a day.

        Soothing damaged lungs can be as important as healing them. The sick person must be willing to breath deeply, and this is difficult when it only causes more pain, or coughing. Coughing is not taking seriously enough by the medical establishment in my humble opinion. Lungs can suddenly begin coughing when all infection is gone, and all evidence of damage is healed. Can it be, like a muscle memory of playing a piano, doing a judo move, or riding a bike, the lungs will suddenly attempt to expel, dust in the air, mist in the morning, smoke in the afternoon, even a the taste of salt? Yes it will and it does.

        Some physicians are using prescription asthma inhalers, such as atrovent and abuterol for these types of persistent coughs, and I highly recommend their use if it helps.

        Unfortunately some of the side-effects such as insomnia and rapid heart beat can cause just as much discomfort in the long run. I recommend we return to the personal steamer for morning and evening use. Eucalyptus essential oil on its own can be soothing. Winter green is also useful. If either are used, two drops are sufficient.

        A simple remedy is the use of garlic cloves soaked in dark honey. Garlic is a well known antibacterial and a mild antiviral. The honey in itself is soothing, and the garlic can kill numerous bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Not a strong suppressant, it can be used for low grade infections which accompanies a nagging cough. The garlic cloves can be left whole, or slightly crushed before being placed in the honey. The honey can be lightly heated either in a double boiler or for several minutes in a microwave at low power. Avoid causing the honey to boil. When cooled, the honey can taken in teaspoon doses. The garlic can be eaten along with the honey.

Some people actually enjoy the taste.

        When the cough continues to be persistent, then it’s time to bring out the herbal big guns. In my practice I use a combination tincture of marijuana and California Poppy. Now I cannot ethically advise you all to go out an buy a baggie of pot, or to pick our state flower on state property but if you have access to either, making separate tinctures and combining them is a far better use than rolling a joint after a hard day at work.

        California Poppy tincture can be purchased legally at most health food stores, or online.

        If you can make a marijuana tincture, it is one to five ratio. One part pot and five parts vodka by weight. It should be ready for use within two to three weeks. Combine this 50-50 with California Poppy tincture, and take by the tablespoon. Two tablespoons should be sufficient for the most persistent cough. This combination is foul tasting, So it can be mixed in a honey based syrup for those who cannot get it down. I need not recommend that no one should drive or operate heavy machinery while using this remedy. It does cause drowsiness. While a codeine based cough syrup is best, this does not cause constipation.

        Fever is another issue in flu care. We all know and understand that fever is the bodies way of fighting infection. Unfortunately the body has yet to master when and how to turn off the heat. In short, the body’s cure can be as deadly as the infection.
        
      Herbalists from Samuel Thompson to Jethro Kloss often times increased the temperature of a body using hot sheets to aid in fighting infection, or would use tepid or cool sheets in attempts to bring down fevers. My grandfather was known for both treatments during his day, according to my late mother.
      
      While I technically know how to do this, I would rather use herbs. I will use some terms which you may or may not know concerning fevers. The first is; Runaway fever. This is a fever that occurs quickly with little or no warning, no sniffles, muscle aches, headaches, or anything else that would indicate a fever is coming on. It simply appears and rapidly reaches over 100 and continues to rise.

    In the early days of the HIV epidemic, runaway fevers were common in the AIDS community. Using the 1918-1919 flu as our template, runaway fevers occurred in many flu victims and was often fatal. Our second term is Long Term Chronic Fever. These are fevers which may linger for two or three weeks, rising to 102 degrees and then dropping to as low as 99, then rising again.

    To deal with a runaway fever, I would employ the ugly little weed known as Turkey Mullein (Eremocarpus setigerus). Internally, Turkey Mullein is a potent vasodilator, allowing the pores to open up and more heat escape. It can be taken as a tea, or as a tincture. But it is almost undrinkable. It is better to make a large pot of the tea, set the fever victim in a tepid tub of water, and bathe the person. This is labor intensive. But it does work.

        Once the fever has noticeably lessened, attempt to give OTCs like aspirin or Tylenol. White Willow Bark tincture or tea can also be used. The Turkey Mullein bath may have to be used two or three times in a 24 hour period.

        Allowing the person to sleep while the fever rises is NOT a good idea. If it is not possible to give a bath in the evening, a sheet can be soaked in Turkey Mullein tea and wrapped around the person. To increase the speed of cooling, fresh mint can be added to the tea. Several sheets should be prepared for this.

        A Turkey Mullein liniment, either made from rubbing alcohol or vinegar, can be used as a rub down on the body. This is almost as effective as the bath. If turkey mullein is not available, a tea made from fresh mint and fennel can be added to a bath.

        Wild Ginger tincture can be given, but may increase the fever temporarily as would the use of yarrow. If these herbs are used, then careful re-hydration must occur while the treatment is under progress. The fever sufferer will sweat. Cool water, Gatorade adulterated with water, or Pedialyte can be given. If these are not available, a flat-Coke mixed with cool water can be given in a 50-50 ratio. Not the best, but better than just water.

        Long term chronic fevers can be treated a bit easier. Yarrow tea, Wild Ginger tea or tincture, culinary ginger tea, or cayenne pepper tincture given in moderation, can induce sweating and help break the fever. Again, your mantra should be, rehydrate, rehydrate.

        Dealing with secondary and opportunistic infections, leads us to fighting infection and boosting the immune system.

        Assuming allopathic medicines cannot be obtained, the use of White Sage, Yerba Mansa, Rosemary, and Usnea is highly recommended. Usnea in particular has penicillin type qualities, and is used in Europe for people allergic to penicillin. Usnic acid is primarily effective as an inhibitor of gram positive bacteria-including tuberculosis, staphylococcus, streptococcus, and pneumococcus. It functions as an antibiotic by blocking an essential part of bacterial metabolism. In a person battered by H5N1v I would not be hesitant to use 120 to 200 drops at a time. Although usnic acids have been used in commercial products from Europe to help in weight loss, and have been implicated in liver damage, short term use is considered safe by all herbalists.

        Yerba Mansa, while not necessarily known as a bronchial herb to non-native herbalists, has been used for centuries by native people for poorly healing infections of the mouth, such as gum, mouth and throat sores; intestinal problems such as stomach and duodenal ulcers; urinary tract infections; and is useful for arthritis because it stimulates the excretion of uric acid and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is anti bacterial and antifungal, so it is useful for skin infections also. The leaf tea was used for bronchial infections and my use of it as a tincture suggests it is effective.

        Rosemary and sage tinctures should be given on a regular basis, and steam therapy should continue.
Now I have left out the use of Echinacea. If you have it on hand, by all means, use it, but in the post flu scenario we are talking about, 50 to 100 mgs., per day would need to be used. This can put an immense strain on the kidneys. So if you use that much, I would suggest two weeks on, one week off. The use of Goldenseal in conjunction with Echinacea for bronchial issues is controversial at the moment.

        In the years I used both, I have found no difference in using the combination or just using Echinacea. I have used both to treat mouth infections and abscesses very successfully.

        In regards to diet, it is hard to believe that nutrition was once considered a near psuedo-science. I think in this century it will take it’s rightful place next to organ transplants, limb reattachment, and gene therapy, as a potent healing modality. The ancients said we are what we eat. And while there may well good political reasons to boycott certain types of walking and mooing protein, and good health reasons to suspect it has been hormoned beyond reason, we should remember that human beings are omnivores. I do not take meat out of the diet, but I do restrict it in the first week of therapy.

        Assuming the H5N1 will act like its distant cousin the Avian flu of 1918, appetite will be severely depressed. The ability to absorb nutrients will be compromised. To increase appetite a strong decoction of hard stick cinnamon tea is suggested.

        Simmer the sticks for 10 to 15 minutes. The longer you simmer the sweeter it tastes. It should be taken either warm or cold, three times a day. Within a day or three, the appetite should improve enough for something more substantial. Sweet basil milk is our next consideration, either in nonfat milk, 1 percent milk, lactose free milk, soy milk, almond milk, or any other milk substitute, simmer fresh leaves of sweet basil, hard stick cinnamon, and dark honey. Care should be taken not to let the milk boil or scorch. Take your time. Regular milk should be avoided if necessary.

        This drink will provide starting nutrients to the body. It is tasty, and can be given chilled if the person is feeling feverish. It will also act as anti-spasmodic to the colon, stomach, and slightly to the lungs.

        The following week, soups can be added to the diet. A vegetable base stock (carrots, onions, garlic, celery, ginger root, green beans etc) can be used to introduce egg, tofu, and bits of vegetable. To increase blood flow, a pinch of cayenne can be added.

        Salt should be added in minute amounts. This same base can be used later to add breast of chicken, rice, lentils, pasta, or beans. Though beef can be used, the
taste does not go well with the ginger.

        Cheese, cream, and regular milk should be avoided until the lungs and sinuses are completely clear of mucus.
Lightly cooked greens are highly recommended. Raw food is not recommended at this point, but should be lightly steamed.

        If the weather is decent, the person should be allowed to go outside. The lungs will need to readjust to changes of temperature and ambient pollutants. This may take months or even years.

        At this point of treatment, teas made from mullein, hollyhocks, and licorice root. can be given to sooth any remaining inflammation. (Please avoid giving licorice
root to person with high blood pressure.) At this point, inflammation is not necessarily a sign of infection. Even with a mild influenza, viruses can utterly and entirely denude the upper respiratory tract of epithelial cells, leaving it bare, stripping the throat raw. The repair process begins immediately but can take weeks, months, or in some cases years.

        The actual process of inflammation involves a certain type of white blood cell protein called cytokines. Cykotines have various important duties in the body, yet they also have toxic effects. They can cause a condition called tumor necrosis factor or TNF.

        This condition is cykotine cells that kills diseased and health cells alike. TNF toxin is a major cause of toxic shock syndrome. It is believed the 1918-1919 flu and its accompanying pneumonia virus caused a cykotine storm in the body. It maybe the reason why certain individual died within 24 hours of showing flu symptoms.

        One clue might be a sudden increase in watery sounds in the lungs. If this happens immediate hospitalization is the only chance for survival. If the hospitals are no longer accepting patients, which occurred in the original killer flu, aggressive herbal care is the only option. These herbal suggestions are just that. Suggestions.

        First, to deal with the cykotine body storm, heavy doses of cilantro tea or tincture, heavy doses of borage tincture, heavy does of blue flag tincture, and heavy doses of prayer. One hundred drops every four hours would be my starting point. The herbs mentioned are generally used to clear the body of heavy metal poisoning. It is feasible they could help flush the blood system of cykotines, and act as a general tonic. To deal with the increase of fluids in the lungs, chickweed tea or tincture, dandelion tea or tincture, of if necessary raw dandelion can be given to increase fluid drainage in the lungs. The use of foxglove could be helpful, but it would take a better herbalist than yours truly to administer to it.

        Assuming the person survives the cykotine storm, the flu, and pneumonia, you can take pride in knowing you may have done the bare minimum in saving that life. Herbs can only do so much.

        At this point, the flu sufferer is in danger of relapsing with bacterial pneumonia. Recent research suggests that the typical influenza virus makes it easier for some bacteria to attach itself to lung tissue creating a lethal synergy between virus and bacteria. If that is true, we are back to using usnea, yerba mansa, rosemary, thyme and sage.

        So it goes.

        Herbal treatments are time consuming and labor intensives. It requires a person willing to learn and willing to do. If you lack either, do not attempt these treatments. Herbal healing is no magic bullet.

        There is not true end to this lesson. There is only more and more information, some of which may work occasionally, some of which is only folklore, and some that borders on desperation. In extremis, when medical science no longer provides an answer and thousands are dying and many more at risk, I will put my trust in folklore.

Thoughts On Self-Quarantine

My wife and I have made plans for self quarantine if necessary. During the Spanish Flu self quarantine was one of the few methods that worked for many families, and at least two communities. In planning this we came to realize how difficult the concept and practice must have been for a society where face to face interaction was the norm and a necessity. Remember, in 1918-1919 there was no radio and no television. Telephones while common in large cities and good size towns, where still a luxury. Mail service, newspapers, and gossip was the primary way for information to be passed. In our day of 24 hour news, cell phones and internet access, it is almost difficult to believe how important the Sunday afternoon social was.

In those days, self quarantine could also turn deadly. People were often sick and starving, while family, friends and neighbors were none the wiser. Food deliveries could be uncertain or unavailable. Many people were saved by visits from clergy, Red Cross volunteers, and the nascent Public Health Service. Very few people were saved by people they knew. It is a sad commentary on the power of fear.

Because my wife has the ability to work from home if need be, she has instructed her staff to do the same if an epidemic breaks out. Trips to the office if absolutely necessary should not be made on public transportation. I will suspend teaching classes for the duration and will no longer see clients in my home. I will make house calls instead.

If we suspect we have been infected we will not reenter our home. Our detached garage has been turned into a comfortable crash pad in case we need to isolate for a week to determine if we're getting sick.

Wood stove, fan, floor heater, cot, chair, table, TV-Radio-CD, lots of food, chemical john, propane stove, meds, etc. will be ready to use at any time. I also have a ready supply of mystery novels to keep myself entertained. 

We will have a change of clothes ready if we NEED to leave the house and be among crowds for any period of time. Plus a bleach spray and hand sanitizer for our bodies...this will happen in the attached garage with the side door. Our clothes will be dumped in the washer and washed on HOT. 

            Mail will be handled with gloves and quickly sterilized either with a bleach mist, or a quick cook in the oven. Paper burns at 451 temp, but flu is killed at a much lower heat. (The chance of infection by mail is very slim...but the Post Office fumigated all mail with sulfur fumes in 1918 and even punctured every piece of mail with hundreds of pin sized holes. It didn't help but no one knew it at the time.) 

            We have stocked up on rx drugs as well as herbs and tinctures. I've made the majority of mine as I can gauge the quality...though most commercial tinctures are good. I just want to be sure.

The issue of food must be addressed and grim thoughts must be taken into consideration. It is possible that food supplies will become tight. If there are not enough truckers delivering food to your favorite supermarket, shortages will occur. I saw panic buying the day after the Loma Prieta earthquake, and it was not pretty. So, rather than get into a food riot, we have stocked up on 3 months worth of necessities. This not only means food, but also toilet paper, sanitary supplies, alcohol, batteries, soaps, matches, juices, vitamins, and water. While the flu might not cause problems with the municipal water supply, an earthquake would. We also have water filters just in case. 

In our supply of food we only purchased items we know we like, can store easily and will last several years. Our staples include, several varieties of chili, salsa, canned veggies, corned beef and corned beef hash, fruits and fruit cocktail, canned meats, stew, coffee, creamer, sweeteners, honey, Bisquick, flour, brown sugar, rice, lentils, chicken and beef bullion, teas, Gatorade, beans, cooking oil, olive oil, and of course spices. Overkill? Perhaps. But we would rather be certain than go without. We do have some wine and hard liquor. As native Californians, what is life without a good chardonnay?

We do rotate our food items every year and a half to two years. 

For fresh food, our garden is growing like...well, weeds. Three types of tomatoes, squash, zucchini, peppers string beans. We are going to spend several weeks canning. Can't have enough food.

            Our wonderful young neighbors and their children (hey, if you think kids aren't polite, you gotta meet these four dynamite children!) are also getting ready, and we're sharing info with them. Anything they may run out of we will have and visa versa. I'm particularly hoping to borrow more of their excellent coffee they bring back from Miami.

Protection:

            For protection we have our firearms. While not a comfortable topic for most people, the fact is I live in a high crime city and will defend myself if the police cannot do so. Home invasions were popular in the time of the Black Death, and it may see a resurgence in popularity if the Bird Flu becomes a reality. That being said, calling 911 might not be a viable option.

            My wife has always been a far better handgun shot then I am...but I'm no slouch...though I tend to lean toward revolvers...I'm probably the last generation of cop to be trained on wheel guns. (Yes I was a police officer in my early twenties. God I feel old.) We have a  .357 Ruger GP revolver in stainless steel, .45 S & W model 25-5, revolver with a four inch barrel, Colt .38 Diamondback snub nose with Hydro-shok loads.   We do have a decent old Ruger .22 automatic from the 1950's. A near museum piece it still shoots true.
            
The 30-30 Winchester lever action rifle was good enough for Chuck Connors in The Rifleman...so it's good enough for me. I have a Parker-Hale .270 bolt action rifle, and will by the end of the year own a double barreled 12 gauge shot gun. Each long gun has a certain psychological effect. The Winchester has a distinctive clacking sound when cocked. The Parker-Hale has a similar sound when the bolt action is worked. Plus it looks like a sniper rifle. The double barreled 12 gauge looks like death and has a can't miss reputation Loaded with double 0 buck shot, it can dispense 18 .32 caliber projectiles at a target.

       Finally we've started a neighbor telephone tree. We will stay in contact with family and friends on a regular basis. This will be necessary for mental health and security.