According to the research in 2022, there were 6 variants of covid in Australia. The virus is a protein and cannot do anything until it enters the host and only then can it replicate. The Covid virus has 11 genes, 4 envelope proteins, and a spike protein to enter the host. Covid 19 is inhaled via the nasal cavity but then enters the body via ACE2 receptors in every cell of the body. Therefore, COVID-19 and its mutants can attack every cell in the body and cause permanent damage to many body organs. Research also shows that covid 19 infection and long covid symptoms are going to stay with us for months to years. One needs to understand the nature of any virus that it constantly mutates. Therefore prevention is the best option as no vaccination can ever catch up with any mutating virus. But from the naturopathic point of view, we can do a lot in terms of prevention and treatment of covid and long covid just to be one step ahead.
How do we denature a protein?
The best example of protein denaturing is frying an egg in a hot frying pan. When exposed to heat jelly-like clear egg protein turns white and solid and the process is irreversible. The same principle applies to killing covid virus. Sunlight, soap, increasing body temperature (with diaphoretic herbs), and saline nasal rinse can reduce covid entry points.
There is so much one can do to prevent covid 19 infection.
Why covid 19 and long covid is such a health hazard then?
Covid19 (SARS–CoV–2) is highly infectious, it is prone to mutations leading to variants, has diverse symptoms and presentations ( affects all body organs), has an asymptomatic carrier, has inflammatory properties, and immune memory responses are limited and short-lasting. In other viral infections the immune system develops a memory so the next time the human encounters a virus, the immune system remembers and mounts a defense. In the case of SARS-CoV-2, the immune system has no memory of fighting it before. Further, an individual once infected with Covid19 is likely to be infected again, but there is no need to be concerned just know how to prevent it.
So far our understanding of Covid 19 and long covid is that persistent inflammatory responses and immune deregulation is leading to leaky gut, reactivation of the virus ( which is still in the body), and causing damage to microvascular tissue ( low oxygen and micro clots) causing damage to affected body organs. Several studies in 2021 study demonstrate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies even 3-6 months after the initial illness.
Who is at risk of covid infection?
Everyone is at risk, but older people, institutionalized, Blood Group A, people with cardiovascular disease, cancer patients, diabetics, obese people, smokers, chronic alcoholics, people with chronic kidney disease, stressed, with transplants, with low immunity, and individuals with autoimmune diseases.
Exercise outdoors is very beneficial for physical and mental health
How affected by Covid body organ/s can be supported with natural medicine?
Covid 19 is not a single disease but it is a disease of many organs and systems and knowledge is required by a treating practitioner to recognize at what stage of infection the patient is, what body organs are affected and need support, and whether this is the long covid stage. The practitioner needs to understand the mechanisms behind key symptomatology and risk factors of covid or long covid. The practitioner can recommend very specific herbs, nutrients, dietary, and lifestyle interventions to support immune health and well-being subsequently.
SARS–CoV–2 is a very complex illness and there is no better modality than natural medicine to address at any stage before the disease progresses into an emergency (cytokine storm)*.
Natural Medicine: herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle changes can support the immune system, address microcirculation, chronic inflammation, endocrine organs, support the affected body organs, address dysbiosis, improve and enhance natural barriers ( gut, skin, lungs), support sleep and the nervous system, detoxify and address metabolic imbalances.
Unlike orthodox medicine, herbal medicine, and nutrition act holistically and synergistically and with no side effects.
Diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended
Sometimes reactivation of latent viruses like tuberculosis, EBV, or hepatitis viruses can occur after covid vaccination, which complicates the treatment. Indian research is reporting the adverse effects and flare-ups of pre‐existing dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, and leprosy after COVID‐19 vaccination. Any stage of infection will require a different herbal and nutritional treatment and each patient is assessed and treated differently. This is where herbal medicine and nutrition has a huge role to play and shine.
*Cytokine storm syndrome is a group of related medical conditions in which the immune system produces too many inflammatory signals. Cytokine storm symptoms can be mild and similar to the flu or severe and life-threatening, potentially leading to organ failure and death. Although experts are learning more every day, cytokine storm seems to be at least part of why some people develop life-threatening symptoms from Covid19.
If you would like to know more about how the DH-Natural Medicine Clinic can help you, please call us now on
(02) 4854 0205
Danuta Hulajko is a Naturopath, international speaker and the founder & practitioner at the DH Natural Medicine Clinic and www.healingremedies.com.au in the Southern Highlands
Danuta specialises in Allergies, Anti-Aging, Auto-Immune Conditions, Cardiovascular Conditions, Female Reproductive, Long Covid, Menopause, Mould Toxicity, Skin Conditions, Stress and Insomnia and Thyroid Dysfunction.
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