Immune System Support Against Viruses

Over the past month, I have been fielding many questions from patients concerning the Corona-virus, and what patients should, or shouldn’t, add to their current protocols to ensure protection from the virus. I was debating whether to write this newsletter because of the potential for this topic to stoke anxiety, but ultimately I felt this information is important for people to have.

It’s important to remember that just because someone is exposed to a virus, this doesn’t equate to infection. The key factor in infection has to do with your own immune system’s state of health, and its ability to stop viral replication!

Many of my patients tell me that their co-workers, one after the other, are out sick with the flu, but that they never get sick. If they do get a cold, it lasts for three days as opposed to their friends and colleagues who suffer for ten days or longer. Your immune system is enhanced if your stress is managed, you get enough sleep, you are on an Autoimmune Disorder supplement protocol, you are exercising correctly, eating a whole-food-based diet, staying away from foods that you are sensitive to, and you are mentally and emotionally healthy.

Here are some facts about the Coronavirus: It is spread through the mucous membranes, breath, and feces. The incubation period is approximately three and a half weeks and can live on surfaces for eight to ten days. The key enzyme identified as a target of inhibition for potential future medications, and herbs/vitamins and minerals, is the 3-Chymotrypsin like protease. This enzyme attacks the infected cell’s defenses against the Coronavirus, so it is hijacked, and viral replication ensues.

Here are protective actions that you can take to ensure that your immune system is supported:

1. Use an essential oil diffuser to help kill airborne viruses and pathogens. Anti-viral essential oils include star anise, lemon balm, orange peel, thuja, clove, tea tree, thyme, eucalyptus, rosemary, oregano, lemon, pine, and lavender.

2. Washing your hands is important, but too much can strip them of oils and dry them out, leading to cracking, which can make you more vulnerable to pathogens. If you are concerned about the alcohol in hand sanitizers, you can create your own with 30 ppm colloidal silver solution, ten drops of thyme, ten drops of tea tree oil per 8 ounces of the colloidal silver solution. You can add five drops of star anise essential oil to this mixture, which is a strong anti-viral, and it is what Tamiflu (the flu medication) is derived from. If you can tolerate it and aren’t sensitive to the spray, spray your face before you go outside or on the subway. Spray throughout the day if needed. You can add a couple of drops of the other essential oils that are listed above. Be mindful that when you touch surfaces that have likely been touched by many people, like ATM key-pads and credit/debit card machines in stores, that you should use a hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.

3. Use herbal, vitamin, and anti-viral mineral remedies to balance your TH1 and TH2 immune system response and support the inhibition of 3-Chymotrypsin like protease.  These depend on your individual needs, and some have contraindications. Please discuss this with me before taking it. Higher doses of Liposomal Vitamin C, Camu Camu berry, Elderberry, Orange Peel, Lemon Balm, Lomatium, Andrographis Complex, Licorice Root, Resveratrol, Turmeric with Fenugreek or Black Cumin Seed, Astragalus, Woad Supreme, Artemisia, Selenium, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin D with an activator, X-Viromin, Beta-Glucans, and many others.

4. Bodywork improves immune function. Chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, massage, and other forms of bodywork help to stimulate the immune system.

5. Stimulate these acupuncture points every day. The first point is two finger-widths above the thumb side of the wrist along the edge of the top and the side of the forearm. Rub this point in a circular motion for two minutes on both arms twice per day for two minutes. The next point is just below or at the base of the back of your neck. It is equivalent to a landmark called the vertebral prominens. In some people, it is either equivalent to the seventh cervical or first thoracic vertebrae. You can tap on it with a cupped hand for two minutes twice per day, or spray hot water from the shower on that area for a minute. Another important area to stimulate is the upper breastbone. Make a fist and don’t be shy, give that area a good firm tap repeatedly for a couple of minutes twice per day (like a gorilla drumming its upper chest). The final point to stimulate is around the belly button. Take a hot stone and put it in hot water for 5 minutes, then put the stone on your belly button. Leave the stone here for 10 minutes.

6. What to do when traveling/flying. Take Goldenseal or Andrographis Complex by Standard Process, which are preventative against viruses. If you are traveling with a surgical mask, make sure it has a rating of N95 or above.

Seek medical attention if necessary, and to receive a proper diagnosis.

About the Author

Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading Holistic Chiropractor in NY. Learn more about his natural remedies by visiting his website at HolisticChiropracticCenter.com.