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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Herbs and Essential Oils to Fight Coronavirus

Coronaviruses present some unique challenges as an RNA virus.Because RNA viruses mutate frequently, it is not reasonable to expect a vaccine to come to market and be effective for any length of time.

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One of the biggest challenges designing a strategy to address MERS with herbs is that the virus is relatively new and unknown. So, I chose to look at what is known to form the basis of my best “educated guess”, such as:

  • the nature of coronaviruses
  • the symptoms of MERS
  • herbs with known antiviral actions
  • existing herbal recommendations for SARS, with which MERS has much in common
  • more details about viruses in general than I ever wanted to know

Viruses are strands of either DNA or RNA. They have no cell wall, but some are called “encapsulated” as they are covered in a

MERS Coronavirus NIH image

layer of protein, the shape of which is unique to that virus strain. Once inside the body, the virus moves into the cells and is able to incorporate either DNA or RNA from the host into itself.

DNA viruses tend to be more stable and mutate less, while RNA viruses tend to have far more fluctuation and mutate easily. Where DNA viruses make billions of stable copies of itself, RNA viruses make billions of copies with lots of variation.

Coronaviruses present some unique challenges as an RNA virus.Because RNA viruses mutate frequently, it is not reasonable to expect a vaccine to come to market and be effective for any length of time. RNA viruses are highly adaptable, and their variation allows for responsiveness. However, coronaviruses have the largest genome of all RNA viruses (that we know of), and therefore have a real potential for

If a vaccine or other pharmaceutical were developed, neither would be useful for long. New vaccines would have to be made on an ongoing basis, which can take 3-6 months to develop. In the meantime, infected persons would be traveling and carrying the virus with them into new territory.

In this case, herbal and plant-based remedies *may* have the edge over pharmaceuticals due to their complex and synergistic nature, whereas pharmaceuticals focus on singular active ingredients. Plants, by their very nature, are a complex and unique combination of chemical constituents, which are far more challenging to both bacteria and viral infections.

While MERS is a relatively new virus, it is very similar to another coronavirus, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). A study was done and published in the Lancet detailing the similarities and differences between the two. 

  1. Incubation periods (4-5 days)
  2. Presenting symptoms (very similar to influenza)
  3. Lung Pathology (potential for pneumonia and cytokine storms)

The study found,

“Most patients admitted to hospital exhibited fever (98%), chills/rigors (87%), cough (83%), shortness of breath (72%), and muscle pain (32%). A quarter of patients also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea and vomiting.”

This study is almost a year old, and several things have changed. The mortality rate has dropped from 60% to 30%. As awareness and better identification of MERS grows, more of the mild cases are being reported. It seems that the cases that ended in death of the patient correlate to patients who had pre-existing conditions, especially diabetes. According to the study,

“However, in contrast to SARS, the majority of cases (96%) occurred in people with underlying chronic medical conditions including diabetes (68%), high blood pressure (34%), chronic heart disease (28%), and chronic renal disease (49%).”

All of these details tell us a number of very useful things to develop an herbal strategy for MERS.

  • The similarities between SARS and MERS mean that herbs that are effective for SARS are most likely effective for MERS.
  • Herbs long-used for comfort measures against influenza would likely be effective to provide comfort against MERS
  • Addressing pre-existing conditions with herbs is likely a good way to prevent a mild case of MERS from becoming a serious case or worse, a fatality.
  • Herbs with strong anti-viral properties that also protect against cytokine storms would be very useful.

Thankfully, many such herbs exist.

Herbs Used In Fighting Coronaviruses

Below is a list of herbs and essential oils that meet these objectives. These are either antiviral or supporting, syngeristic herbs. It will take several more posts to details what they can do and how to make herbal remedies with them. As I write them, I will link back to this page.

  • Chinese Skullcap,  Scutellaria baicalensis (not American Skullcap)
  • Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra (used as a synergist- with other herbs, not by itself)

  • Kudzu, Pueraria lobata
  • Ginko biloba
  • Angelica sinensis
  • Astragalus mongholicus
  • Japanese knotweed, Polygonum cuspidatum
  • Rhodiola rosea
  • Cordyceps sinensis
  • Olive leaf, Olea europaea
  • Elder, Sambucus nigra
  • Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum
  • Berberine herbs
  • Red Root, Ceanothus americanus
  • Cleavers, Galium aparine
  • Salvia miltiorrhiza
  • Dyer’s Woad, Isatis tinctoria

The following herbs are beneficial for influenza relief, and would likely be helpful for the symptoms associated with MERS (those influenza herbs that are also included above are not duplicated below):

  • Echinacea angustafolia
  • Ginger, Zingiber officinale
  • Pleurisy root, Asclepias tuberosa

  • Cayenne, Capsicum annum
  • Elecampane, Inula helenium
  • Hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis
  • Slippery or Siberian Elm, Ulmus rubra
  • Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum
  • Horehound, Marrubium vulgare
  • Sage, Salvia officinalis
  • Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis
  • Clove, Syzygium aromaticum
  • Coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara
  • Mullein leaf, Verbascum densiflorum
  • Peppermint, Mentha piperita
  • Thyme, Thymus vulgaris
  • Garlic, Allium sativum
  • Horseradish, Armoracia rusticana
  • Lemon, Citrus limon
  • Honey

Essential Oils
The oils listed below each assist the respiratory system. Some are better for children, some are better for adults who can handle a more intense essential oil. Use these oils with

Warning: DO NOT INGEST! These oils are to be taken through INHALATION ONLY! I am quite aware of the multi-level marketing companies out there that tout ingestion as the end all be all for every ailment known to humankind. The casual manner in which such potent oils are being used is a dangerous practice, especially in the hands of sales reps with no aromatherapy training. There is a time and place for ingesting oils. This isn’t it.

  • Thyme, Thymus vulgaris
  • Oregano, Origanum vulgare
  • Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus
  • Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
  • Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia
  • Sage, Salvia officinalis

Additionally, herbs indicated for diabetes, hypertension, cardiac issues, and kidney problems, dietary changes that improve these conditions, plus any other steps you can take to improve illnesses such as these should be implemented now. MERS is far more deadly to people already experiencing chronic disease.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

5 Skincare Regimens Perfect for Spring and Summer

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Spring is in the air! The trees are changing colours, flowers are blooming, and you will notice that your skin feels different too. The sun is getting harsher, and heat and humidity will make their way towards hampering the skin… Well, if you don’t care. If you fail to switch from your heavy winter skincare routine to a light spring one, you could soon be facing the issues of acne, breakouts and dull skin.

This is the perfect time to amp up your skincare and go in for dermatological treatments like chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing. You can also help your skin be spring and summer-ready by using the right skincare ingredients. An intelligent combination of active ingredients can do wonders for the skin and even keep the signs of ageing away. To make the most of the spring weather learn to make the most of your skincare routine.

5 skincare combinations are best for spring and summer season. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Best skincare combinations that will work for your skin

The important thing to remember is to pair your skincare ingredients correctly together. Very few are power couples for the skin that might work and benefits your skin. The first trick, of course, is to not use all the products together. To maximise the benefits of the skincare ingredients, here are some important parings you should not miss:

1. Vitamin C with SPF

Vitamin C is an essential ingredient for skin care. It helps protect the skin from sun damage, fights the antioxidants, repairs the skin barrier, promotes collagen production, and acts as an anti-ageing ingredient. When combined with sunscreen, the two work to protect your skin from environmental damage and block the UV rays that filter through the sunscreen.

Also Read: Vitamin C for skin: 7 benefits you must know about

2. Niacinamide with salicylic acid

Niacinamide is an important ingredient for fortifying the skin barrier and treating hyperpigmentation. Salicylic acid is what your skin needs to keep the breakouts away. When they are used together, your skin will benefit from reduced pore size, prevent acne breakouts, improve skin strength and work against the signs of ageing. Together they also improve collagen and elastin fibres giving the skin a youthful glow from the inside.

Best skincare combinations are best for spring and summer season. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock.

3. Retinols with peptides

Move the retinol to your nighttime routine during this time of the year. Vitamin A derivatives are the gold standard for home skin care because they treat everything from acne to ageing to fine lines. Peptides help skin cells rejuvenate and repair. Together they correct your complexion, make the skin tighter and give a smoother and plumper look to the skin.

4. Vitamin C and vitamin E

Vitamin C is essential for skin rejuvenation and protection, and vitamin E helps keep the skin supple. You can use them together to protect the skin from oxidative stress and maintain the suppleness of the skin, leaving you to enjoy the weather in its full glory.

5. Hyaluronic acid with exfoliating acids

Spring is a good time for skin repair, and the AHAs and BHAs do a great job of removing the top layer of the skin, making the new skin sensitive to dryness, and hyaluronic acid is a humectant that restores dryness. Hyaluronic acid recharges skin hydration and has long-lasting benefits for the skin.

Best skincare combinations are best for spring and summer season. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock.

Things to remember

When using new skin combinations, make sure you take your skin type into account. Always do a patch test first and start when using these combinations 1-2 times a week along with your regular skincare routine and slowly increase the frequency as needed by the skin. Do not over-exfoliate or scrub the skin, focus on good skin care every day for great results instead.

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DIET & NUTRITION

Performance Supplementation

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The sports supplements industry is one of the largest industries in the world of sports, especially with respect to revenue. Athletes are often attracted to these supplements by the effective marketing approaches used by marketers to sell these products. In sports, every athlete seeks to stage the best performances to achieve different milestones through their sporting life. The availability of supplements that can enhance the performance of these athletes makes them seductively attractive for these individuals.  No one would miss an opportunity to improve their performance, irrespective of the risks that exist. However, there is a need to ensure that these supplements are regulated. The lack of regulations in the sports supplement industry could lead to increased risks for the athletes. Perhaps we need to have a more standard approach to the management of sports supplements.

By Gabriel I. Escalera

     First, it’s essential to first have a better understanding of what sports supplements are in the sporting industry.  Sports supplements are additional nutrients that individuals can add to their normal diets to improve their physical abilities to perform in physical activities. Active athletes often include supplements in their diets to achieve sufficient nutrition for optimal performance in sports. In addition, athletes also use supplements to compensate for nutritional deficiencies. Most importantly, there is a belief among athletes that supplements significantly improve their abilities, helping them achieve higher performance.

        Supplements play an important role in the diets of athletes. As the name suggests, these substances should be used in addition to the normal diet, as opposed to being replacements. There are supplements that have been developed based on scientific evidence. This means that there are supplements in the market that can be beneficial to the athletes who consume them. There are several benefits that athletes can draw from using these supplements. One of the most significant benefits is that they can legally improve the performance of athletes. Other than that, supplements can also be used to attain the required weight for a specific sport’s weight classes. Similarly, they can be effective in losing weight for a specific sport. Supplements can also be used by athletes to build muscles and improve the circulation of oxygen within the body. Moreover, supplements also provide athletes with an option that helps them avoid the temptations of using other performance-enhancing drugs that are banned in most competitive sporting activities. As such, supplements are critical for athletes, especially with respect to the possibility of enhancing performances.

     There is a significant difference between performance-enhancing drugs and dietary supplements. There is a complete ban on performance enhancing drugs in the sporting world. However, dietary supplements are allowed within the sporting world. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not place strict regulations on sports supplements. So, the manufacturers of these substances are not required to submit samples of their products to the FDA.  The only requirement for sport supplement manufacturers is to make a claim of the health benefits of the supplement, based on scientific evidence. However, the FDA does not go beyond that to scientifically verify these claims.  Because of this there may be inadequate regulation of sports supplements, and this places the athlete at the risk of consuming substances that may be harmful to them.

     The use of supplements has continued to be a controversial topic among the stakeholders in the supplement industry.  These controversies tend to keep the conversation going and ensure that we can develop policies and laws that regulate the production and use of sports supplements. There are concerns about the processes involved in the manufacture of some sports supplements. The manufacturing process plays a significant role in determining the final product. The manufacturing process involves the use of different ingredients and processes that are not entirely known or understood. 

     Another important area of concern over sports supplements is that of the quality of these supplements. The quality of the supplement is critical however, the FDA does not require any quality standards on supplements. The FDA only requires that the manufacturers make a claim about the health benefits of these supplements. The FDA does not require the manufacturer to provide clinical or scientific trial results that verify the claims. This means that the manufacturers have considerable leeway to provide inaccurate information about the supplements to get approval from the FDA.  It is also possible that the manufacturers could create the same substance, give it a different name, and different claims to ensure that they are seen as different supplements. 

     Based on these observations, there appears to be a need to develop programs, policies, and laws that effectively regulate the production and sale of sports supplements. There is a need for the stakeholders, especially the FDA, to change the approach to the management of the supplements in the market. Regulations should be developed to streamline the manufacturing process.  Just like in the manufacture of medicines, there seems to be a need to regulate the manufacture of sports supplements. These supplements, when ingested, have the capacity to alter the body’s function. Their effects are similar to medicines. The regulation of the manufacturing process would ensure that there is a standard quality for every type of supplement. It could ensure that the most appropriate ingredients and processes are used in their manufacture.

     Quality control measures should also be implemented to ensure that the supplements are not harmful.  The quality of the supplements is dependent on scientific validation of their effectiveness in achieving the objectives for which they are created. As such, the FDA should implement programs that would compel the manufacturers to provide scientific verification for the health claims made. This would mean that quality is central to the development and production of the sports supplements. As such, it could provide a regulatory framework established to eliminate the safety risks associated with sports supplements. This way, sports supplements will be able to achieve their fundamental objectives without creating any controversy.

References

Kapoor, A., & Sharfstein, J. M. (2016). Breaking the gridlock: Regulation of dietary supplements in the United States. Drug testing and analysis, 8(3-4), 424-430.   Maughan, R. J., Burke, L. M., Dvorak, J., Larson-Meyer, D. E., Peeling, P., Phillips, S. M., … & Meeusen, R. (2018). IOC consensus statement: dietary supplements and the high-performance athlete. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise  metabolism, 28(2), 104-125.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Spot reduction doesn’t work

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When it comes to achieving a desirable body, it is common for people to have problem areas such as love handles, flabby arms, sagging skin, or hips. The market is flooded with products that claim to eliminate fat or tone specific body parts, from creams and applications to gadgets and machines. However, the reality is that you cannot spot reduce, and the attempt to do so is not only futile but also potentially harmful.

There are several reasons why spot reduction is a myth. Firstly, a healthy diet is crucial in eliminating body fat, and consuming high-calorie and high-cholesterol foods can cause the accumulation of fat in problem areas. No matter how many gadgets you use, if you continue to indulge in unhealthy foods, you will not see results.

Secondly, spot reduction is a simplistic approach that overlooks the complexity of the body. Many products claim to require nothing but attaching or applying them to problem areas, neglecting other body parts and requirements. To achieve a healthy body, you need to understand the physiology of your body and what it takes to achieve your goals. For example, if you want six-pack abs, you need to focus not only on abdominal exercises but also on reducing body fat and increasing body mass through a healthy diet and cardio exercises.

Thirdly, there are no shortcuts to achieving a healthy body. Miracle diets, pills, and potions may seem like a quick fix, but they will ultimately lead to a dead end. To achieve a healthy body, you need to put in the work and earn it.

Finally, committing to the health of your body is a lifelong dedication. Even if you achieve a desirable body now, it will not remain so forever if you abuse your diet and lifestyle. Therefore, it is essential to develop a holistic approach to your health and fitness, incorporating not only exercise and diet but also a positive outlook on life.

In conclusion, the key to achieving a desirable body is to do it the proper way. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes, and spot reduction is a myth. Instead, focus on developing a healthy diet and exercise program that addresses the whole body, and commit to a lifelong dedication to your health and well-being. By taking matters into your own hands, you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy body and a positive outlook on life.

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