Naturopath Case Study (Hives, Sinus, and Sleep Problems)

About Naturopathy

Our bodies are entirely made up of what we put in our mouth, and so how things work in our bodies is almost completely dependent on what we eat and drink. How well these ingredients are absorbed, how well they are formed into the different compounds and hormones the body needs, the reactions between these compounds, and how well all these processes are controlled determines our health (or health problems).

Naturopathy involves the use of natural medications and diet to improve how all these processes are taking place, and to resolve health problems and diseases. While this may sound like simply giving someone a few vitamins and a some diet changes, the human body is incredibly complex, and so naturopaths need to have a highly detailed understanding of

• How the body functions (what chemical processes take place in the organs, brain, etc)
• How things go wrong if it doesn’t have the right chemical ingredients
• How to provide the correct nutrients or herbal compounds to restore the correct chemical balance in the body, so that it is able to repair any damage, get the organs working correctly again, and have the cells of the body performing the way they are meant to.

As you would expect, this takes a very high level of scientific and medical knowledge and experience. To register as a naturopath, you must have completed a four year full-time degree. You must also belong to a professional association, and complete additional Continuing Professional Development training every year.

(For more information, please visit our naturopathy page.)

Case Study

Sarah (not her real name) came to the clinic with bad hives on her neck, arms, back and thighs. The hives had a significant impact on her appearance, and were causing her a lot of discomfort and distress.

Sarah had received an allergy skin-prick test, which showed she had sensitivities to 5 different foods. She had eliminated these from her diet, but this made no difference to her symptoms.

Her health history included a continual sinus infection, and she took four courses of antibiotics for this in 2019, which did not get rid of it.

Sarah took advantage of our free Comprehensive Assessment offer, and also had an Organ Function Test. The Test showed that her digestive functions were low, it was likely she had food intolerances, her liver was congested, and her adrenaline levels were high.

The Assessment also established that she had excessive inflammation in her digestive system, and that the congested liver was causing a build-up of toxins in her system. The food intolerances seemed to be the result of the weak and inflamed digestive system. As digestive issues, food intolerances, and skin conditions all usually respond well to naturopathy treatments, it was recommended she have a consultation with one of our naturopaths. Acupuncture treatments were also recommended to help reduce the inflammation in her digestive system.

At the initial session, her naturopath conducted further testing, including iridology (examining the irises of the eyes), examining her nails and tongue, checking her acidity levels, and testing her zinc status. From this she determined that Sarah’s digestive system was not breaking down and processing her food correctly. The partly-digested particles of food were entering her blood stream, and causing a reaction by her immune system. The constant triggering of the immune system in this way was the major cause of her hives. Her stress levels and liver function were also factors (itchy skin conditions are often related to the liver not functioning well).

A treatment plan was created for Sarah, to

• improve the breakdown of food by her digestive system
• address the over-reaction of her immune system
• help her (and her body) deal more effectively with stress

Three practitioner grade, prescription-only supplements were given to address each of these areas.

The first product contained ingredients that

• Reduce histamine levels
• Help healthy immune regulation and function
• Improve digestive immune functions
• Improve the natural liver detoxification processes
• Here’s the technical details in case you are interested (just skip if not)
  
  • Helps to make the body more tolerant to allergens and reduce allergic reactions by addressing the underlying causes of allergies, such as immune dysfunction, inflammation, detoxification processes, and gut barrier function.
  • Supports control of the immune system and healthy immune function. The product includes Glutamine and Shiitake mushroom, which increase secretory IgA secretion to prevent antigen adhesion and translocation through the luminal epithelial surface. Also contains Baical skullcap and Reishi to help to regulate T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) balance. Baical Skullcap also exerts an anti-allergic effect by regulating T cell-mediated responses (including decreasing IgE and increasing IgG2).
  • Reduces intestinal permeability and inhibits allergen permeation. Baical Skullcap, glutamine, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin D act upon the tight junctions of the intestinal epithelium. Baical Skullcap helps prevent allergic responses to foods by inhibiting allergen permeation.
  • Symptomatic relief of allergies via anti-inflammatory and mast cell stabilising mechanisms. Baical Skullcap, Milk Thistle and Reishi inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells. (In a randomised controlled trial, Perilla Frutescens leaf extract was shown to suppress immunoglobulin response and inflammation in mild allergic rhinitis.) Choline intake leads to an increase in membrane phosphatidyl cholinexv and helps relieve urticaria and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Vitamin D also has an anti-inflammatory effect due to suppressing the production of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs).
  • Milk thistle helps the liver’s natural detoxification processes, which helps to remove immunologically active materials, reducing immune reactions.

The second product was a combination of two immune-correcting and anti-inflammatory probiotic strains, designed to

• Maintain healthy immune system control in the body
• Reduce the occurrence and severity of allergy symptoms
• Again, here’s the technical stuff in case you are interested
  • Regulates the immune system: Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG and lactobacillus paracasei (LP-33TM) help to promote immune regulation by interacting with dendritic cells within the gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), stimulating the production of regulatory T cells and increasing production of regulatory cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF-beta. LGG also promotes a shift towards an enhanced anti-inflammatory response by a heightened secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and decreased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
  • LGG has bi-directional immunomodulatory effects – stimulatory when an increased response is needed and down-regulatory when attenuation is appropriate. 20 billion CFU of LGG daily has been shown to reduce immune hyper-reactivity by strengthening the gut mucosal barrier integrity.
  • LP-33TM modulates inflammation and immune reactions by interacting with these cells and, together with LGG, inducing development of regulatory T cells which can down regulate IgE, a Th2 cytokine involved in allergy. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial on 425 subjects with allergic rhinitis compared the effects of LP-33TM or placebo over a five week period. The LP-33TM group demonstrated significant improvements in their Rhinitis Quality Of Life (RQLQ) score, nasal and ocular symptoms.

The third product was a herbal formula to

• Calm her nervous system
• Reduce the effects of nervous tension and stress on her body
• Improve relaxation and sleep
• Relax her muscles

Sarah was also given a Diet Plan to help identify and eliminate any specific dietary triggers for her hives.

At her second consultation in 4 weeks, Sarah was excited to report that the hives had cleared up completely. Her sinus infection had also improved significantly, and she no longer had to use a nasal spray for it.

As her hives and sinus infection were virtually eliminated, we turned to another health issue she had. For many years Sarah would wake up at 2 am, and most times couldn’t get back to sleep after that. This was affecting her energy levels, her mental function and clarity, and her mood.

On investigation, we found that Sarah’s Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) was over-active. The SNS is associated with the ‘fight or flight’ response, and keeps the body from relaxing and going to sleep properly. It also increases the body’s stress response, disrupts the digestive system, causes muscle tension, increases blood sugar levels, puts additional strain on the heart (possibly raising blood pressure), and many other impacts on health.

Again, Sarah was prescribed a high-potency practitioner level supplement to address the underlying cause of her problem. The ingredients

• Help the body to have a more normal, healthy stress response
• Help the metabolism and synthesis of the body’s important neuro-transmitters, including the calming neuro-transmitter GABA2
• Technical bits
  • Provides highly bioavailable magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin C and zinc, which are all nutrients required to be able to cope with stress effectively and may be depleted in chronic stress. The adrenergic effects of stress induce a shift of magnesium to the extracellular space, increasing urinary excretion and depleting body stores. Magnesium deficiency adversely affects excitatory neurotransmitters such as serotonin and acetylcholine and is associated with stress.
  • A double-blind, placebo controlled trial using 6.0 g of taurine per day investigated its impact on stress symptoms and biochemistry. This study showed taurine to inhibit the stress-induced release of adrenaline. Magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin C and zinc are required to regulate the stress response as co-factors in neurotransmitter synthesis.
  • Zinc is essential in modulating the stress response. Zinc levels have been found to be deficient in people with generalised anxiety disorder. Exposure to acute stress increases serum glycocorticoids and induces metallothionein synthesis which consequently decreases serum zinc.

At her next appointment 3 weeks later, Sarah was overjoyed to report that she was now sleeping through the night and getting 7-8 hours sleep each time.

It is important to note that every person and their conditions are different, and each case requires careful individual diagnosis of what is causing their problem. Sarah had a very quick improvement for several conditions she had endured for many years, but each person’s body improves at a different rate, and so improvement may take longer for another person. However, with the correct assessment, diagnosis, high-quality supplements or herbs, and/or dietary advice being followed, there will be good results in the vast majority of cases.

If you have health problem you would like to get rid of, please consider booking in for a Comprehensive Assessment. We can then look at what is going on in your body, what is causing the problem, and the best way to sort it out. (The Assessment is a completely free service, with no obligations whatsoever.)

Why Most Vitamins can be a Waste of Money

Practitioner-prescribed products are designed to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect. They are only provided by a trained therapist after assessing the client and giving careful consideration to precisely what their body needs, including

• What health issues they have (which increases the need for certain nutrients)
• The level of nutrients in their body already
• Any medications they are taking
• The strength of their digestion, and how well they are absorbing their nutrients

The therapist then chooses the ideal product for them and the appropriate dosage. As a small example, if someone has arthritis, the therapist may prescribe a mixture of high-quality glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate to help rebuild the cartilage. However,

• Most people with arthritis will also be low in other nutrients that help the glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate to work properly, so will likely need some of these in any product prescribed
• If the person’s stomach is a little underactive and they are not breaking down proteins well, they may need something to assist the absorption of the glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate
• If the person is taking a lot of fibre, they may need to reduce this to allow the minerals required to rebuild the cartilage to be absorbed
• Depending on how bad the arthritis is, the therapist may prescribe a higher dose than the one recommended for the general public. (However, higher doses should only be taken under the direction of a trained professional.)

Practitioner-prescribed products are of the highest quality and compete with each other on their therapeutic benefit. Each company is constantly trying to come up with products that work more effectively than their competitors, which will then be prescribed more often.

To improve your health, or to get good results for any condition, you need the right diagnosis, the right treatment, and the right dosage. I don’t feel that over-the-counter products look after any of these properly.

As a result, we see far too many people spending lots of money on products that are not helping them at all.

If you would like to see if the products you are taking are improving your health or not (or even making it worse), or would like to find out what nutrients are important for you, please book in for a 15 minute Focus Consult with our naturopath (currently at the introductory price of only $15). Be well!

You may also be interested in reading Australian Natural Medicines Lead the World.

Herbs that have Anti-Viral Properties

(We cover Medicinal Herbs first, then Kitchen Herbs. The more technical information is marked in green, so you can skip these parts if you like.)

Medicinal Herbs

Echinacea

Both Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia have antimicrobial and immune-stimulating properties. They are used for the treatment of viral infections such as influenza, as well as middle ear infections, vaginal candida, and to improve wound healing. A high dose of Echinacea is helpful if you feel susceptible to coming down with something or if you have been exposed to those with infections. (Echinacea is generally not used with auto-immune disorders.)

However, Echinacea is generally considered more effective for infection prevention. A lipophilic extract of Echinacea root rich in alkylamides will prime the immune response before virus exposure, and then sustain it once the virus takes hold.

(In the acute stage of the virus, other antiviral herbs such as Liquorice and sweet wormwood (the latter in pulsed doses), and other immune herbs such as Andrographis and holy basil, become more important.)

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus increases white blood cell counts and interferon, thereby increasing the body’s resistance to disease. It is best taken long-term to enhance immune functions, and is especially effective for those with a history of recurring respiratory infections, anaemia, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Astragalus is contraindicated in progressed Lyme disease.

In Chinese herbal medicine, Astragalus is generally contraindicated in acute infections, except where there is energy deficiency. It has been used in herbal formulations to treat recent viral epidemics, but is more often included in preventative formulations. As per the Chinese herbal medicine guidelines, Astragalus is particularly indicated for prevention when a person has compromised immunity and/or resilience.

Hence, Astragalus can be safely taken for prevention but is best stopped once acute symptoms develop (unless there is advice to the contrary from a skilled Chinese herbal practitioner).

However, once the infection is over, it is very helpful for recovery from any after-effects, such as post-viral fatigue.

Andrographis

Andrographis paniculata has extensive evidence in reducing the incidence, severity and duration of acute respiratory infections (as evidenced by positive results in a meta-analysis, which included 33 studies). It has been shown to stimulate both the antigen-specific and non-specific immune response, as well as increase NK cell activity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent complement-mediated cytotoxicity, thereby supporting host immune defences.

Elderberry

This herb is an immune stimulant and has antiviral properties. It is primarily used as a cough or cold remedy, as it helps to break a fever, ease flu symptoms, and clear congestion.

The use of the black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) during acute respiratory viral infections is relatively new, arising from research conducted in the 1970s. Initial investigations revealed antiviral activity, and this remains a research focus. However, later research has indicated a role for the herb in enhancing immune responses, especially cytokine production. (Elderberry increases the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8.) Meta-analysis certainly supports its benefit when administered during acute viral infections.

A clinical trial in 473 patients (including many with confirmed influenza A and/or B) found that a combination of elderberry and Echinacea given as soon as possible for 10 days after symptoms developed was as effective as the antiviral drug oseltamivir. There was no suggestion of harmful effects or induction of cytokine storm (the authors used the term septic shock to flag this possibility). In fact, adverse events were higher in the antiviral drug group.

In another large trial involving 312 economy class passengers traveling from Australia to an overseas destination, participants took elderberry continuously from 10 days before flying overseas until five days after arriving at the travel destination. Most cold episodes occurred in the placebo group (17 versus 12), however the difference was not significant (p = 0.4). Placebo group participants had a significantly longer duration of cold episode days (117 vs. 57, p = 0.02) and the average symptom score over these days was also significantly higher (583 vs. 247, p = 0.05). These data suggest a significant reduction of cold duration and severity in air travelers. The herbal treatment was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events.

Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms can boost immunity by providing polysaccharides- complex sugars that stimulate an immune response. They are very beneficial as preventatives during cold and flu seasons and are also useful when actively fighting an infection.

Shiitake Mushroom – Lentinus edodes. Shiitake is highly prized as food and medicine. It is especially high in zinc and contains several types of polysaccharides that stimulate white blood cell activity and moderate immune function. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties and is showing promise as an anti-tumour medicine. It also helps to protect the liver and lower cholesterol.

Both shiitake and reishi mushrooms activate the innate immune system, triggering the production of NK cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, and inflammatory cytokines.

Reishi – Ganoderma spp. Reishi has been used in China and Japan for over 4,000 years, and is called ‘the immortality mushroom’.

It enhances and controls immune cell functions, and is effective against a very broad range of pathogens; amongst other properties, it is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. (As it moderates the immune system, allergy sufferers may find reishi helpful in reducing inflammation and over-sensitivity. It is often valuable for those undergoing cancer treatment, as it helps protect the body from radiation damage, lessens pain, and improves appetite. Reishi is also an adaptogen, and so helps mitigate the physical and mental impact of the stress response.)

Reishi has been shown to bind to cell surface receptors of immune cells, leading to alteration in the activities of macrophages, T helper cells and natural killer (NK) cells, activate peripheral blood mononuclear cells, promote lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation, and inhibit viral replication.

However, as with Astragalus, the main role of medicinal mushrooms is for infection prevention and they can be discontinued during acute infection onset to make way for other higher priority herbs.

Research suggests that the branched chain beta-glucan polymers found in the fruiting bodies of various mushroom species seem particularly adapted to heightening immune vigilance against potential pathogens. Interaction of mushroom beta-glucans with dectin-1 receptors may even be able to “train” the innate immune response. Trained (innate) immunity (TI) can be induced by a variety of stimuli, of which BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine) and beta-glucan have been particularly studied. Both BCG (via NOD2 signalling) and beta-glucan (via dectin-1) can induce epigenetic changes that lead to TI. Interestingly, because of the discovery of TI, BCG is currently being investigated as a prevention for acute respiratory viral infection amongst 4,000 healthcare workers.

Pau D’arco

The inner bark of Tabebuia impetiginosa, an Amazonian tree, can be used to treat colds, influenza, herpes and viral stomatitis (mouth sores, such as a cold sore). It contains quinoids that inhibit virus replication by damaging the DNA and RNA inside the viral protein that would normally insert itself in a healthy human cell and replicate.

St John’s Wort

Hypericum perforatum is well-known for its ability to help mild depression and neuralgia, but it also has potent antiviral chemicals called hypercin and pseudohypericin that proactively fight off viruses. In particular, it is especially useful against viruses that masquerade as human cells, such as Herpes, HIV and Hepatitis C.

(St John’s Wort is of particular interest at present, as it is considered to be effective against ‘enveloped’ viruses, and COVID-19 is an enveloped virus. However, there is as yet no firm evidence that St John’s Wort is effective against COVID-19.)

Marshmallow

Althaea officinalis; the herbal extract of the marshmallow plant soothes irritated respiratory tissue and builds immune function.

Herbs and Fever Management

 (Patients with COVID-19 infection requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission have shown higher concentrations of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), IP10, MCP1, MIP1-alpha, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) than patients that have not required ICU admission, suggesting that a cytokine storm may be associated with the disease severity.^[1])

One important area of herbs for managing viral infections is the role of diaphoretic herbs in stage II. Their appropriate use could prove to be critical in preventing the development of a cytokine storm.

A diaphoretic is an agent that literally is used to promote sweating, and in the context of a fever, diaphoretic herbs were used to manage the febrile phase of an infection. In modern herbal practice, diaphoretic herbs are still considered appropriate in fever management, including remedies such as Mentha x piperita (peppermint), Achillea (yarrow), Sambucus (elderflower), Matricaria (chamomile), Tilia (lime flowers) and Asclepias tuberosa (pleurisy root). Their objective is to help to facilitate the fever as a “slow burn” (usually the range 100–102°F or 37.8–38.9°C), ensuring that this important physiological response is supported, but kept at a level that is comfortable, restorative and not harmful to the person.

They work best when taken hot, as in an infusion or decoction.

Liquorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra. The herb (not the sweet) contains a substance called glycyrrhizin that reduces the replication of viruses and halts their ability to penetrate replicate inside healthy cells. It has been noted to be effective in the treatment of many viral illnesses, including HIV strains and viral hepatitis. Liquorice is soothing for sore throats and dry coughs. It helps heal irritated tissues, and reduces inflammation and coughing (anti-tussive).

However, Liquorice is not advised if you have high blood pressure or during pregnancy.

In the classical model of pathogenesis, induction of fever is mediated by the release of pyrogenic cytokines such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and interferons into the bloodstream in response to exogenous pyrogens from infecting agents. These are the same cytokines that are largely responsible for cytokine storm. Hence, diaphoretic herbs might well reduce the risk of developing cytokine storm during an infection.

This might be disregarded as idle speculation, except for the eclectic experience with diaphoretic herbs during the Spanish flu pandemic, where they were regarded as key remedies. Drawing from just one of the many testaments to the value of diaphoretic herbs from that time, as reviewed by Abascal and Yarnell: “One physician, who saw 10–35 patients with influenza per day during the epidemic began treatment by mixing 2 teaspoons of boneset and 1 teaspoon of pleurisy root tinctures in a cup of hot water. This was given immediately with a second dose 15 minutes later, a third dose half an hour later, and a fourth dose an hour after the first dose. He reported that this treatment typically reduced a fever of 103–104ºF by 3–4º in a few hours. Yet another physician reported that boneset was always a significant remedy in influenza.”

(We now know that boneset contains low levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so other diaphoretic herbs should be used instead.)

Conclusions

These herbs will support a focussed initial immune response, including enhanced cytokine signalling, and thereby reduce the risk of any infection progressing to the stage III development of cytokine storm.

Herbs are best given in combination, and informed use of herbal prescribing can improve clinical outcomes. In the context of reducing the risk of cytokine storm after an infection has taken hold, the valuable role for the inclusion of diaphoretic herbs in the treatment protocol needs to be given due attention.

Kitchen Herbs

Some common kitchen herbs are helpful to build your immunity and ward off respiratory illnesses.

Garlic – Allium sativum. Garlic is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. The compounds allicin and alliion are responsible for all of these actions, and garlic also has antimicrobial properties.

Ginger – Zingiber officinale. Ginger is very heating and is a diaphoretic, so is excellent for the early stages of a ‘cold’ (viral) type of infection, with symptoms such as feeling cold, sneezing, nasal congestion with white phlegm or a runny nose with clear phlegm, and little or no fever. It may also include muscle stiffness or aches, or a cough with clear or white phlegm. (Do not use ginger for a ‘hot’ or bacterial infections, which involve feeling hotter, a sore throat, or yellow or green phlegm.)

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds, helps to expel mucus, and can ease coughs and deep-seated respiratory congestion including bronchitis.

The best way to use ginger is to chop the root up, boil it, and drink the liquid as a tea. You will usually need to dilute it, and can add a little honey if you wish. Drink frequently until your symptoms have gone.

Peppermint – Mentha × piperita. Peppermint is also a diaphoretic but is very cooling, so is used for the early stages of a ‘hot’ (bacterial) type of infection, with symptoms such as feeling hot or having a fever, sore throat, and yellow or green phlegm. Use it as a tea and drink frequently.

Onions – Allium spp. A centuries-old remedy for breaking up lung congestion is to sauté onions in a little olive oil, placed them on a cloth, apply to the chest while still warm, and let it sit for about half an hour. The aromatics in raw onions can also help calm a cough.

Green Tea – Camellia sinensis. Green tea contains a group of flavonoids called catechins, which appear to inhibit viral infections by blocking the enzymes that allow it to reproduce. Green tea has been known to be effective in inhibiting HIV, herpes simples and the hepatitis B virus. For best effect, gargle with the tea then swallow it.

Olive Leaf – Olea europea. The leaves of Olive trees contain a substance called elenoic acid, and calcium elonate has been identified as a powerful inhibitor of a wide range of viruses in laboratory tests, including influenza, herpes, polio and coxsackie viruses. These substances block the production of enzymes that allow viruses to replicate.

Horseradish – Armoracia rusticana. Horseradish has strong decongestant and antimicrobial properties. After grating the roots, put them into vinegar or honey immediately to prevent the loss of the effective compounds. (Wasabi in Japanese restaurants is usually made from Horseradish.)

Important

The information contained in this article is meant for general use only, and must not be used to replace medical advice or treatment. In particular, if you have any possible COVID-19 symptoms, such as sore throat, fever or shortness of breath, you must seek immediate guidance from a medical professional or call the Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice (ph. 131 450).

When prescribed by a qualified professional, medicinal herbs can be effective for a wide range of viral and bacterial infections. Naturopaths undergo years of training in the use of herbal formulas, and an experienced naturopath can prescribe a powerful combination of herbs tailored to your specific needs. (Only the highest quality medicinal herbs are used at our clinic.)

You may also be interested in reading our article on Improving Your Immune System.

We are currently running a special offer of a 15 minute consult with our naturopath for only $15. These can be carried out in person or by Skype or Facetime. Please give us a call if you would like to book in for one, or you can book online.

[1] Mehta P, McAuley DF, Brown M, Sanchez E, Tattersall RS, Manson JJ, et al. COVID-19: consider cytokine storm syndromes and immunosuppression. Lancet [Internet]. 2020 Mar 16 [cited 2020 Mar 17]. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30628-0. Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30628-0/fulltext#articleInformation.