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West Nile Virus

The West Nile Virus is in the news, and reports of people dying from it have the public concerned that there is another "epidemic" to fear. The death toll attributed to West Nile Virus this year as of 29 Aug 2012, is 66. Given that the US Center for Disease Control reports that 36,000 people die every year from seasonal flu, 66 is a relatively low number of deaths in comparison. Some debate the existence of the virus at all, and others feel that it's imbalanced to blame all these deaths on the West Nile Virus and not temper the reports with other factors such as environmental pollution or the underlying health problems of the individuals who are affected.* I'd like to avoid dwelling on the "controversy" and share some simple ways to avoid mosquito bites and the toxic aerial spray.

Brief History and Symptoms
The first recorded case of West Nile Virus was in 1937 in the West Nile region of Uganda. It is reported to have arrived in North America in 1999. The strain is reported to produce polio-like symptoms and paralysis (CBC News, Sept. 23, 2008). It is an inflammation of the spinal cord and the brain which can cause central nervous system disorders. It is spread by affected mosquitoes which bite birds, animals and humans, transferring the virus. Some feel it can be passed from mother to child while nursing or by blood transfusions. It is reported that 10% of the cases of West Nile Virus in the USA are fatal. Advanced age and stressed immune system have higher risk factors. Some report that the virus can only be detected 3-14 days in the blood, and symptoms last 3-6 days except for the cases with severe spinal cord inflammation.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), West Nile Virus "can cause serious, life-altering and even fatal disease." About 80% of people who are bitten by an affected mosquito develop no symptoms, and about 20% experience symptoms such as:
- fever
- headache
- tiredness
- body aches
- occasionally a skin rash: neck, trunk, arms, legs
- swollen lymph glands
- gastrointestinal issues

About 1 in 150 develop more serious symptoms:
- high fever
- headache
- neck stiffness
- stupor
- disorientation
- coma
- tremors
- convulsions
- muscle weakness
- paralysis

Prevention
Since mosquitoes breed in standing water, be sure to eliminate standing water near your home. When outside, if possible, avoid dawn and dusk. Keep as much skin covered as reasonable (long sleeves) and use mosquito repellent. Use a natural (no DEET) mosquito repellent whenever you venture outside. Our No Bites! blend has been very successful for many people, and it's even passed the test several times for people in the Amazon jungle. If we get in a situation and don't have our No Bite's!, there are a number of essential oils that repel mosquitoes. I typically carry a 2ml bottle of Peppermint essential oil in my pocket, and we dab that on our ankles, necks and arms to repel mosquitoes and on any bites we do get. The sooner you get some essential oil on a bite, the faster it disappears. Peppermint is a good choice because it deals with inflammation and the itch.

Essential oils known to help repel mosquitoes:
Eucalyptus citriodora - CDC lists Eucalyptus citriodora as one of the "EPA registered products that provide repellent activity sufficient to help people avoid the bites of disease-carrying mosquitoes. Products containing these active ingredients typically provide reasonably long-lasting protection."
Citronella
Clove
Cedarwood
Lavender
Peppermint
Rosemary
Lemongrass

Make Your Own Spray (effective on cows and horses as well)
1oz glass spray bottle
3 ml EOs of your choice (see above list)
1oz Witch Hazel
Mix well and spray on the skin regularly.

Treatment
Essential oils have proven to be very effective in fighting viruses and have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Applying oils to the spine may help jump-start the immune system and help protect and fight the virus. If you have the virus, consider applying oils to the spine once a day for at least 3 days. For additional fighting power, consider adding Warrior, Immunition and/or Melissa to the protocol.
Simple Massage Technique

Anti-viral Powerhouse Essential Oils
Cassia
Cinnamon - in our Warrior blend
Clove - in our Warrior blend
Melissa - excellent choice but very expensive
Oregano - in our Warrior blend
Ravintsara
Tarragon
Thyme
Warrior blend - this blend is a top viral-fighting blend

Help! We've Been Sprayed!
One of the pesticides commonly used for ground spraying is permethrin, which is considered as "likely to be carcinogenic to humans" by the EPA.

Besides staying indoors as long after spraying as possible, there are supplements that might help protect and detox the liver that's been exposed to the toxic spray.

Many toxins can be eliminated through your skin by sweating, so consider hot, steamy baths where you actually break into a good sweat. Also, skin brushing helps the lymph system flush toxins from your system. Exercising for about 30 minutes to an hour daily will help circulate oxygenated blood to your kidneys and liver, which will help them eliminate toxins more effectively. A simple rebounder helps the lymph system "pump" and flush toxins. Be sure to drink at least ½ your body weight (in pounds) in fluid ounces of pure water daily (see details below).

Basic Supplements that May Help:
+ Milk Thistle
+ Activated Charcoal - 20-30 grams daily in divided doses mixed with water for 1-2 weeks.
+ Citrus Pectin is very helpful for detoxing and doesn't deplete zinc, calcium or magnesium.
+ Drink plenty of pure water. We figure at least ½ your body weight (in pounds) in fluid ounces of water daily. To each glass (never plastic), some may feel to add a drop of a citrus oil like Grapefruit or our Tangerine to help usher the toxins out of your lymph system.
+ Organic Garlic is an immune booster.
+ Vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid (not buffered)

Keep your immune system fed with good foods, avoid eating processed foods and sugars, and most likely the West Nile Virus and many others will pass you by.