Dr. Kirk Slagel-

Posted By admin on January 23, 2009

Well, as the saying goes, its getting to be cold and flu season, again.  And, with the recent reduction in flu vaccines due to contamination, Americans will be eager to look for alternatives to the treatment of this annual influence.  SANUM Therapy offers a number of supportive remedies for these so-called viral conditions, such as colds and the flu, however it is important to pay attention to lifestyle and seasonal shifts, as well.  The General remedies that will be discussed in detail later in the article are the following:

 

Milieu	Isopathic/Homeopathic Fungal	Homeopathic Bacterial Immune Modulator
Pleo Alkala	Pleo Fort	Pleo Rec
Pleo Citro	Pleo Grif	Pleo Ut
Pleo Sanuvis	Pleo Quent
	Pleo Rub

 

Botanical Remedy- Immune/GI support/Anti-viral	Glandular- immune organ stimulation
Pleo Relivora	Pleo Thym
Pleo Cerivi	Pleo Reb

 

What exactly is cold and flu season?  I don’t really consider that there is an actual season for colds and flu amidst the four wonderful seasons already in place.  However, when one considers the cyclic shifts in weather and lifestyle, then we now have a time of year when colds and the flu become more prevalent.  But a season…I have to wonder.

 

Some aspects of getting a cold or flu are related to early concepts of nature cure and the cyclic processes through which all living organisms exist.  I believe these nature cure considerations are still accurate today, however humans in their acceptance of the modern concepts of illness have overlooked these natural biological processes.  Over the course of a day, a month or a year, human beings’ functional bio-dynamics shift with the external influence of the local weather patterns and some believe the entire planetary system.  This is quite obvious with children as they are most often completely in-sync with the natural rhythms of the day and seasons. 

 

A child will tend to eat, play, be quiet and fall asleep at certain times of the day and be in bed in the evening right around sunset or within a couple of hours after the sun sets.  They arise nearly at the same time as the sun, even on the weekends, much to the dismay of their parents.  Our “internal biological clock” which may easily be seen in the lifestyle habits of children, usually becomes altered as one moves into the teenage years.  This is so from the human-made influences such as, lights, television, restaurants, graveyard shift work schedules and any other influences that will promote one bypassing the natural biorhythms.  Thus, we tend to overlook some of these gradual changes that have occurred within the first 10 to 15 years of life as a normal process of the societal needs of maturing.

 

However, the body continues to fluctuate with the natural biorhythms, which when ignored adds to the other stressors of our physiology.  It is common to feel increased energy at certain points in the day, and during certain aspects of the different seasons.  For example, in the spring and certain parts of the day in the summer we feel increased vitality and often yearn for exercise and exploration.  In the heat of summer, or cold, wet, rainy fall and spring, and certainly in the winter, one tends to feel more sluggish and the desire to rest more is quite strong.  The times of year between summer and winter, and winter and summer are transitional and create biological and physiological changes.  These times are also congestive times of year.  Body systems are transitioning from one season of intensity to the next with the interim season in between.  Biologically, cold, wet climates tend to create accumulation of metabolic debris as these transitions occur.   Therefore, the transitional seasons of spring and fall are the times of year when people experience more illnesses that relate to this accumulation.

 

General wellness is also a pattern associated with these cyclic rhythms.  Our bodies have their own internal knowing, which according to the naturopathic tenants is “Vis Medicatrix Naturae” or ‘to act in harmony with the healing power of nature’, that enable us to keep well as we move through the various seasons.  If we pay attention to these natural processes, we can develop a whole new aspect of awareness that involves sleep, work, eating habits and general well being.  Some of these shifts are so commonplace that it just seems typical to feel like you want to sleep all day when it gets cold or rainy.  The same is true when it gets quite hot and/or humid. 

 

These natural tendencies are the body’s ways of conserving energy and resources.  As predominantly mesomorphs, human beings have a much greater adaptation response capacity to cold than we do to heat.  We can add multiple layers of clothing, build shelters, and produce heat sources, however we are limited when it comes to avoiding heat.  But, we still have to adapt to these temperatures through conservation of resources and elimination of accumulated debris. 

 

In Ayurvedic medicine, which is the oldest know system of medicine on earth, there is recognition of six seasons, rather than four and in respect to these six there are two likely times of the year when cold and flu-like symptoms are possible.  Interestingly enough, they correspond to the general times of year when people tend to exhibit the cold and flu symptoms.  These vary depending upon the country and geographical location within the country.

 

Cool-Dewy (Shishira)	Mid- January to Mid- March
Spring (Vasant)	Mid-March to Mid-May
Summer (Grishma)	Mid-May to Mid-July
Rainy (Varsha)	Mid-July to Mid-September
Autumn (Sharat)	Mid-September to Mid- November
Winter (Hemanta)	Mid-November to Mid-January

 

However, based upon the environmental influences of which Ayurvedic medicine consists, there is a correlation between the seasons and the three doshas, or constitutions, including lifestyle, foods eaten, sleep, etc.  There is much more data to discuss here than we have space for, however, we can review a brief aspect of these constitutions to get an idea of the environmental correlations and functions.

 

Vata- nerve force, electro-motor, physical activity or that which is responsible for motion, often called “AIR”. The root ‘va’ means to spread.  In Western terms, it is the electricity setting the organism in motion, maintaining the equilibrium between Pitta and Kapha, the two other doshas.

 

Pitta- relates to internal fire, bile, body heat, digestive enzymes, physio-chemical, biological, metabolic and endocrine systems.  It is responsible for digesting the chyle into a protoplasmic substance like sperm and ovum.

 

Kapha- fills the intercellular spaces of the body as connective tissue.  Examples of these

includes mucus, synovial fluid, and tendons.  Kapha is responsible for the gross structure of the body (solid and liquid). 

 

Each person is made up of a combination of these elements or doshas, which are responsible for catabolic and anabolic metabolism.

 

The book “The Ayurvedic Encyclopedia” by Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha explains the above information as such:

 

“The first three seasons above are considered weakening because the sun takes away one’s strength during the Northern Solstice.  The sun and wind create cooling, drying and heating influence by removing the (nurturing) cool qualities of the earth, while the bitter, astringent, and pungent qualities develop.  Thus, the tastes (qualities of the elements) of sharpness, dryness, and heat (Pitta or agni) gain predominance during this half of the year.  It is the sun that burns up the soma (spiritual nectar) that weakens people.  The tastes of bitter, astringent, and pungent are depleting in nature, so it is advised to eat foods having sweet, sour and salty tastes to counteract the depleting effect.

 

The latter three are considered a strength-giving time.  The moon becomes more powerful, causing the sun to transfer its strength to the lunar orb.  Heat is relieved by the moist and cool elements.  In this Southern Solstice, where the moon predominates, the sour element is active during the rainy Varsha season; salt prevails in autumn and the sweet element grows in winter.  These tastes gradually tone, or give strength to, humans.  During Varshs-Hemanta (Rainy to Autumn) the winds die down and the moon’s cool rays produce soma, or nectar, that nourishes the spiritual energies of the people (and animals and nature).  In these seasons, it is advised to eat foods of pungent, bitter and astringent tastes to counterbalance the predominating tastes due to environmental effects.”

 

A basic overview of some of these seasons and foods includes the flowing:

 

Winter: one avoids Vata-increasing, light foods, wind, cold drinks and eats more steamed meals and dresses warmly.  The digestive fire is much higher during this season, making heavier foods more easily digestible.   According to this concept cane sugar, rice, oils, hot water and milk products promote longevity, raw honey; sour and salty tastes are also suggested. 

 

Cool/Dewy: follow a program similar to winter.  It is important to note that Kapha accumulates in this season due to the cold and dampness of wind, clouds, and rain.  (I think we’re getting close to the cold and flu season!)

 

*Spring: is when the Kapha from the two previous seasons begins to melt or liquefy- this creates many Kapha diseases.  (Aha, I knew it was here!)  Heavy, sour, fatty and sweet diets are avoided as they increase Kapha. 

 

Summer: Kapha is normalized and Vata accumulates due to the dry, or dehydrating effects of the heat.  One should eat more raw and lightly steamed vegetables, drink cool juices, have more sweet things, ghee (clarified butter), milk and rice.  Sour, salted, pungent and hot foods are to be avoided.

 

*Rainy: The Agni fire, weakened from the dryness of the summer, is further diminished in the rainy season.  During this season, the clouds are full of water; it is cold, windy and in some places, snowy.  These conditions aggravate all three doshas.  Thus, this is the season that the three doshas irritate each other causing many diseases of all three doshas.  (More cold and flu opportunities!)  Depending upon the weather one needs to adjust the diet and lifestyle from day to day.  Generally, avoid cold drinks.  Foods and drinks are mixed with honey.  Salty, sour and fatty foods are eaten on rainy, cool, windy days. 

 

Autumn: the aggravated Pitta from the rainy season worsens as a result of the sudden warmth of the sun’s rays, much like the Indian Summer in the U.S.

 

In accepting these various environmental influences on the body, we have the capacity to alter our general lifestyle to accommodate these changes to lessen the degree of accumulated debris and irritation of the doshas.  While initially it reasons to adopt a more relaxed lifestyle as one proceeds through the transitional seasons, few Americans consciously adapt to these changing seasons. 

 

In the larger biodynamic picture, the body milieu (internal terrain) is in constant fluctuation accommodating these external influences along with the lifestyle habits of the person; the latter of which are not often maintained to the full benefit of the former.  Dietary changes according to the above can be very beneficial to allow the body the opportunity to metabolize foods more efficiently and eliminate metabolic debris easily.  However, when the milieu becomes altered it involves much more than just eating more veggies!  As you will note below, we are affecting the very essence of biological and physiological functioning of the body.

 

SANUM THERAPY

SANUM Therapy, as a modality of biological medicine, is completely compatible with these natural rhythms as it is such a wonderful system of functional medicine in and of itself.  The significance of the milieu, the microbe and factors of daily life that influence these has a tremendous influence on our general well being and health.  It is no simple feat maintaining a human being against the deleterious influences of the average American lifestyle.  Stress, lack of rest, fast food, external toxins, lack of interaction with nature, genetically altered foods further affected with preservatives and colorings and so much more, are constantly challenging this thriving bio-diversity of internal terrain.  Behind all of this vital physiology is a lowly creature, of little known importance and with general apparent insignificance, except to those who understand biological medicine and the role that SANUM therapy plays in these processes.  This lowly creature is the microbe!

 

WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT

The average human adult has an interface with the external environment via the mucous membranes of the body and the skin surface area.  While the skin surface area is usually 1 – 2 square meters depending upon body size, the internal interface via the lungs, genito-urinary tract and the gastro-intestinal (GI) mucous membranes is over 300 square meters!   The GI tract alone averages over 220 square meters of interactive surface area.

 

What is significant to consider about this is that the external genito-urinary mucous membranes and the gastro-intestinal tract are also inhabited by millions of microbes.  In fact, it is estimated that there are human cells in the number of 10¹³, with the microbes numbering 10¹⁴.  This indicates over 10 times more microbes that human cells!  These microbes, well over 400 different species, are biologically vital to the proper functioning of the human being.  They provide numerous benefits as described below:

 

Mechanical:                         Mucin films, glycocalyxes, ciliary action & peristalsis.

Biochemical:             pH phenomena, partial oxygen tension, redox potential, enzymes,

peptides, fatty acids, gases, etc.

Microbial:                         Type and quantity of the local and transit microorganisms.

Immunological:             Activities of the immune system associated with the mucous membranes.

Barrier protection:             Occupation of ecological niches.  Phenomena of antagonism and

continuous “training” of immune responses.

 

Metabolic functions of microbes:

Ø  Production of enzymes, substrates, and metabolic products

Ø  Important functions in the macroorganism’s metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Ø  Biosynthesis of vitamins and conversion of steroid compounds.

Ø  Regulation of energy by means of the oxidation and glycolysis of foods.

Ø  Detoxification of ammonia, phenol, cresol, nitrosamines, N-hydroxyacetylaminofluorines and N2-fixation.

Ø  Synthesis of microbicidal and microbiostatic products against non-autochthonous yeasts, fungi and bacteria.

Ø  Reduction of hydrogen ion concentration (lactic, butyric, acetic, formic, and propionic acids).

 

This interface, as indicated above, is the biologically active site within the body.  It is the site of milieu management.   When the milieu becomes altered from these basic deleterious influences we humans have adopted, we profoundly alter a microscopically thriving environmental milieu that is at its very essence the proper basic functioning of the human being.  No other living creature takes for granted the significance of this interface by exposing itself to the artificial factors that humans have.  It is also no less amazing that we maintain the quality of health we do despite these adapted influences.

 

The daily, monthly and seasonal cycles, as mentioned previously, are nearly disregarded except for the festive events of the various seasons.  And, even these do not usually support the necessary biological functioning of the gastro-intestinal tract.  So, even with our not-so-supportive lifestyles, the internal terrain continues to muster the vital force necessary for some level of wellness. 

 

When we look at the seasons and getting a cold or the flu from the Ayurvedic and nature curists perspective, we are merely relieving a saturated metabolic system that has established a milieu that is hospitable for the influence of the various virus and bacteria that prefer such terrain. 

 

Therefore, through SANUM Therapy it makes sense to affect the biology and physiology of oneself while making dietary and environmental adjustments in advance of such possibilities.  One can also promote elimination of accumulated debris through enemas, sweating, deep breathing, etc.  However, it is perhaps the uniqueness of the SANUM Remedies that make them a perfect choice for treating the microbiological interface.

 

FOR THE MILIEU

In supporting the milieu for general wellness and thus prevention, it is helpful to use Pleo Alkala to modulate the acid/alkaline arena.  Proper pH is critical for enzyme reactions, hormone functions and all other biochemical reactions.  Acidification of the GI tract, which is so common on the Standard American Diet, can be buffered with this mineral support.  Simply begin with a 1/4 to 1/2 scoop in warm water 2 – 3X/day away from food, so as not to neutralize the hydrochloric acid from the stomach’s parietal cells.  One may assess urinary pH as often as possible to determine the quantity of Alkala needed to keep the level in the approximate 6.8 range.

 

Pleo Citro (homeopathic citric acid) and Pleo Sanuvis (homeopathic lactic acid) are wonderful remedies to actively support and stimulate cellular and mitochondrial function.  Bolstering cellular function has the ability to facilitate elimination of some of this accumulated metabolic debris and thus, shift the congestive milieu.  Both of these remedies are Potency Accords, multiple potencies of the same remedy in the same container.  The multiple potencies allow the influence of both acute and chronic reactions in the body.   One may use up to 60 drops, or more 3X/day.  However, 60 drops or less 3X/day can be quite adequate in stimulating cellular activity.  These remedies may be used in children at a dosage of 10 – 15 drops several times a day.

 

Pleo Citro is often used to support Pleo Nig, as the fungi Aspergillus niger produces this organic acid in its milieu.  Pleo Nig is associated with the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and thus all of the tuberculinic tissues such as the GI tract, sinuses, skin, organs, etc. that can be affected by a cold or flu can benefit from Pleo Citro.

 

Pleo Sanuvis has been shown to increase mitochondrial respiration, which supports cellular metabolism and elimination of metabolic debris.  It can be very beneficial for the lethargic episodes when one feels that influence of inactivity, but obviously prevention is the preference.

 

FOR VIRAL CONDITIONS

One of the most important aspects of preventing the colds and flues is a healthy functioning GI tract.  Not only does good stomach and intestinal fire burn the foods, it also maintains a healthy mucous membrane at the microbial interface.  This is important for the production of mucous itself, but also for the milieu of barrier producing healthy microbes and the production of the immunoglobulin ‘A’.  IgA is the primary immunoglobulin for GI antigens including bacteria and virus. 

 

Pleo Fort has proven itself as one of the most beneficial isopathic remedies for the gut.  Made form Penicillium roquefortii this remedy can be supportive for all types of general GI wellness.  Maintaining the healthy GI tract will support the production of the secretory IgA and thus, have available immunoglobulins for the invading bacteria and virus.  One may use up to 10 drops 2X/day, or 1 tablet daily.  The capsules and suppositories may also be used according to the indications of the English translated German Isopathic/Homeopathic Materia Medica. 

 

Pleo Grif, made from Grifola frondosa, is another important anti-viral remedy.  Grifola frondosa is commonly known as Maitake mushroom.  However, in this instance the remedy is produced in the manner according to Dr. Enderlein, which results in the colloidal form of the fungi that can affect the immune system.  Pleo Grif may also be used preventively as well as symptomatically.

 

Pleo Quent, made from Penicillium glabrum, is the isopathic remedy usually indicated for viral conditions.  This from the Dr. Enderlein perspective is the colloidal remedy responsible for the degradation of the viral form to its basic lower valence, non-pathogenic form.   Use as with the Pleo Fort, which may be used simultaneously.

 

Pleo Rub, made from Aspergillus ruber, is commonly used for all types of chronic diseases of the upper and lower respiration tract such as rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, conjunctivitis (red, itching eyes).  This remedy has also been used for various allergic reactions that may be seasonally induced from the flowering of certain plants to the reactivity of the mucous membranes to various antigens.

 

 

 

FOR IMMUNE MODULATION

Obviously if the bacteria or virus are capable of bypassing the mucous membranes then the next phase of the immune response reacts to the invading pathogen.  In this respect, one needs to have an actively functioning immune system to enable the immune cells to seek out and destroy the invader.  Many of Americans have had suppressive medicine much of their lives and therefore, are perhaps less responsive to invading microbes as one who has not had a the immune responses suppressed.  This would include the use of fever reducers, antibiotics, or steroids, as well as other possible medications that suppress reactions in the body.

 

Pleo Rec and Pleo Ut are the first choice of the homeopathic immune modulators.  Pleo Rec is indicated for all issues involving the mucous membranes, which obviously in cases of the cold or flu is all of the above.  Pleo Ut is used a general immune modulator for the less serious tuberculinic conditions.  Once again, this involves the mucous membranes and the skin. 

 

The idea of the immune modulation is to provoke, or activate the immune cells to prepare them for the possible invasion of the pathogen.  These may be used prophylactically as with the above remedies to support a healthy milieu prior to such a microbial influence.

 

BOTANICALS FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT

Pleo Relivora is a remedy made from Echinacea, Drosera, and Juglans.  These botanicals are well indicated for supporting endogenic defensive capacities, in feverish processes, inflammatory processes of the pulmonary tract (hard, dry cough), bronchitis, and whooping cough.  This blended remedy offers a diverse application for cold and flu symptoms.

 

Pleo Cerivi is derived from Cetraria islandica (Icelandic Moss), and is indicated for diseases of the respiratory paths, sinusitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, dry cough, lack of appetite.  Pleo Cerivi has mild anti-microbial properties and is well suited for anti-microbial therapy.

 

GLANDULARS FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT

There are two glandular remedies that offer immune support via stimulation of the various tissues involved in immune activation.  These are Pleo Reb and Pleo Thym. 

 

Pleo Reb, is a glandular made from the Peyer’s patches of the small intestine.  These tissues comprise 60% – 80% of the immune system of the body and it is of no coincidence that they are located in the abdominal cavity around the small intestine.  As the entry point for various antigens it is obvious that the body has specific antigenic tissues in that region.  Pleo Reb has also been shown to encourage the formation of humoral antibodies by stimulating the T-helper cells.

 

Pleo Thym, a remedy made from thymus gland is used as with Pleo Reb, to activate the immune response in a deficient immune system.   The thymus gland is the site of activation of the T-lymphocytes.  The T-lymphocytes are instrumental in attacking antigens, specifically viruses and malignant cells.

 

As you can tell, understanding our relationship with the natural world is paramount to maintaining health and wellness.  The SANUM Remedies offer much in the way of affecting the various components of the body that can become altered through the modern lifestyle and conscious or unconscious disregard of our natural heritage in biological functioning.  Perhaps it only reasons that these biological remedies provide a natural support structure that addresses the very biological disharmonies that promote conditions of ill health.

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