It seems that we’ve collectively forgotten that our bodies were designed with built in immune systems and that getting ill is an opportunity for our bodies to burn off  invading pathogens and develop antibodies to future encounters. I am often perplexed and unimpressed with our cultural perception of health and what we accept as good health. I just read an article in the NY Times about a young pregnant woman whose baby died as she fought the flu over a period of several months. The author stated that other than smoking cigarettes, she was healthy! Most of this pregnant woman’s complications had to do with her lungs. Made me seriously question other habits this woman might have that impact both her short term and long term health. So, if you’re a regular 1/2- 2  pack a day smoker, you’ve downgraded your lungs and respiratory system, the first line of defense against viruses and pathogens. Perhaps chronic smokers should get the flu vaccines until emphysema or some  form of cancer sets in. 

Children are vulnerable, some more so than others, because they develop their immune systems over time. The elderly, well, we all know some elderly folks who are pretty vibrant and could outlast us on the dance floor and we know some that aren’t in such great health. 

I’d like to share a recent story from a colleague whose brother works at a prison. Many of the staff were coming down with the flu. My colleague’s brother offered his coworkers a Chinese herbal formula for dealing with pathogenic toxic heat. Those that took the formula were out for a few days. Those that didn’t, suffered for 2 – 3 weeks. This wasn’t a scientific study, however, I don’t need scientific data to convince me that herbal formulas, developed over thousands of years to deal with flus, colds and epidemics, have merit in prevention, recovery, and saving a few lives. 

While good health is not necessarily a condition of age or genetics (~4%), there is a natural progressive decline of physical function as we age. While there is unavoidable wear and tear, diet, exercise, proper rest, attitude and some luck will play an important role in the body’s ability to defend itself from all sorts of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc. Eventually, we all will die from something for some reason and it will forever remain a mystery. If you and I emphasize quality of life over quantity (eg. how long can I live on a respirator or drugs), perhaps the hyperconcern over swine, bird, and frog flu will turn into folk tales that we will laugh about with our grandchildren. 

At Dr. Pea’s, we carry  a number of herbal formulas that strengthen your organs and immune system to function more optimally. If you do become ill, herbal formulas are prescribed that will help your body fight the pathogens, reduce inflammation, and move you through the process much more quickly.  In another blog, I will share some alternatives to the vaccines (Part 2) and what’s in those vaccines and what to do if you choose to get the vaccines.(Part 3)