Herbalist's Diary

With all the talk of swine flu, there has been lots of concern around. Let’s ask this question: how is it that one person becomes ill but another doesn’t, when both have been exposed to the same virus?

The information leaflet says that as it’s a new virus, no one will have an immunity to it and everyone could be at risk of catching it. However, it appears that many people do have an immunity to it, because they do not go down with symptoms.

The answer must be this: the people who develop no symptoms must have an immune system which is able to adapt quickly. So surely our efforts should be concentrated on ensuring its optimal functioning.

This might require changes: less sugar, less coffee and tea, more water, less alcohol, avoiding pollution, stress reduction, and maybe taking herbal medicines, to optimise immune function.

This is not suggesting that people should not take the anti-viral medication, but it is suggesting that if the immune system is working well, then we must have the best chance of resistance to the virus. Philip Evans

Ralph & Evans Herbal Dispensaries

21 Hospital Lane, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2PE

Tel 01227 471771

8 West Street, West Malling, Kent, ME19 6QX

Tel 01732 871818