West Nile Virus Prevention, Treatment and Control
Without Toxic Drugs or Pesticides

Dr. Mercola - "West Nile virus disease is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause mild flu-like illness or severe encephalitis. Although chances of a person getting encephalitis are small, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. "Because of the widespread fear, bordering on panic, that has accompanied the continued appearance of the West Nile Virus, massive pesticide spraying campaigns are underway. The insecticides being used in New York are sumithrin (Anvil) and resmethrin (Scourge), both synthetic pyrethroids. The Pyrethroids may interfere with the immune and endocrine systems. According to researchers writing in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, "immense care is warranted in the use of insecticides, because they not only affect the liver, kidney and other organs but also may alter the activity of the endocrine glands." (J Appl Toxicol 1996 Sep-Oct;16(5):397-400). Other researchers have found that pyrethroids are environmental estrogens, and may contribute to reproductive dysfunction, developmental impairment, and cancer"

Powerful West Nile Virus Protection
Most people by far who become infected with the West Nile virus "fight it off without even knowing they were infected, while a small minority suffer flu-like symptoms such as aches and fever". 

"Only one per cent suffer encephalitis - inflammation of the brain that can cause fever, headaches, stiffness, confusion and muscle weakness - and only five per cent of these suffer long-term consequences, or even death." said Dr. Colin D'Cunha, Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Province of Ontario, August 30. 2002. Exactly the same holds true for Cryptococcal disease, a rare fungal infection caused by the spores of a tree fungus, that can affect the lungs and nervous system. In some cases, the infection can lead to swelling of the lining of the brain. "The disease and the cryptococcus fungus appear across the world. Most people are exposed to some variety of the fungus at some point in their life but never develop serious symptoms", writes Dr. Murray Fyfe, BC Centre for Disease Control, "less than 3 cases are reported per 100,000 people per year on Vancouver Island." (Also CTV news, September 6. 2002). It is clear that most people have highly effective immune systems which protect them against both diseases, that some people have a somewhat effective immune system, and that a few have an inadequate immune system.  more

Rob Robertson, MD -  "I believe transfer factors are, without a doubt, the greatest discovery of the century in supporting and modulating the immune system. I believe a strengthened immune system will be the primary way to stay well in the future. This nutrient can affect the immune system like nothing else can. I sincerely believe everyone needs to consume this product. There is no other product in a nutritional substance, nor a drug, that has this kind of power and ability to affect our immune system. With the increase of killer viruses, mutated germs, super-resistant germs, and food contaminations, our only hope and defense, must lie within our own immune system." Dr. Robertson is a former Emergency Room . He received his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1974. He served as the Director of Emergency Services at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, KY..  click here to learn more about transfer factors in medicine for people and animals

Dr.Tom Levy, M.D  says that he has cured two cases of West Nile Virus in Boulder, Colorado. He sent a cover story from The Boulder Weekly which corroborated his claim. Two men, one 68 and the other, 55, were cured of year-long cases of West Nile Virus when Dr. Levy gave them mega-doses of vitamin C intravenously. The older man was cured in 30 hours. The younger men had three drip-infusions, and was pronounced cured.

Dr. Leonard G. Horowitz - "Spraying malathion, a suspected human chemical carcinogen and known immune system blocker, or its alternate, Anvil 10:10, violates a basic tenant of public health practice that requires foreknowledge of the risks and proven benefits of the policy before it is implemented" more

"The chemicals that are released into the environment in an effort to control mosquitoes are harmful to human health, wildlife, and ecosystems. They are also ineffective in that they kill only a limited percentage of mosquitoes, leaving sprayed communities with a false sense of security and less likely to use effective, non-toxic, control measures. There is evidence that long-term spraying may actually increase the number of mosquitoes by destroying predators that feed on mosquito larvae and adults. Mosquitoes that are sprayed but not killed by the poisons may become resistant, become more aggressive biters, and have increased prevalence of West Nile Virus (WNV) within their bodies." "The only hard evidence available that pesticide applicators are behind efforts to increase public hysteria and thus the market for their products comes from the New York State Attorney General's Office. A Long Island landscaping company agreed to pay a fine and cease an advertising campaign that falsely claimed its spraying of homeowners' trees and shrubs would kill mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus. The action against Green Island Tree Spray Inc. of Huntington includes a fine of $35,000 and restitution to customers who hired the company based on its deceptive advertising. "This pesticides applicator cynically preyed upon peoples' fear of the West Nile virus for the sake of increased profit," said Attorney General Spitzer. "This action should serve as a warning to others who might contemplate similar schemes." excerpt from the Maine Environmental Policy Institute (MEPI) and the Toxics Action Center.

Germs, Biological Warfare, Vaccinations includes: a historical review of the use of biological weapons from 400 BC to the present day, a list of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins considered to be biological weapons, including Anthrax, Botulism, and Ebola viruses—along with definitions and descriptions of the various agents, symptoms, and treatment options, information on how to detoxify, deacidify, and de-stress, as well as on natural ways to boost your immune system, including the use of herbs, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients o a discussion of traditional versus alternative approaches, focusing on the safety and effectiveness of each, a resource guide listing key organizations—including Web sites and support groups—that offer information about natural prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Drawing on both conventional and alternative medicine, this book offers ways to prepare for biological or chemical attacks. Included are clinical presentations, symptoms, and treatments for a range of potential toxins, including anthrax, botulism, and Ebola. The authors discuss how to detoxify, deacidify, and de-stress, as well as boost immunity through herbs, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. 

Cure's More Deadly Than the Disease - Pesticides Targeting West Nile-Carrying Mosquitoes May be a Thyroid Danger

Because of the widespread fear, bordering on panic, that has accompanied the continued appearance of the West Nile Virus, massive pesticide spraying campaigns are underway in many areas on the Northeastern US, including New York City and Boston. The insecticides being used in New York are sumithrin (Anvil) and resmethrin (Scourge), both synthetic pyrethroids. In Boston, only resmethrin is being used. The use of both pesticides are coming under considerable criticism, as potentially toxic chemicals that pose a danger to humans, wildlife and the environment.

The Pyrethroids may interfere with the immune and endocrine systems. Other adverse chronic effects, including effects on the liver and thyroid, have been reported in toxicology testing. According to toxicologists, animal tests showed that chronic exposure to resmethrin could increase thyroid weight and cause thyroid cysts. In animal studies, it was found that in addition to a variety of other health effects, exposure to pyrethroids can suppress both the thyroid's T4 and T3 levels, and raise Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels.

According to researchers writing in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, "immense care is warranted in the use of insecticides, because they not only affect the liver, kidney and other organs but also may alter the activity of the endocrine glands." (J Appl Toxicol 1996 Sep-Oct;16(5):397-400). Other researchers have found that pyrethroids are environmental estrogens, and may contribute to reproductive dysfunction, developmental impairment, and cancer" (Abstract).

Another study found that some pyrethroids have the potential to promote breast cell proliferation, an action that can increase cancer risk (Abstract). Jay Feldman, is executive director of the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides, a Washington, D.C.-based environmental organization. According to him, "The city has overstepped the boundaries of safety and law in the handling of its mosquito prevention and management program, exposing the public to hazardous pesticides." 

The group has filed a lawsuit against the City of New York over the spraying, citing violations of federal and state environmental statutes. William Cooke, a spokesman for the National Audubon Society in New York, commenting on the spraying to the New York Times, saying: "There's a grossly inadequate effort to track the collateral impact on the environment and on humans." 

Potentially toxic spraying such what is taking place in New York City and Boston may become a concern in other areas of the country soon, as experts believe that the West Nile virus is on the move.  "The virus is probably in every corner of North America by now," as well as parts of South America, says John Rappole from the Smithsonian Institution's zoo, in the July issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases magazine. 

Dr. Falconer DVM - This has a lot of people running scared and vaccinating their horses repeatedly. Yet, the percentage of those exposed to the virus who actually get sick is very small, on the order of 10%. Why? The likely reason is that the majority of the horses, (or dogs or people) exposed to the virus had adequate NK cell function at the time of exposure. To make sure your horse is in the protected group though, feed Performance and Show™ on a daily basis. It has the Transfer Factor Plus Advanced Formula in it, along with a host of immune synergists and excellent quality nutrients for healthy coats and hooves. If your area has any reported cases of West Nile (or colds, flu, Strangles, EPM, etc.), just boost the immune system additionally with Animal Stress Pack™ at the label dose for one to two weeks. 

excerpt

In researching the issue of West Nile Virus, one is struck by the lack of understanding of the public and decision makers about the risks that WNV actually poses to their health, and their acquiescence to spray programs. There is little consideration of the harm that the release of pesticides can do to human health and the environment. When people hear that a "deadly" virus from the "heart of Africa" is responsible for killing residents in their community they are understandably upset and want the government agencies and public officials to "do something!" Unfortunately, the first line of defense has been toxic chemicals. The reasons for this are complex. They are rooted in everything from our innate fear of disease to media-induced hysteria to many people's feeling that the government will make the right decisions when it comes to protecting their health and the environment when responding to and defining a public health "crisis." 

The purpose of this report is to empower the people and communities of Maine with the information they need to protect themselves from West Nile Virus while at the same time protecting themselves, their children, wildlife, and the lobster fishery from the potential harm a spray campaign could inflict. 

The report examines the history and epidemiology of West Nile Virus, takes a hard look at the threats it poses and discusses the mosquitoes and animals that are involved in spreading the disease. It looks at how WNV has spread in the eastern US, what the response has been, and what Maine is doing about the situation. The chemical weapons used against the mosquitoes and how they behave in the environment and in human and animal bodies, and their effectiveness at killing mosquitoes and stopping the spread of WNV are examined in depth. Most importantly, we describe alternatives to toxic chemicals to control mosquitoes.

This report uses references from professional journals, newspaper accounts, personal interviews, government documents, and many other sources. In all cases when a fact is presented, a corresponding reference is used to back it up. When there is speculation -- on either side -- this is pointed out clearly. If you read the report online, many of the full-text references will be just a click away.  Learn more:

• Birth defects, frogs and methoprene (pesticide)
• West Nile Virus: not a "deadly epidemic" 
• Why all the spraying?
• Links between pyrethroids (pesticides) and hormonal disruption, childhood brain cancers, neurological damage, thyroid damage, 

Note from Shirley
Fulvic acid acts as an important protective agent. An important aspect of humic substances is related to their sorptive interaction with environmental chemicals, either before or after they reach concentrations, toxic to living organisms. 33 The toxic herbicide know as Paraquat is rapidly detoxified by humic substances (fulvic acid). 34   Fulvic acids have a special function with respect to the demise of organic compounds applied to soil as pesticides. As the most powerful, natural electrolyte known, fulvic acid  restores electrical balance to damaged cells, neutralizes toxins and can eliminate food poisoning within minutes. When it encounters free radicals with unpaired positive or negative electrons, it supplies an equal and opposite charge to neutralize the free radical. fulvic acid acts as a refiner and transporter of organic materials and cell nutrients. According to A. Szalay, fulvic acid has the ability to dramatically detoxify herbicides, pesticides, and other poisons that it interacts with – this includes many radioactive elements. This detoxification process may extend to animals and humans, since we are the end-users of these plants. more

West Nile Virus Discussion Forum: West Nile Fever, West Nile Meningitis and West Nile Encephalitis

Do you have a question or need assistance? click here to contact Shirley or call 323-522-4521 or 323-989-3372

I'm reminded of the 1950's...TV newscasts showing clouds of DDT sprayed on a clueless public, compromising their health and contaminating the environment for decades to come, as Rachel Carson writes "Silent Spring."  But the time is now, other toxic pesticides have joined the ranks in our wayward war against mosquitoes, and the Rachels of today are drowned out by a media rushing to sound the alarm, rather than report the news. 

And the news is - pesticides pose a much greater health hazard than the West Nile virus. 

DEET, Anvil, and other toxic pesticides are aggressively promoted to protect the public from a mosquito bite that appears to be, statistically, less dangerous than a dog bite or bee sting. And the CDC seems to agree. On its website it says, "Human illness from West Nile virus is rare, even in areas where the virus has been reported. The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a mosquito bite is low." 

Since 1999 only a handful of deaths per year have been associated with West Nile, even though the virus has been found in 33 states.  The fact that this "health crisis" has been exaggerated, and that chemical spraying is usually the least effective yet most toxic way to control mosquitoes, has deterred some state officials, but not others. The New York State Health Department backed away from recommending wholesale spraying after finding that more people got sick from the pesticides than from the virus. However, Louisiana has just asked for $17 million in federal aid, and Mississippi is following suit. There's no word yet on how the money is to be allocated, but rest assured the pesticide companies stand to benefit. 

Meanwhile, some citizen groups are taking matters into their own hands. The No Spray Coalition is suing New York City to stop pesticide spraying in their neighborhoods. There's a good deal of information on government and other websites about the toxic effects of pesticides, but a comprehensive picture of the specific pesticides and issues involved in the West Nile campaign is well laid out in a report called "Overkill: Why Pesticide Spraying for West Nile Virus May Cause More Harm Than Good" by the Maine Environmental Policy Institute (MEPI) and the Toxics Action Center.

In short, they report that these pesticides offer a toxic legacy: short- and long-term respiratory problems, immune and nervous system disruption, cancer, and reproductive and learning disorders. That covers just about everything you'd never want to get.  The "Overkill" report also emphasizes the association between outdoor pesticide sprays and neurological damage, stating, "A report of pesticides and childhood brain cancers published in Environmental Health Perspectives (a publication of the National Institutes of Health) revealed a strong relationship between brain cancers and pyrethroids used to kill fleas and ticks." Anvil, a pyrethroid, is a popular pesticide used by state agencies to control mosquitoes. more

For More Information Contact:

• New York Public Interest Research Group / New York Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides -- Statement Regarding Emergency Pesticide Spraying for Mosquito Control 
• National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides 

Many groups have stated their opposition to the pesticide campaigns to combat the West Nile Virus. Here is a small sample:

American Bird Conservancy - "Spraying pesticides in urban and suburban areas does little to reduce the spread of West Nile Virus, is extremely harmful to birds and may also harm the humans it is intended to protect."

Green Party of New York State - "The cases of St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile fever are not an epidemic or an emergency. There are fewer than 50 confirmed cases in NY City. Compare that to 30,000 NY City children who suffer from lead poisoning and hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers with asthma. Why isn't NY City mobilizing against these plagues?"

For More information:
Beyond Pesticides: National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides
Chem-Tox.com
PANNA (Pesticide Action Network North America) 
The No Spray Coalition

In the New York City region, a public health disaster was recognized during the summer of 1999. That recurring seasonal phenomena is referred to as the “West Nile Virus Epidemic” and a virus was said to have caused the human illness, disease, and unprecedented wildlife mortality.

This study analyzes the NYSDEC Wildlife Pathology Unit’s “West Nile Virus Database” (1999) in terms of air pollution, ozone, MTBE protocols, animals reported, WNV-negatives, and WNV-positives.

The 62 counties of New York State are defined, for the purpose of this study, within three categories of air pollution: A) Severe counties (9) are the original EPA "Severe-17" counties. B) Moderate counties (10) are those originally designated by EPA as “Moderate NA”, plus the county of Albany and its surrounding counties that experience dense metropolitan traffic. Less polluted counties (43) are the remaining counties. (see map)

Findings: WNV-positive animal mortality correlated precisely with EPA county-by-county categories that affect gasoline formulations with MTBE (methyl ethyl butyl ether). MTBE is a poisonous gasoline additive that has been undergoing a phase-out and ban as recommended by the EPA on July 31, 1999, at the height of arguably the highest incidence of bird mortality in the history of the U.S.

The WNV-positive percentage of tested animals in the severe counties was 24 times greater than in the moderate counties plus less polluted counties.

No animal tested positive for WNV in the less polluted counties. 

Health authorities claim the virus entered the US via travelers from the Middle East, or via a stray mosquito on an airplane. Other researchers claim the virus arrived with African animals or birds placed in zoos. But, in fact, the WN virus has been housed in US labs for decades (along with African animals), and has been openly sold to researchers around the world. From the very beginning of the WN virus outbreak, there were rumours of bioterrorism, but these rumours were denied by health officials. more

Public Health Expert Calls West Nile Virus Pesticide Spraying Program “Madness” 

Sandpoint, ID — News reports about threatened West Nile Virus (WNV) infections spreading across America have missed the much greater risks posed by chemical sprayings. This mosquito control program is “madness” according to a leading public health authority whose proof is in a new book being donated to libraries and legislators nationwide.

Dr. Leonard G. Horowitz, a Harvard graduate independent investigator, and author of more than thirteen books including the national bestseller, Emerging Viruses: AIDS ? Ebola, says spraying pesticides to combat mosquitoes suspected of carrying the West Nile Virus (WNV) has not been scientifically proven to be either safe for humans or effective against the disease. Spraying malathion, a suspected human chemical carcinogen and known immune system blocker, or its alternate, Anvil 10:10, violates a basic tenant of public health practice that requires foreknowledge of the risks and proven benefits of the policy before it is implemented, he says. 

There is substantial evidence linking exposure to these airborne chemicals to cancer and genetic damage, the doctor maintains. For this reason he has urged political and public health officials to stop what he calls “imprudent practices that are clearly lethal to people.”

In support of his activism, the publisher of Dr. Horowitz’s Death in the Air (Tetrahedron; 1-888-508-4787) has donated more than 1,000 copies to libraries and legislators. His documentation comes “highly recommended” in the July, 2002 issue of LIBRARY JOURNAL, the nation’s leading academic library periodical. 

Henry A. Wallace of the Institute for Alternative Agriculture has also voiced concern saying, “I think people, by now, would know that heavy applications of pesticide have not been the right way to go” in-so-far-as halting the spread of threatening diseases. “Spraying people with pesticide that do not want to be sprayed must be morally wrong.” 

Dr. Horowitz says, “This spraying policy violates ethical, moral, and scientific standards. To give people the proof and power to resist this madness I’ve even lifted the copyright on the book. People should photocopy and circulate the stunning evidence at townhall meetings for the benefit of their communities and conscientious policy- makers considering or debating this pesticide spraying issue.”

More information and free book applications link to: http://www.tetrahedron.org.

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: For an interview or article on this area of Dr. Horowitz’s research, please call Elaine Zacky at 1-800-336-9266.  229 Gypsy Bay Road • Sagle, ID 83860 • 208-265-2575 • (FAX) 208-265-2775 

Top 10 Lies About West Nile Virus

"Even in areas where the virus is circulating, very few mosquitoes are infected with the virus. Even if the mosquito is infected, less than 1% of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. The chances you will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite are extremely small."  CDC

Encephalitis is a viral infection. Mild cases may include a slight fever and/or headache. More severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever with head and body aches. Usually symptoms occur from 5 to 15 days after exposure. There is no specific treatment for viral infections, other than to treat the symptoms and provide supportive care. Those who may be most susceptible to encephalitis are the elderly and persons with damaged immune systems.

West Nile virus is currently found in many areas of the eastern half of the United States. The virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, and can infect people, horses, many types of birds, and some other animals. 

Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or only mild ones. On rare occasions, infection can result in a severe and sometimes fatal illness known as West Nile encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain). The risk of severe disease is higher for persons 50 years of age and older. As of August 2, 2002 there have been 36 cases of West Nile virus related human illness confirmed to CDC during 2002, including 2 deaths. From 1999 through 2001, there were 149 cases of West Nile virus human illness in the United States reported to CDC and confirmed, including 18 deaths. 

There is no evidence to suggest that West Nile virus can be spread from person to person or from animal to person. 

Learn more
General Description ? History 
Geographic Distribution 
US States reporting confirmed West Nile virus infection 
Ailment Classification 
Prevention and Control
Natural insect repellent products 

In 1999 and 2000, New Yorkers were exposed to massive amounts of toxic pesticides by the Giuliani administration in a panicked overreaction to the alleged threat of West Nile Virus (WNV - a disease that the Department of Health?s own press releases admit is extremely hard to become infected by and is very rarely fatal. We were repeatedly sprayed by helicopters and trucks in our homes, in public parks, while shopping, while playing in schoolyards, while eating in outdoor restaurants and while traveling to and from work and school.

Now the possible spray area for mosquitoes said to be carrying West Nile Virus has been extended to cities up and down the entire east coast, and as far west as the Mississippi River, even though there have been no human fatalities in the US from West Nile encephalitis apart from eight people in New York in the last two years. Spraying has taken place in almost every county in New York State, as well as in New Jersey, parts of Connecticut (which used Scourge/Resmethrin), Maryland, Massachusetts and along the entire eastern seaboard from Maine all the way to Florida.

Despite overwhelming evidence of the hazards of indiscriminate pesticide use, plans are underway to extend the broadcast spraying for West Nile-carrying mosquitoes to urban areas such as Cleveland, Ohio and Detroit, Michigan. On the west coast, massive indiscriminate spraying of urban areas is already underway for other insects.

New York City remains the epicenter, and what happens there will dramatically affect what happens everywhere else. Public health experts, mosquito control technicians, and scientists who specialize in studying the effects of pesticide exposure warn that this unprecedented use of chemicals on densely packed urban populations will not only be ineffective for mosquito control but pose a far greater health risk than West Nile Virus.

The main chemical used in 1999, Malathion (Fyfanon ULV), is described by the NYC Mayor?s Chem-Bio Handbook - the City?s official guide to handling chemical and biological emergencies which is distributed to every police precinct, ambulance and fire truck - as a toxic nerve gas directly related to those used in WWII. Anvil (Sumithrin + Piperonyl Butoxide + Petroleum-related byproducts), the synthetic pyrethroid nerve gas sprayed from trucks in 2000, is known to cause asthma, disruption of sexual hormones and various other health disorders, and has been linked to breast cancer in women and diminished sperm counts in men.

According to a study by Dr. Mary Wolff of Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the main component of Anvil, the chemical Sumithrin, disrupts human hormones and has been shown to increase the growth of breast cancer tumors. 

"Women who have breast cancer and who may be exposed to the spraying should be notified about that," Wood said. "These politicians who have no knowledge of this stuff keep saying it's okay. But I'm afraid 10 to 15 years from now we'll be paying the consequences." 

Rather than jump to costly pesticide spraying that has to be repeated every year, Wood said, City Hall should look at its own successful and environmentally sound ways of eliminating mosquitoes. 

One of those methods is something called a Mosquito Magnet, a machine that looks like a barbecue grill. It burns propane gas that sends out a plume of carbon dioxide. The plume attracts mosquitoes who are then sucked in and killed. One magnet can destroy adult mosquitoes over an acre of land. 

The city is already using these machines in all of its waste treatment plants. It needs to order hundreds, or even thousands, more. 

What we don't need is an annual battle over pesticide spraying that does more harm than the danger being fought. 

Catnip Repels Mosquitoes More Effectively Than DEET

CHICAGO, August 27 — Researchers report that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents.  Entomologist Chris Peterson, Ph.D., with Joel Coats, Ph.D., chair of the university’s entomology department, led the effort to test catnip’s ability to repel mosquitoes. Peterson, a former post-doctoral research associate at the school, is now with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Wood Products Insects Research Unit, in Starkville, Miss. 

In the laboratory, repellency is measured on a scale ranging from +100 percent, considered highly repellent, to –100 percent, considered a strong attractant. A compound with a +100 percent repellency rating would repel all mosquitoes, while –100 percent would attract them all. A rating of zero means half of the insects would stay on the treated side and half on the untreated side. In Peterson’s tests, catnip ranged from +49 percent to +59 percent at high doses, and +39 percent to +53 percent at low doses. By comparison, at the same doses, DEET’s repellency was only about +10 percent in this bioassay, he notes. 

Peterson says nepetalactone is about 10 times more effective than DEET because it takes about one-tenth as much nepetalactone as DEET to have the same effect. Most commercial insect repellents contain about 5 percent to 25 percent DEET. Presumably, much less catnip oil would be needed in a formulation to have the same level of repellency as a DEET-based repellent. 

Why catnip repels mosquitoes is still a mystery, says Peterson. “It might simply be acting as an irritant or they don’t like the smell. But nobody really knows why insect repellents work.”  Catnip is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family and grows wild in most parts of the United States, although it also is cultivated for commercial use. Catnip is native to Europe and was introduced to this country in the late 18th century. It is primarily known for the stimulating effect it has on cats, although some people use the leaves in tea, as a meat tenderizer and even as a folk treatment for fevers, colds, cramps and migraines. 

Chris Peterson, Ph.D., is a former post-doctoral research associate at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and is now a Research Entomologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Wood Products Insect Research Service, in Starkville, Miss. Joel R. Coats, Ph.D., is professor of entomology and toxicology and Chair of the Department of Entomology at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

• Nature's Herbal  Mosquito ? Insect Repellent contains 100% pure Catnip oil (nepetalactone), 100% pure Pennyroyal oil (known to repel biting insects), and Pure Vegetable Glycerin, used to keep the repellent on the skin for up to 8 hours. This is a 100% Natural Insect Repellent without the potential dangerous side effects of DEET. 

Electronic Repellents - Traditional Repellents - Mosquito Trap 
.

From the mailbag - Natural mosquito repellent
I received this email from a visitor of my site to remind me of a safe natural insect repellent. She writes: "There's another natural product that you won't buy in a store that works against mosquitos and best of all its free - urine! Of course, not too many people would have much desire for this method. However, if you drink a bunch of water beforehand, then, on your next bathroom break, collect a little urine, there will hardly be any smell to it.  Rub it on and no mosquito will touch you.  I learned that in the rainforest of Costa Rica.  When we finished our rainforest trek and went to a hotel in San Jose, CR, the hotel owner was very surprised that we had no mosquito bites (especially considering that we travelled during the rainy season)."  Suzanne staz@shaw.ca

Learn more about uropathy (urine therapy)

"The use of DEET in mosquito repellents is extremely troubling. DEET has been associated with seizures and several cases of toxic encephalopathy (encephalitis) in children, including three deaths, according to the Extension Toxicology Network at Cornell University." Blowing the Whistle on West Nile 

Think about using Deet?
In the July 30^th edition of the Latrobe Bulletin I read an article called, "West Nile virus spreading faster than expected". It advised using a mosquito repellent containing DEET. I’ve heard that DEET is not safe for children. What’s your take on this and are there any herbal insect repellents I could use instead of products containing DEET?   Jean M., Waterford, PA 

Here's GrannyEarth reply:
DEET is the common name for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamid. DEET is a unique pesticide because it is applied directly to the human body for the purpose of repelling insects. It was developed and patented by the U.S. Army in 1946 for use by military personnel. Deet was then registered for general public use in the U.S. in the 1957. 

Products containing N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide and isomers (DEET) are beneficial as insect repellents, but have also been associated with dermal (skin) irritation such as blisters and scarring (Reuveni and Yagupsky, 1982) and neurological damage including toxic encephalopathy with symptoms of agitation, weakness, disorientation, seizures, coma and death (Heick, 1980 and Zadikoff, 1979). DEET is absorbed promptly through the skin and distributed to all organs including the brain and (in case of pregnancy) the fetus. I gleaned this information from EXTOXNET, a Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Michigan State university, Oregon State University and University of California at Davis at their web site: (http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/carbaryl-dicrotophos/deet-ext.html).

In 1995 the National Poison Control Center in Washington, DC. received over 6,700 reports of (DEET) repellent exposure side effects, including one death. Of the 6,700 reports, two thirds occurred in children age six and under. 

I have never used insect repellents containing DEET and I would not recommend using them, especially on children. But with the recent threat of the West Nile virus, I can understand how most people will panic and reach for the DEET. However there are a lot of precautions one can take to protect themselves against mosquitoes, such as getting rid of stagnant water around the yard and wearing protective clothing when going into the woods or working in the garden. Last year during the heat of summer I would work in my garden from 7:00 until dark. Although this was more comfortable than mid-day, the mosquitoes were out in full force and anxious to bite. After getting pretty bite up the first time, I decided to pick some Sage and Chamomile leaves and rub them on my arms and face thereafter. It worked and the mosquitoes left me alone!

There are several natural alternatives to DEET products on the market but they are slow to catch on and you have to go to a health food store or on line to get them. Granted the DEET formulas work longer (from 6 – 10 hours) than natural repellents and so you’ll need to apply them more often if you’re looking for extended protection. But that’s only an inconvenience with no toxic side effects. As with most natural, alternatives, there is always a little inconvenience. But what a small price to pay- don’t you agree?

A trip to your local health food store (if you’ve never visited one) will open a whole new world of ‘chemical-free’ living for you. You can even find safe, herbal, no aluminum deodorants there! 

It’s no coincidence that Nature provides effective and gentle remedies for all of our needs, including mosquito repellent. If you have your own herb garden, you might want to experiment in making your own. Some herbs that are known to work are Lavender, Peppermint, Thyme, Citronella, Lemongrass, Chamomile Eucalyptus, Garlic, Basil, Rosemary and Sage. Use what you have growing. Make a strong herbal tea of the fresh leaves. Let the tea cool and either put it in a spray bottle or wipe it directly on the skin. Keep unused portion in the refrigerator and make a new batch every few days. 

Mosquitoes especially dislike Lavender and Thyme oils. Use pure essential oil, and dilute it in a base of either water or carrier oil such as sweet almond, sesame, grape seed or safflower. Dilute 2-6 drops of the essential oil into 1 teaspoon of a base oil to use topically. To make a water-based splash, add 5-6 drops essential oil to 1 Tablespoon witch hazel and 4 Tablespoons filtered/spring water. Shake it well and spray on the skin. 

One of the best formulas I have found to keep most bothersome insects away is:

• Thyme oil, 4 drops
• Lavender oil, 4 drops
• Peppermint, 4 drops

There are natural alternatives Jean but it takes a little more time and effort. As always, I urge you to do your own research and of course, listen to your innate healing wisdom. 

Do you have a question for Granny Earth? Email: grannyearth@zoominternet.net .

(Note: views expressed by Dr. Horowitz  in his lecture regarding the West Nile Virus are his views and is presented here for your information and does not necessarily reflect the views of Shirley's Wellness Cafe.) 
 

Healing Codes for the Biological Apocalypse by Dr. Leonard G. Horowitz

Death in the Air: Globalism, Terrorism ? Toxic Warfare by Dr. Leonard Horowitz

Anthrax, smallpox, chemical weapons, SARS or nuclear disaster? Savely Yurkovsky, MD, says "No sweat," whether the conventional medical vaccines or antidotes exist or not and proposes his method that everyone, even a layperson, can master within minutes! More than that, this method is natural, drug free and supported by hundreds of scientific studies, ample medical experience and prominent scientists!

Disenchanted with the dismal yield of conventional medicine in the care of chronic diseases, he turned to the exploration and thorough study of Alternative Medicine. Having realized that the primary source of health and disease, according to physics, stems from the corresponding cellular energy fields, he adopted a new revolutionary medical model - one that interfaces the theories of biology and physics, created by his mentor, Professor Emeritus of Materials Science, William A. Tiller, of Stanford University.

Savely Yurkovsky, MD is a former or current member of many professional organizations, including the American College of Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), American Institute of Homeopathy. He is a cardiologist and Board Certified physician, internationally known expert in Integrative Medicine with special interest in toxicology and infectious diseases. Dr. Yurkovsky resides with his wife and two children in Connecticut, and maintains a private practice in Chappaqua, New York.

More information about homeopathy  ---  Responding to Terrorism Homeopathically

"West Nile virus disease is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause mild flu-like illness or severe encephalitis. Although chances of a person getting encephalitis are small, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. Encephalitis is a viral infection. Mild cases may include a slight fever and/or headache. More severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever with head and body aches. Usually symptoms occur from 5 to 15 days after exposure. There is no specific treatment for viral infections, other than to treat the symptoms and provide supportive care. Those who may be most susceptible to encephalitis are the elderly and persons with damaged immune systems." From the South Dakota Department of Health - Office of Disease Prevention 

Your immune system is your bodyguard. It works both pro-actively and protectively to shield you from anything in your world that threatens your life and limb. The immune system is not responsive to drugs for healing. By rebuilding immunity, health is naturally restored and disease disappears. If health and immunity are thereafter conscientiously maintained, the individual is no longer vulnerable to disease. According t o Dr. George C Pack, MD, a cancer specialist at Cornell medical School, almost everyone has cancer cells present at times in our bodies. If our immune system is working properly, these cells are killed or reabsorbed by our defense system before they begin to grow and threaten our health. The only real defense against cancer is the immune system. Everyone gets cancer every day but if the immune system is where it should be those cancer cells are eliminated and we never know it

Boosting the Immune System

David M. Markowitz, M.D.: "Did you know that close to $10 billion was spent on antibiotics in the U.S. last year? Did you know that many bacteria have become increasingly resistant to these drugs and that many drugs are outdated as soon as they are released for use? Have you seen the many articles in Time and Newsweek (and many medical journals) about the variety of plagues caused by infectious agents throughout the world? What can we do to protect ourselves in a safe and natural way against this ever-increasing threat? Have you had a child or patient who has required multiple drugs to deal with one or several ear infections? This is how this threat touches our daily lives. We now have new HOPE . . . literally, hope in a capsule of Transfer Factor!" David M. Markowitz, M.D.
 

Transfer Factor: natural immune booster
The scientific term "transfer factor" was added to dictionaries in 1956.  Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines "transfer factor" as "a substance that is produced and secreted by a lymphocyte functioning in cell-mediated immunity and that upon incorporation into a lymphocyte which has not been sensitized confers on it the same immunological specificity as the sensitized cell". What this all means, is that when immune system cells have battled with specific disease invaders, they produce a substance that transfers a message of warning on to other immune cells. The newly alerted immune cells "remember" the warning message, producing the same substance, alerting other immune cells. Once alerted, the immune cells always "remember" who the specific enemy is, and how to attack it. Because scientists were unable to actually identify this unknown immune stimulating substance, they coined the simple term "transfer factor" to describe it.  Every mother (human or mammal) that breast feeds her baby, passes all of the immunity gained throughout her lifetime on to her infant. Transfer factors are not species-specific and can therefore be extracted from any mammal and then be given to another mammal with the same efficacy.

There are over 3,000 published papers and 50 years of research on transfer factors. 4Life Research has thousands of case reports on the effectiveness of transfer factors. There has also been a lab study and a human study done with these products. In addition, the International Transfer Factor Society sponsors an International Symposium every three years on the findings of transfer factor research.  more

Ginseng is one of the most powerful healing plants in the world!
by Linda Page, N.D. Ph.D.

It’s been around for thousands of years. Every traditional healing culture in the world has a ginseng or ginseng-type plant in it’s medicine chest. Daily ginseng was a necessary matter of life throughout all of China’s long history. At the turn of the 20th century, virtually every Chinese person used ginseng to some extent for their well being, especially as a wellness tonic. Ginseng was also highly esteemed by every Native American culture.

At the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Jilin Province (where ginseng is grown), researchers in the pharmacology department evaluated the effects of ginseng on immune responses. The immune responses of mice were tested with different dosages of extracts obtained either from the leaf or the root of ginseng. Significant changes in the response of the reticuloendothelial (RES) system were found, especially with moderate doses of the root extracts. Larger doses did not improve the response. RES cells are the immune system components that devour foreign organisms without leaving their original sites in the liver, spleen and other tissues of the body.

Ginseng - the most extensively studied herb on earth! Dr. Lin Yutang, a Chinese research scientist who spent a lifetime learning about ginseng, summed up his work by saying that "The magic tonic and building qualities of ginseng are the most enduring, the most energy-giving, restorative qualities known to mankind, yet it is distinguished by the slowness and gentleness of its action". More modern research has been done on ginseng than all other herbs combined. At the turn of the 21st century ginseng is being intensively studied by athletic performance experts as well as medical science. learn more about the different kinds of ginseng, the many ailments ginseng addresses, how to use ginseng for maximum results, and a list of the highest quality ginseng formulas and products!
 

Homeopathy to stimulate immune system response
As a properly practiced art, homeopathy stimulates an accelerated immune system response. Historically, homeopathy has proven many times to be more effective than allopathic medicine in the treatment and prevention of disease, with risk of harmful side effects. In a U.S. cholera outbreak in 1849, allopathic medicine saw a 48-60% death rate, while homeopathic hospitals had a documented death rate of only 3%. Roughly similar statistics still hold true for cholera today. Recent epidemiological studies show homeopathic remedies as equaling or surpassing standard vaccinations in preventing disease. There are reports in which populations that were treated homeopathically after exposure had a 100% success rate-none of the treated caught the disease.
 

Therapeutic Fasting to Strenghten the Immune Defense
"Proven throughout history for physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation, fasting promotes cleansing and healing; helps normalize weight, blood pressure, cholesterol; rebuilds the immune system; and helps reverse the aging process. If we are to get these poisons out of our bodies we must fast. By fasting we give our bodies a physiological rest. This rest builds Vital Force. The more Vital Force we have, the more toxins are going to be eliminated from the body to help keep it clean, pure and healthy." P. Bragg, Ph.D

Marine Plants To Boost Immunity and Detoxify "There is no family of foods more protective against radiation and environmental pollutants than sea vegetables ... sea vegetables can prevent assimilation of different radionuclitides, heavy metals such as cadmium, and other environmental toxins." Steven Schecter, N.D.

Immune-strengthening effects of bee pollen A report from the Agronomic Institute, Faculty of Zootechnics, Romania, showed the immune-strengthening effects of bee pollen. According to the report, "Comparative Studies Concerning Biochemical Characteristics of Beebread as Related to the Pollen Preserved in Honey" by Drs. E. Palos, Z. Voiculescu, and C. Andrei, "An increase has been recorded in the level of blood lymphocytes, gamma globulins, and proteins in those subjects given pollen in comparison with control groups. The most significant difference occurred in lymphocytes. These results thus signify a strengthening in the resistance of the organic system." Lymphocytes are the white blood cells that are the "soldiers" of the immune system. They are responsible for ridding the body of injurious and harmful substances, including infected or diseased cells, mutant and cancerous cells, viruses, metabolic trash, and so on. Gamma globulin is a protein formed in the blood, and our ability to resist infection is closely related to this protein's activity.

Echinacea ? Golden Seal:  nature's potent immune system booster
As well as its blood purifying properties, echinacea is an effective antibacterial, antiviral and immune system stimulant or infection fighter. For more than 100 years it has proven useful in most diseases due to impurities of the blood. It is excellent for treating the causes of fever, infection, colds and flu and is specific for all glandular infections. Echinacea (pronounced eek-in-asia) is a plant which was first used by Native American Indians to cure snake bites, colds, flu and other fever-related illnesses. Today echinacea is commercially cultivated and is the most popular herb in the world. In Europe, echinacea is used in many cases instead of antibiotics. Golden Seal is claimed by many to be the world's oldest medicinal plant. It is said to promote white blood cell activity, which is an important part of your body's natural defense system. 

Urine Therapy: an immune system booster
The practice of Urine Therapy (Amaroli) comes from Yoga and is the use of one's own urine as food, medicine, restorative, transforming agent and  immune system booster. It is sometimes called 'Your Own Doctor'. Amaroli is very simple to do and increases the power of the immune system, strengthens the Aura and improves skin health. Urine Therapy is one of the most powerful, most researched and most medically proven natural cures ever discovered.

Raw Food/Enzyme Therapy to Restore the Immune System
Most human illnesses and diseases are due to a deficiency of vital nutrients. When you supply your body with the proper nutrients, in a form that your body can use, it knows how to repair itself. "The body has the inherent ability -the vitality -not only to heal itself and restore health, but also to ward off disease. Illness is not caused simply by an invasion of external agents or germs, but is a manifestation of the organism's attempt to defend and heal itself. Prevention Is the Best Cure. Health is a reflection of how we choose to live." TC Fry
 

Earth Minerals The foods we eat, over-processed and void of many essential nutrients, are grown in soils that have been over-planted and saturated with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Many mineral supplements are not easily assimilated by the body. It's important that mineral supplements be water soluble, not in rock form, and that the elements be in an oxygenated state, bringing more oxygen to the blood cells and thereby releasing toxins from the body.  Scientists theorize that mineral deficiency subjects us, and our animals,  to more diseases, aging, sickness and destruction of our physical well-being than any other factor in personal health. To the science of living cells, fulvic acids are vital in bringing substantial amounts of nutrients and minerals into water solution and delivering their living energies to the living cells. Shilajit in Sanskrit means "conqueror of mountains ? destroyer of weakness". It comes from the rocks in the lower Himalayas and is the most important natural remedy of Ayurvedic medicine.

Sugars That Heal: The New Healing Science of Glyconutrients  by Emil I. Mondoa, M.D.
"When all eight sugars are available, the health benefits can be breathtaking: Individuals regain their ability to fight disease, reactivate their immune systems, and are able to ward off infection." Emil I. Mondoa, M.D.

Do you have a question about holistic or natural health or need assistance? contact Shirley or call 323-522-4521 or 323-989-3372