I know my body’s first signs of illness really well. My energy dips, my throat gets scratchy, and I get foggy headed. It’s really helpful for me to recognize these signs because most naturopathic treatments for acute illness work best at the first sign of infection. Typically, at the first sign of illness I am taking herbs, high doses of vitamin c, doing hydrotherapy, and taking a homeopathic remedy that fits my symptoms. This regimen almost always works for me, I may get slightly sick but am never really down and out.
This time was different. I was traveling and didn’t have any of my favorite naturopathic treatments with me. Being unprepared was my first mistake. Yet another reminder to create some lightweight naturopathic travel kits for my patients and myself! So, by the time I returned home I was exhausted from traveling and really sick, an unfamiliar feeling for me. I had a combination of completely clogged sinuses, a nasty chest infection, headache, and earache.
I immediately started naturopathic treatments. I began taking high doses of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, high dose vitamin A, herbs like echinacea, garlic, and goldenseal, a homeopathic remedy, and began doing the Neti pot and sleeping with “Warming Socks.” (see below for treatments details). After a very fitful night of sleep with coughing and difficulty breathing, I got up the next day feeling worse. I went in to the Santa Cruz Naturopathic Medical Clinic where I practice and got an intravenous Meyer’s Cocktail from my N.D.
Later that day my energy was better but I was still having difficulty breathing. I started to get worried that my lung infection could turn into pneumonia. I have to admit I am guilty of the usual trap that doctors fall into – I don’t take care of myself as well as I take care of my patients. So I had to ask myself, “What would I recommend if I were one of my patients?” After consulting with another N.D., I came to the conclusion that I needed to get a prescription for an antibiotic.
I was resistant to the idea because I haven’t taken any prescription medication in many years and am adamantly against the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. But, I felt strongly that an antibiotic was the best medicine for my situation. While taking the antibiotic for 5 days, I continued doing my naturopathic treatments and added high doses of probiotics to support my gastrointestinal flora and mitigate the side effects of the antibiotic.
While I believe there is a time and a place for conventional medicine, I don’t believe the time is always and the place is everywhere. My training in naturopathic medicine has me firmly rooted in the philosophy of using the least invasive and least potentially harmful medicines first and foremost. Typically, these medicines are natural substances like herbs that stimulate the body’s own innate healing response. We’re all built with this body wisdom – it’s to be honored and embraced.
Because I am rooted in the philosophy of Naturopathic medicine but am also trained in conventional diagnostics and treatments I find that I draw from both forms of medicine in my practice. I’m trained in pharmacology and am able to prescribe medications, but rarely use this privilege because I simply don’t need to. My recent experience served to deepen my belief in an integrative medical system – a system where all patients have access to the best of both healthcare worlds.
If you have questions or comments or would like to discuss the role of integrative, holistic, alternative or complimentary medicine in health care, contact Dr. German.
Unsure of Naturopathic Medicine can help with your acute or chronic illness? Schedule a free 15 minute consult today to find out.
Summary of Naturopathic Treatments Used:
- Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids
– 1 gram 3 times per day - Herbal/Vitamin Combination
– My favorite is Bio Vegetarian by Priority One
– tablet every hour - Contents:
– Vitamin A, B6, Magnesium, Zinc, Bioflavanoids, Echinacea, Myrhh, Goldenseal, Garlic, Ginger, Cayenne, Grapefruit Seed Extract - Meyer’s Cocktail
– IV vitamin bag including Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium, B complex, and other vitamins/minerals - Hydrotherapy (aka water therapy) treatments
- “Warming Socks” aka “Cold Socks”
– This is a great treatment for colds and flus to help relieve congestion in the head and chest.
– Use nightly before bed at first sign of and during illness.
- “Warming Socks” aka “Cold Socks”
- Neti Pot aka Nasal Lavage
– This is an ayurvedic treatment to wash the sinuses. It’s wonderful for relieving congestion and preventing bacteria/viruses from settling in the sinuses.
– Use daily to prevent sinusitis or 2-3 times a day during illness.
– Neti pots are available with instructions at most health food stores. - Probiotics
– Physician grade probiotics are much better than health food store varieties.
– Take at least 4 hours away from antibiotic and for at least a week after you finish an antibiotic. - Homeopathic Remedies
– In classical homeopathy, the remedy is carefully chosen to fit the specifics of each person and illness. I recommend seeing a homeopath or homeopathy trained naturopath to get the right remedy for you.