Post-Viral Health: The Recovery Syndrome

Posted: July 2022
Author: Sharlene Bennett |  BHSc, AdvDip Nat, AdvDip Med Herb
 

The concept and diagnosis of post-viral syndrome is no new phenomenon. It is a common secondary onset disorder from an original infection often preceding or directly after an acute or chronic viral infection.

The post-recovery crisis

Post-viral syndrome often has many contributing factors and among them can be many differing signs and symptoms, some individualistic to the person and others very typical of post-viral syndrome.

One of the lesser-known issues of post-viral syndrome can be neuropathy, as opposed to the most leading sign being low energy levels or fatigue. Secondary neuropathy can present itself in many ways, from pins and needle-like sensations down the arms and legs, to constant tingling over the whole body or localised to a specific body area.

Finding relief from recovery syndrome

It is commonly known that the development of nerve over-activation or damage results from post-viral infection. Well-known viral infections such as herpes zoster or chickenpox can stimulate nerve-generated disorders, as the viruses remain dormant in nerve ganglia and can be re-activated due to illness and stress. A classic example is Shingles or Bell’s palsy, both debilitating conditions for the sufferer while in the acute phase.

Often, nerve damage shows up as tingling pain or discomfort, numbness and travelling or shooting sensations, that may provoke feelings of pain and follow on from inflammation. Addressing inflammation can be of help in finding short and long-term relief. Herbs that can help here include Echinacea, a reliable anti-inflammatory during acute infection or as post-recovery support and as adjuvant respiratory support.

The helping herbs – Phytotherapy tool kit

Curcuma longa (turmeric) can be of assistance here to help inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukins, prostaglandins, brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alongside the genetic expression molecule nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-KB).^4,12

Turmeric’s close botanical relative, Zingiber officinale (ginger) can be an invaluable herb as an anti-inflammatory aid. This is due to its phenolic compounds, such as the gingerols and shogaols and the abundant active constituents, such as phenolic and terpene compounds. Alongside its powerful anti-inflammatory properties is a range of beneficial properties including, anti-emetic, cardioprotective, antioxidant and neuro-generative properties. These two common plant spices are also effective for bronchial and respiratory support.⁹

The super mushroom Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane) is another possibility for nerve recovery as it lends itself to neuroprotective qualities, helping rebuild myelin sheath and restore healthy nerve conduction after damage, alongside a myriad of protective properties for mood and neurotransmitter conduction.^13,14  

Pain management herbs

Some of the common herbs for use in chronic pain management and post-viral recovery are Hypericum perforatum (St john’s wort) and Corydalis Yanhaso (corydalis).  Corydalis can act to help visceral pain and have a relaxant effect on tired and stressed-out sufferers.  The popular anti-viral St john’s wort also helps to quieten nerve irritation and promote nerve healing.

Nigella sativa (black seed), Lomatium dissectum (lomatium) and Thuja occidentalis (thuja), have all shown great promise in anti-viral support and can be used for pre-infection or post-infection recovery of post-viral syndrome or COVID-19. ¹¹

NZ Natives – pain and recovery syndrome herbs

Both native species, Leptospermum scoparium (mānuka) and Kunzea ericoides (kānuka) are potent botanicals to help equally with viral or microbe infection, with mānuka and its anti-anxiolytic effect helpful in pain management and nerve repair through its calming action. Also, Dysoxylum spectabile (kohekohe) is a great pain relief option as a New Zealand native herb for chronic pain conditions.⁹

PEA - The natural supplement for pain management and recovery

PEA (palmitoylethanolamide) is an endogenous fatty acid amide; it is naturally produced in the body as a biological response and a repair mechanism in chronic inflammation and chronic pain. PEA helps to support and manage body pain and discomfort, joint function, recovery, and sleep (relaxation and nervous system support.)

Plant-derived PEA is the scientifically researched natural alternative to NSAIDS or CBD, with zero THC content. Its unique dual-action allows it to naturally provide a combination of beneficial properties such as neuro-protective, analgesic, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory actions. In times of extra need, we may not always be able to produce sufficient amounts of PEA to help restore and repair mechanisms in the body.

PEA and sleep

The endogenous endocannabinoids (eCBs) such as PEA are lipid metabolites and additionally support and work as part of our nervous system to help set up a quality sleep cycle. The eCBs act on the nervous system by their neuromodulator action, exerted by their impact on the cannabinoid (CB) 1 and 2 receptor sites.

ECBs act via intracellular signalling by stimulating the neuron axon terminals, these are produced by every internal body cell. The two major eCBs involved are 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) and arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA or anandamide). These work to help and support our natural stages of cyclic sleep, from deep REM Sleep to slow-wave sleep allowing brain cell detoxification and healthy neurotransmitter production and release.

PEA acts as sleep support and as an immune enhancer

Adequate deep sleep hours help to cease pro-inflammatory pathways, and compounds such as cox 1 and 2, cytokine production and the pain neuro pathways, including NF-KB and genetic expression of disease and inflammation. PEA acts on these inflammatory pathways to inhibit and prevent inflammatory compound release.^5,6

Helping as a natural acting anti-inflammatory for acute or chronic pain alongside helping with immune support by inhibiting mast cell activation. PEA helps to downmodulate mast cell activation helping to settle the allergy and inflammation response.⁵

Phytotherapy gives us plenty to think about for optimal recovery, whether it’s post-viral support or the use of plant medicines for their effective and renowned nerve restorative properties. This all helps with post-recovery regardless of the initial health condition and supports a return to wellness for clients.

 

References:

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