Swine flu and what you can do

Two lovely pieces in last week's Daily Telegraph which brings this story more into perspective.

Firstly they reported on the advice from the Chinese health minister.

The Chinese have been recommended to take star anise. This is a spice that the Chinese use anyway and interestingly it is one of the key raw ingredients in the main anti-viral drug (Tamiflu) used to combat the virus.

So if you are worried about catching swine flu then take star anise in supplement form or use it in your cooking. If you have never heard of it it is one of the ingredients in 5 Spice Powder which is more commonly known as a Chinese flavouring. If you want to buy the supplement then please email me and I can arrange it for you.

Secondly there was a report from one of the children who have been confirmed as having swine flu. The 12 year old said that it was no worse than having a bad cold!!

This confirms really that unless you are already ill and therefore immune compromised in some way there really is very little to worry about. Virtually all the people that died in Mexico (where it has apparently ceased spreading) were poor and and would have had low levels of immunity from poor diet and chemical overload - they spray chemicals liberally in many parts of Mexico.

Chemicals in cabin air are neurotoxins

Flight Global reports a US medical researcher is “just months away” from identifying blood markers in the blood of air crew and passengers that would link neurological degeneration to exposure to cabin air that has been contaminated by neurotoxic organophosphates from engine oil. University of Washington professor Clement Furlong explains that “biomarkers” he is studying in the blood of crew and passengers who have suffered neurological degeneration after flying will scientifically link cabin fume events to his patients’ medical condition. Professor of medicinal chemistry at the UK’s Sunderland University, Dr Malcolm Hooper, said “multiple chemical sensitivity” effects on human neurology, such as the now-recognized Gulf War Syndrome, are much more complex than the sum of the effects of the individual chemicals. Research conclusions are due in 2010.