Encephalitis is a potentially fatal condition that involves inflammation of certain parts of the brain, usually triggered by an infection or some form of autoimmune response. The condition is rare, affecting 4000 people per year in the UK, with over a third of confirmed cases not having an identifiable cause.
Verified cases of encephalitis require immediate medical care, with multiple different treatment options available. There are a number of vaccines that may help indirectly. In addition to this, ensuring you have a robust immune system is important, and that’s where we come in.
To coincide with World Encephalitis Day (22nd February), we’ve collected five herbal formulations that have the potential to bolster your immune system* – but first, it would help to know a bit more about this rare, mysterious neurological condition...
What is encephalitis?
According to the NHS website, ‘Encephalitis is a condition in which the brain becomes inflamed (swollen)’. It is most commonly triggered by a viral infection, but it can also be caused by an autoimmune disorder or a bacterial infection. There are a number of physical and mental symptoms, and it can even cause death in severe cases.
What causes encephalitis?
Encephalitis has three known causes: viral infection, autoimmune disorder, and bacterial infection. As mentioned, viral infection is the most likely culprit. While treating encephalitis requires immediate medical care, a number of different vaccinations could potentially reduce the chance of contracting certain infections that can trigger it: MMR, Japanese Encephalitis, Tick-Borne Encephalitis, and the Rabies vaccine.
What are the common symptoms of encephalitis?
Many early signs of encephalitis are indistinguishable from common symptoms of more general illness: a high temperature, headaches, and other flu-like ailments. But as it progresses, a more serious set of physical and cognitive changes can occur.
Symptoms of encephalitis
- Body and muscle weakness
- Seizures
- Difficulty speaking
- Auditory processing issues
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Changes in behaviour
Encephalitis can affect people of all ages, but the very young and very old are statistically most at risk. If you find yourself suffering from three or more of the above symptoms, contact emergency services immediately.
Which herbal formulas may improve my immune system?
While there are no herbal formulas that can directly help with encephalitis, they could potentially assist in a preventative sense. A robust immune system is handy for a number of reasons – it means you’re better placed to fight off illness and infection.
5 formulas that may strengthen the immune system
Gui Zhi Tang enters through the Stomach meridian to target internal fortitude and strengthening of overall qi. It may help with sinus problems, hay fever and symptoms of flu/cold.
Gui Zhi Tang 桂枝汤 (Cinnamon Twig & White Peony) - Purchase now
Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan enters through the Spleen & Liver meridians, targeting excess dryness, weakness and fever.
Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan 知柏地黄丸 (Rehmannia & Dogwood Fruit) - Purchase now
Mai Men Dong Tang is a herbal formulation that seeks to improve internal harmony. Entering through the Lung & Stomach meridians, it may increase the production of fluids, ameliorate a continuous cough, and reduce symptoms of asthma such as shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Mai Men Dong Tang 麦门冬汤 (Lily-Turf & Pinellia Rhizome) - Purchase now
Yu Ping Feng San is a supplement which targets fatigue, digestive function, and most pertinently the immune system. It’s designed to treat immune deficiencies and improve overall internal function.
Yu Ping Feng San 玉屏风散 (White Atractylodis & Astragalus) - Purchase now
Si Jun Zi Tang enters through the Spleen meridian and targets internal function and an improvement in immune system strength.
Si Jun Zi Tang 四君子汤 (China Root & Ginseng) - Purchase now
Why choose our herbs?
Our herbal formulas consist of 100% natural authentic Eastern herbs.
- 5:1 concentration ratio - 180g of natural herbs used in each bottle
- 4-9x stronger than other brands - our potent formulations pack more herbal punch per capsule
- Natural ingredients - composed of a carefully-selected assortment of authentic, premium Eastern herbs
- Vegan & vegetarian friendly - cruelty-free supplements that don’t sacrifice quality
- Gluten-free - stomach-friendly for coeliac sufferers
- Non-GMO - devoid of nasty genetic modifications
- 100% recyclable bottle - part of our continued push to an environmentally-optimised product range
Summary
World Encephalitis Day is an extremely important event that shines a spotlight on a rare, misunderstood health risk. While treatment of this condition tends to require medical care in a hospital setting, there are certain preventative measures you can take, like ensuring you have specific vaccinations and strengthening your immune system with herbal formulas.
The herbs we've listed may assist with that last point. For an explainer on the best ways to take one of our supplements effectively (and a deep-dive on what goes into their creation) check out this blog.
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