Golden Light Herbs Chinese Herbal Products

West Nile Virus

Now don’t go getting too excited. What I want to say about the West Nile Virus is that it is a virus and has effects and produces symptoms very much similar to the flu. According to reports many people have it, but, very few notice symptoms and even fewer become seriously ill.

It is contracted through mosquito bites. A mosquito can pick up the virus by biting an infected animal- most notably an infected bird. The mosquito simply passes the virus on to its next victim/meal.

Mild symptoms of the virus include fever, head and body aches and swollen lymph glands. Severe symptoms include headache, high fever, neck pain and stiffness and general weakness. Convulsions and paralysis are possible. As the fever increases disorientation and confusion turn into coma. Symptoms may appear within 2 days to 2 weeks of being bitten and may last several days to several weeks.

The best way to avoid the virus is to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. They live in damp areas with standing water. It is safest to avoid such areas. There are also mosquito repellants to help keep them away.

It is not always possible to completely avoid mosquitoes altogether. You can help protect yourself by keeping your immune system strong. A strong immune system will be better able to ward off the virus before it can work its way deeper inside. All the usual things like eating right and getting enough sleep are advisable. There are also some herbal products to boost your immune system. Ginseng products do just that. In fact most of the Qi Tonics strengthen the immune system either directly or as a by-product of producing an abundance of Qi elsewhere in the body.

Extractum Astragali, Deer Tail Extract, Red Panax Ginseng 2000mg 6 Yr old roots, American Ginseng, Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen, Chinese Red Ginseng 20 Yr old roots are all used to improve the immune system.

If you should find yourself with flu-like symptoms Gan Mao Tuire Chong Ji, Yin Chiao or Gan Mao Tong should be used immediately. If the symptoms worsen such as severe headache or high fever, contact your doctor without further delay. Whether or not it is West Nile Virus, the symptoms are severe and you should seek the advice of a doctor. The odds are that, if bitten by a West Nile Virus carrying mosquito, you will never even notice any symptoms. If you do notice symptoms, and they are mild, you may be able to fight it off on your own or with the help of herbal medicines. But, if the symptoms become severe or you are weak to begin with, don’t take any chances, contact your physician right away!

Find more information on the Center for Disease Control website:

Overview of the West Nile Virus

Symptoms of the West Nile Virus

Ed Reinhard
Golden Light Herbs

Copyright Golden Light Herbs 2002