Evidence-based Natural Therapies and Immune-enhancing Strategies Used by Adventist Pioneers to Prevent and Treat Flu Virus Works Today for COVID-19, Its Variants

Seminary Room N150

Key Words: Natural Therapies, Immune-enhancing, Hydrothermal Therapy The purpose of this research is to provide evidence-based natural therapies that will enhance the immune system to fight the virus SARS CoV-2. Successful lessons learned from the 1918 pandemic flu by Adventist pioneers will also be discussed. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that targeting lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, hydrothermal therapy, and prayer that enhance the immune system can effectively control and reduce the risk for COVID-19 disease. Covid-19 disrupts the innate immune system, especially the natural killer cells, monocytes, and neutrophils. Methodology: Our research is exploratory and is based on recently published literature. The following databases were searched: WHO Global COVID-19, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCOHost, Google Scholar, and MedlinePlus. Results: During the Spanish flu pandemic death rate of those who received the best medical care was 6.7% compared with those who received natural therapies at SDA Sanitariums at 1.34%. During the current pandemic, mortality rates per million people during the current pandemic in countries that use Saunas (Finland) and consume herbs and spices such as China, India, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are lower when compared with US and UK, where herbs and spices are used sparingly. Garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, onions, mint, and lemon were frequently used spices and herbs. Natural remedies used during the Spanish flu pandemic should be instituted to help enhance immunity and lessen the deadly impact of COVID-19.