05/03/2020
Yes, elderberry is utilized as a Corona Virus prevention, since it’s viral (just like influenza/flu A & B are viral). Forget the Tamiflu; stick with antivirals that come straight from nature! Please let me know if you’re in need of elderberry syrup to keep on hand. I do also add in additional antioxidants and one of the highest plant-based vitamin Cs to my recipe. It’s organic, safe for children and adults, and tastes great!
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CORONA VIRUS UPDATE
Further thoughts on prevention and treatment:
The Good Guys:
Garlic (allicin) - Very effective antiviral. Best if fresh (raw) and crushed. Must be consumed within 1 hour of crushing. Dosage is initially 2 to 3 cloves per day but later reduce until no body odour occurs. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 9049657)
(MY NOTE: Garlic is fabulous medicine for the lungs ! The lungs are one of our “organs of elimination”, right ??
SO if garlic gets into the lungs— as it DOES ! — it will kill those nasties as it exits the body. So rather than fear “garlic breath”, LOVE IT !!! It is saving your life. )
Vitamin C - Boosts the immune system and is an antiviral by blocking the enzyme neuraminadase. Viruses need neuraminadase to reproduce. There are anecdotal stories of people taking large amounts of Vitamin C (children ½ dose ) surviving the Spanish Flu. Research shows that it may reduce the production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. A study on 470 people involved giving the test group 1000 mg hourly for 6 hours and then 1000 mg 3 times daily after reporting flu symptoms. Symptoms decreased by 85%. (Pubmed PMID 10543583, 634178, 16169205, 12876306)
Vitamin D - The crucial role of vitamin D in the innate immune system was discovered only very recently. Both epithelial cells and macrophages increase expression of the anti-microbial cathelicidin upon exposure to microbes, an expression that is dependent upon the presence of vitamin D. Pathogenic microbes stimulate the production of an enzyme that converts 25(OH)D to 1,25(OH)2D, a seco-steroid hormone. This in turn rapidly activates a suite of genes involved in pulmonary defense. In the macrophage, the presence of vitamin D also appears to suppress the pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, vitamin D appears to both enhance the local capacity of the epithelium to produce endogenous antibiotics and, at the same time, to dampen certain destructive arms of the immune response, especially those responsible for the signs and symptoms of acute inflammation, such as the cytokine storms operative when influenza kills quickly.
Green Tea (possible Tamiflu/Relenza alternative)- Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine (catechins) TNF-a. Inhibits neuraminidase. May have antiviral activity that is equal to other antivirals such as Tamiflu. (Pubmed PMID 16137775)
St Johns Wort (Hypericum) - Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine IL-6. Hypericum is an extract from St John’s Wort. There have been some very successful field trials in commercial flocks infected with H5N1 in Vietnam. (Pubmed PMID 7857513, 11518071, 11362353, 7857513, 11518071)
Vitamin E - Immune booster. Also decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 155882360, 10929076) Experiments involved using mice. Very suitable for immune compromised people, especially the elderly. Effects enhanced when taken with Vitamin C.
Resveratrol - Antiviral. In addition to inhibiting neuraminidase, Resveratrol also sends a message to cells to stop manufacturing viruses. This is a proven antiviral found naturally in red wine, peanuts, mulberries, Japanese Knotwood root (richest source), raisins and red grapes. (Pubmed PMID 1583880, 12817628, 15985724)
See more below—
Scutellaria Baicalensis (Baikal Skullcap) - Antiviral. It has no side effects and is also a mild tranquilliser. Research suggests neuraminidase, which is a substance needed by the H5N1 virus to reproduce, may be inhibited.
If there was one herb that I could choose to deal with ANY virus, it would probably be this one. It is fast becoming my favorite Chinese herb. Inflammations, virus-weakening, cytokine storm reducing…
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) - Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. Also boosts immune system. The number of white blood cells was significantly increased during treatment. No toxicity was noted. Active constituents can be found in the leaves, bark, vine, and roots. Water extraction from bark used. Children and pregnant women are to avoid. Has a potentially damaging effect on the DNA of proliferating cells. (cancers, foetuses, growing children)
Curcumin (Turmeric) - Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. This is the yellow compound in turmeric. Research shows that this may be very good for preventing a cytokine storm although this is not proven. Traditional dosage is 500mg to 4000mg daily.
Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranacus) - Boosts immune system. (Pubmed PMID15588652)
Tea Tree - Steam Inhalation - Reduces the cytokine TNF-a. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover head with a towel and inhale for 5 to 10 minutes. Relieves congestion and fights infection. Its effectiveness is unknown. (Pubmed PMID 11131302)
Tulsi / holy basil - has been known and worshipped in India for more than five millennia for its remarkable healing properties. Considered as an 'Elixir of Life', this wonder herb has now been claimed to keep the deadly swine flu at bay and help fast recovery in afflicted persons.
Pleurisy root (Asclepius tuberosa) : not just a gorgeous garden ornamental and pollinator-attracting flower, it is a first-class “lung herb”. And what is most lethal about the Coronavirus is its progression to Pneumonia and lung collapse. Also consider Elecampane, Mullein, Schizandra for lungs if unable to find Pleurisy.
Elder (Sambucus nigra): berry, leaf, flower, and bark are all useful AND it grows all over Cape Cod and Eastern USA so it is accessible at low-or-no cost. This is a tough season to find and harvest Elder, but it can be done.
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) herb : the classic “flu herb” with centuries of successful use un-documented, un-approved, un-sanctioned by “medical science”. Also can be found all over New England in damp, sunny areas. Must wait til late Spring before you can find it.
Japanese knotweed : protecting endothelial cells, reducing cytokine cascade (also very much used for this in Lyme Disease ), immune “amphoteric”, strong anti-oxidant.
Because of our mild Winter the ground is not frozen and you can dig the root right now. It is EVERYWHERE in New England and around the country. Tons of “JK” on Rt 6A at entrance to the Eddy School in East Brewster if you need to identify it, though harvest it from other sources because of the possibility of heavy metals from exhaust of road traffic here.
Lomatium dissectum : from Stephen Buhner’s “Herbal Antivirals”, p.235 :
“Upper respiratory viral infections, all influenza strains, SARS, pneumonia. I think the plant is better thought of as a systemic antiviral , especially for respiratory infections, most especially the emerging influenza strains” (and this was written in 2013 ! )
Red Root (Ceanothus americanum): lymph and liver, ‘body-cleaning’ herb, also has long useage for bronchitis, asthma, expectorant, general pulmonary problems.
Echinacea angustifolia : see Henrietta below.
Licorice root : centuries-old “conducting herb” that conducts the herbs in a formula to where they are needed in the body; but also a ‘most excellent’ anti-inflammatory, mildly-mucilagenous, anti-bacterial/viral herb that is effective in (among many others) respiratory challenges.
REPEAT INFO from henriettes-herb.com
HERBAL ADVICE :
A. take Vitamins D and C daily, and in sufficient amounts.
B. lay off sugar !! bread, rice, potatoes, etc.(simple carbohydrates) are BANNED for the duration! (thank you Henrietta Kress of “Henrietta’s Herbal”)
C. support a strong immune system herbally
D. early infection — herbal tincture or powder formula, plus Echinacea angustifolia in large doses.
E. advanced infection -- herbal formula plus Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) tea in large quantities to slow the “cytokine cascade” of severe inflammation.
F. STAY IN BED
G. AVOID aspirin and NSAID’s — “They increase viral shedding (spreading to others) and extend the duration of active infection. Their antiinflammatory effects are thus also immune-suppressing. Take diaphoretics and antispasmodics for the discomfort of fever. (Thank you Paul Bergner for this addition.)
NOTE: diaphoretics are herbs that help you to sweat, like elder flower or yarrow.
antispasmodics are herbs that stop cramps, like valerian and viburnum, black cohosh, and others.”
(Again, this from henriettes-herb.com )
"Let's Be Happy!" herbs to help us through...
I formulated this over two years ago now, and I think that it has helped a lot of people to cope with the huge stresses we face in this crazy world today. Here is what I wrote about this lovely "assembly of herbal allies" : We are all experiencing a pervasive assault upon our bodies and minds in this contemporary world of toxic substances and thoughts. One UNhappy result is an abnormal increase in the manifestation of anxiety and depression. Herbalists believe that plants are here to help us through these "trying times". Believe in the plants. They have been co-evolving with, and taking care of the animals for millions of years...Namaste'.
INGREDIENTS: Mimosa Blossoms ( Albizia julibrissin), Tulsi (Holy Basil), Ocium sanctum) Lemon Balm ( Melissa Officinalis), Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum), Calendula Officinalis, extracted in ORGANIC grain alcohol and distilled water.
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