ADEQUATE STOCKS OF ANTI-VIRAL (ANTI-INFLUENZA) HERBAL MEDICINE HELD (Please add your comments below)
The World Health Organisation (Geneva, 29th May 09) has called for drug companies to make available increased stocks of anti-virals, at a cost that can be afforded by the world’s populations.
Although we are not one of those drug companies, Rutland Biodynamics has been receiving calls from concerned practitioners about the sustainability of the supplies of our fresh Echinacea purpurea tincture, fluid extracts and of other Echinacea species.
This is because Echinacea species has been widely held for many years to be the main anti-viral and anti-influenza herbal medicine available in Europe. In addition, Echinacea is believed to be an immuno-stimulant in humans and has well demonstrated anti-bacterial properties that are effective in the control of the symptoms of the common cold.
We are pleased to re-assure all parties that we are able to supply in the region of up to 2,000 litres of various Echinacea tincture and fluid extract forms immediately (enough for 400,000 single doses of 5ml) and that we have further (currently unestimated) stocks currently in the field, that are due to be harvested this year.
Following advice from Christopher Hedley (please see also Christopher’s comments below), about the immense value of Eupatorium in America during the great ‘flu outbreak of a century ago, we have increased our stocks of Eupatorium perfoliatum, with a 1:1 25% fresh tincture.
Please enquire for bulk prices.
References
BRITISH HERBAL MEDICINE ASSOCIATION, 1996, The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1996, Boscombe:BHMA.
BRITISH HERBAL MEDICINE ASSOCIATION, 2003, A Guide to Traditional Herbal Medicines, Boscombe:BHMA .
BUNDESANZEIGER, 1997, The Complete German Commission E Monographs, Berlin:Schilcher
EUROPEAN SCIENTIFIC COOPERATIVE ON PHYTOTHERAPY, 2003, ESCOP Monographs, The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products, Exeter UK: ESCOP
There is a widespread consensus amongst herbalists that immunostimulants are not ideal for a virus such as H1N1 as it relies on the virulence of a healthy immune system to spread.
As a herbalist, I am not advocating the use of immunostimulants, but of antivirals such as Scutellaria lateriflora, Curcuma longa and Thuja occidentalis. I think you will find this opinion to be quite widespread.
Best wishes,
Corinne
Some of the early information on swine flu (and, of course, it is very early information, and may not be true) indicates that it kills by producing a ‘cytokine storm’, much in the manner that bird flu does. If this is true, then is it wise to stimulate the immune system? A better approach might be to take Curcuma, as Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory, and would reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, especially TNFa. Any comments? Regards Dave
We are of course aware of the ideas you have described.
I am not sure that there is widespread consensus about this, because our company always sees a big uptake of Echinacea when this virus threatens, and by very experienced professional practitioners. I do entirely agree that the ‘cytokine storm’ idea is widely touted every year that there is an outbreak of the H1N1 variety but that is not the same as consensus.
There seems to be confusion between using Echinacea for prophylaxis and using it later on during some high fever state.
Terms such as ‘cytokine storm’ are emotive and appealing but frankly ill-defined. How do we know that it is the “immune system” working hard that kills people? That’s quite a symptomatic view. Without our immunity, we would be pretty stuffed! Isn’t it a combination of factors including secondary bacteraemia that may lead to eventual overwhelming of the body’s systems? Sometimes, the “immune system” is spoken of very much in a rather one-dimensional way, when we know that the inter-relationships between the plant and human world are parts of a vast rich tapestry operating at a every level of life, feeding back at the molecular level. People are not all the same as each other; might populations develop different susceptibilities in different places in different times? We do not know whether and if so, how varying genetic susceptibility might affect any such hypothetical cytokine storm.
Reducing inflammation is a method of last resort when, rarely, the inflammation threatens the further health of the patient and at other times, I think it’s a somewhat allopathic response (cf aspirin popping). In the meantime, inflammation is Nature’s defence method – traditionally herbalists give diaphoretics to raise the temperature in the case of colds ! As herbalists, we are unlikely (hopefully) to see life-threatening cases, although it makes sense to be ready in case.
Therefore, on the balance of probability, I do what most herbalists do. I supply Echinacea (liberally) first and foremost to my loved ones, whenever ‘flu threatens and we have have really quite elderly relations who claim not to have had a cold for years and years since being ‘on the Echinacea’. That and the world uptake in Echinacea at this time is the empirical evidence, admittedly circumstantial, that I offer. In additition, I keep a mix of Eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset) and Sambucus n. fruc. (elderberry) fresh fluid extracts in the cupboard for flu’ like states.
Kind regards to all,
Paul Chenery MNIMH
Dear Corinne
After a quick search on google i’ve found some research supporting possible antiviral properties of Scutellaria Baicalensis however i’ve been unable to find any supporting research for Scutellaria Laterifolia.
Do you have any information about Scut Laterifolia as an antiviral.
Many thanks
licia
I am always reluctant to treat the immune system unless it specifically needs it.
There is plenty of good evidence that elderberries (Sambucus nigra fructus) are active against cold and flu viruses, both as prophylactic and as treatment. I shall certainly be ordering extra for my practice. I shall also make sure my patients know how to recognise and harvest this splendid herb for themselves.
Cristina Cromer MNIMH
Dear Licia,
Most of the research on anti-viral effects seems to be on Scutellaria Baicalensis indeed, but both species contain baicalin and its aglycone baicalein, known anti-virals (just Google Baicalin and anti-viral and research will come up like: http://www.ionchannels.org/showabstract.php?pmid=14692724).
Therefore, I assume that although Scut Lat is more known for its effect on the nervous system, it probably also has an anti-viral effect, since it contains anti-viral compounds. But I’m not a chemist…
Corinne
Our dear friend, Christopher Hedley, was here last week and told us that it was said that Eupatorium perfoliatum was used with apparent great effect in the great ‘flu epidemic of a century ago, although the evidence was of course somewhat anecdotal. Apparently, one herbalist who was commissioned by an industrialist to treat a whole mid-west town used Feverwort (also known as Thoroughwort and Boneset) and reported that not one case of ‘flu struck in the town, at all.
Professional care is advised in the use of Eupatoria species, which should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified medical herbalist.
Rutland Biodynamics is shortly harvesting fresh biodynamic organic Eupatorium perfoliatum and there should be good stocks available by the autumn. We are making a new product – a 1:1 fresh 25%!
There are some interesting links at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eupatorium_perfoliatum
Cytokine storms are a normal occurrence in influenza and not necessarily the cause of death. Provisional indications for this strain of ‘flu point to the same underlying causes of death as in any strain – that is elderly, weakened and immune compromised people are those at most risk.
Of course Echinacea might not be all that useful in treating pneumonia of any kind but it is useful when infections reach the blood level and viranaemia is a feature of the current pandemic strains.
The idea that Echinacea is a simple immune system stimulant is just plain wrong. Research points to its role in balancing and reinforcing immunity.
The clearest analysis of the subject I have seen is by the American herbalist Paul Bergner writing in his news letter, ‘Medical Herbalism’ and available on his web site – links below.
Incidentally, he also gives a useful analysis of the pros and cons of using Echinacea in auto-immune disease in Medical Herbalism volume 15, number 3, Winter 2007. I heartily recommend both issues to all interested readers.
PS. the accurate version of the Boneset and 1918 ‘flu is also in Medical Herbalism. My version was a little inflated but it was a nice day and I was in an expansive mood.
Christopher Hedley
http://naimh.com/Influenza-1918.pdf
http://naimh.com/Influenza-prevention.pdf
What about the traditional fever mix – yarrow, elderflower and peppermint as a hot tea during the chill phase of the fever? Might that be a useful approach as part of treatment?
Mandy
Although I’m not a qualified herbalist, I’ve studied the works of some of the greatest true Vitalist suppressed healers around. In order to treat any real Pandemic the first thing you need is Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum). This alters the immune system to reduce cytokine storm whilst still doing the typical job. The next would be the herb Boldo which also reduces cytokine storm. Of course we’d use lower levels of Boldo and back the rest up with Boneset. The use of the King of Herbs, Garlic is a must. This must be raw Garlic cloves, a preventative measure would be 2-3 cloves daily. During a Pandemic then this would increase to 14 cloves per day.
To balance the immune stimulating herbs/foods we’d use Garlic, Colloidal Silver, Citricidal &, Ozone whilst using Boneset, Echinacea and so forth. As always its about balance.
Lets not forget the Tumeric and Cayenne Pepper of course. Also the most basic formula of Cayenne, Horseradish, Ginger, Garlic & onion in Apple Cyder Vinegar. A must is also the Mucus-less Diet in order to cleanse the body of the feeding ground of the invaders. The more excess mucus in the lung the more trouble your going to be in.
(email edited and shortened for space. Full version available from rutland@rutlandbio.com Ed)
One of my first experiences of herbs, when I first started training, was with Boneset. I was floored with the flu – hot dry fever 39+, total body pain, sore throat, cough, headache.
Bedridden. I managed to drag myself to the kitchen and made a huge pot of tea with handfuls of boneset, elderflower and peppermint. Took it back to bed and drank it down hot. About 2 pints in all. It tasted really good. Fell asleep. Woke up 4 hours later, sweating profusely but all my aches gone. Felt better. Slept again til the morning. Woke up wobbly but better. Made another pot. Tasted DISGUSTING. Couldn’t drink it. Slept again. Woke in the evening, famished and all better.
Haven’t had flu since – despite nursing hundreds of cases over the years.
Use elderberry prophylactically at the first sniff of anything.
I can back you up on that one, Zoe. I had the flu last November. I drank copious amounts of yarrow and boneset tea, which tasted fine whilst I was ill, and which I tired of very quickly once I began to feel better. The flu lasted 3 days in all. Recovered completely within a week. People were still coming to see me in April this year with residual symptoms from the same bout of flu last Autumn, and most of them had treated it by suppressing the symptoms with NSAIDs. Thus, from this tiny piece of action research, I have concluded that it is indeed better to bring it on and have a good sweat than to suppress it.
My question now is: will Eupatorium cannabinum do the same job, and is it safe, bearing in mind several texts that mention pyrollizidine alkaloids? Wondering if any herbalists out there have had any problems with it in the past.
Zoe, Any suggestions about tincture dosage?
Doses – well it was a long time ago but my normal method of teas at home is a handful – although I know I would have used less of boneset as it is quite dense when dried and higher doses are nauseating.
I looked up Dr John Christopher and it lists – FE 1/2-1tsp. Which seems strong to me.
I also looked it up on Henriettes site last week, after Max was asking about Hemp agrimony (I have lots of it locally too):
http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/cook/EUPATORIUM_PERFOLIATUM.htm
Where Cook puts the dose at 20 drops.
It does seem to be best for diaphoresis in hot infusion – do you think putting FE into warm water would mimic this action?
Sorry I can’t be more specific – if I had just had to use it with no previous experience of FE, for acute fever – I would probably start at 20(1ml-ish) drops in warm water every 1-2hrs, getting more heroic with the dose if that didn’t get a sweating response!
That allows for peoples individual reactions – ie some vomiting after 1 dose and others not oozing a bead of perspiration until 4 doses!!
Eupatorium perfoliatum….I have a litre of tincture from a batch I made up in 2004. It is 1:5, at 40% . It has been stored in brown glass, in the cool and dark. It was from very good organic herb.
It still tastes bitter and flavourful, but do you think it is still therapeutically viable??
Eupatorium perfoliatium is i feel too cold on the digestive system for this Swine Fever as one of the symptoms of this virus is diarrohoea and vomiting in a percentage of the suffers . In most viral fevers Boneset is one of my prime herbs but when their is digestive symptoms like diarrhoea this herb will only make the diarrhoea worst , which may weaken the patient more.Also I think that is to be applauded that Paul is going to sell Boneset at cost . Thanks will be getting some next order.
Although I can’t say we have ever tested any boneset of that age, if it was well made, it sounds as if it should be OK, so long as the components are still solubilised (i.e. have not all precipitated into a sediment – although some sediment is OK provided the solution still tastes, smells and looks normal).
Hi I’m a medical herbalist,
currently 20 weeks pregnant with my third child – already a high risk pregnancy due to preeclampsia and post partum cardiomyopathy (which resolved quickly) in my first pregnancy – I am terrified my this flu pandemic.
I am taking 2g vit c daily, garlic, zinc, vit D plus all the other vitamins/minerals rec. by patrick holford.
I feel stuck when it comes to what herbs to take – have been taking echinacea and astragalus but what about the cytokine storm theory? Usually i would use both of these herbs to prevent flu but not take them whilst feverish??
What herbs are helpful in viral pneumonia?
Boneset is contraindicated in pregnancy? Have been taking st john’s wort 300mg daily even though research of it’s use in pregnancy is lacking – any other advice??
Hi, everyone.
I am new on this forum. Although I am a new graduate in medical herbalism, I have used medicinal herbs (North African and French way) since the mid-seventies, following in my late mother’s footsteps. In the last 10 years or so, I found SAMBUCOL, an elderberry alcohol-free tincturre, very efficient against influenza in general and recommended it to many friends who confirmed its efficacy. Meanwhile, Dr. Valnet and other s in France recommend clove (Eugenia caryophillata) and cinnamon (Cin. zeylanicum) as a decoction–along with these herbs’ respective essential oils (which we, in GB, do not usually use internally unfortunately). Preparation: four stick of cinnamon and two cloves in a litre of cold water, boil and simmer for 20 mn. Use as a grog with fresh lemon and organic honey–three/four cups a day. The herbs are good prophylactics for all the family. If used with a diet of light bouillon of celery, leek, onion, turnip and (in the last five minutes of cooking) garlic and parsley, they usually can get you over a starting flu. The clove-cinnamon drink started in October would normally help you sail through the winter without much severe flu, in my experience. I have been in Britain since 1974 and I only caught a very light flu twice or three times. PRECAUTION: as cinnamon is considered to be emmenagogue, Kirstin should take that into account. All the best.
Kirstin if you’re after minerals then you must only use organic non-rock minerals of the plant. If not then they’re not assimilated and eventually create localised constipation of areas leading to disease. I suggest you take if non-diabetic at least one tablespoon of Blackstrap Molasses. This has all you need and its all organic plant minerals. Its kept my aunty alive with Liver cancer for so far 12 months and with Cancer all over her body including bones for 3 years. Thats all she takes.
For those who want to take the wonderful Boneset herb then I suggest its 5ml 3x daily. If you want to utilise its fever abilities then you can go higher. Fever can be produced artificially rather via Cayenne/Mustard hot baths whilst drinking cups of hot Yarrow tea. The scaremongering about fevers is wrong. Its only a ultra rare amount of people who cannot go higher than 104 temperature. Its due to a certain enzyme apparently if I remember correct. I’ve regularly took 5ml 3x daily of 1:2 Fresh Boneset. I work with 15ml for almost all herbs.
Be careful to not take supplemental Vitamin D, the D3 is especially dangerous and is a poison whilst being well promoted. Plant it in the ground and watch is create mold not life. Vitamin D should be either from food or from the combination of the Sun with your oily skin and natural cholesterol levels untampered with by drugs. Your Vitamin C should only be coming from the likes of the Rosehip bush and so forth not poison supplemental form which is not assimilated for one, it lacks Rutin (hint at Buckwheat).
People seem to be forgetting the wonderful Olive Leaf for some strange reason.
re: ’swineflu pandemic’
The cdc (center for disease control)has NEVER isolated a so-called swineflu virus.
Just like pcr tests, antibody tests need a previously ISOLATED virus to work. The CDC has admitted that if they are cranking up their search they will be finding more, how true: if enough PCR or antibody tests are done on healthy or unhealthy individuals they WILL find SOMETHING.
Please don’t just believe the latest headlines in the newspapers, and so-called scientific writings by people who are being paid for their articles by tamiflu/flujab inventors.
Question it, research the mumbojumbo released by the CDC/pharmaceutical corporations.
There is no proof whatever of a newly mutated swine virus, and there certainly isn’t a pandemic!
Editor’s comment: This is an edited version of Natasha’s email, due to space
Hi Natasha,
I’m sure many reading this will agree with aspects of your theory but what would we say to those who have recently lost loved ones, in Mexico, in Glasgow and in other centres? Surely you are not suggesting that they and all the local medical personnel are involved in a global pharmaceutical conspiracy? Ed
The more I study on Olive Leaf extract the more I realise how important this wonderful herb from God actually is. It is extremely important right now that its utilised in any protocol against pandemic. The more herbs we can utilise like Garlic which does not rely on the immune system defenses the better. What if you’ve a bone marrow issue and your immune system is of almost no use? So please make sure you balance your protocols with both but a hint more with the raw Garlic and Olive Leaf side of things. I personally have no problems with the use of Lugol’s Iodine during a serious pandemic like 1918. Just one to remember in case of trouble. Just more options for you guys/girls.
What about pau D´arco, astragalus and elderberry?
Beatrice you have to understand about creating a balance with the herbs which do not burdon or rely on the immune system with those which do. Quite frankly a pandemic virus can be annilated with raw Garlic alone in large quantities of around say 14 cloves per day maybe far less. So ideally go for the herbs which do not rely on the immune system such as raw Garlic and Olive Leaf. You must remember that pandemic (panIC) virus works by cytokine storming. Study how many of the usual herbs utilise cytokine effects. So balance those that do against those that don’t. Pau D’Arco would be a nice respiratory herb but I’d probably go more with Liquorice Root combined with Mullelin myself. Do not forget to study Ozone it WILL save your life, I and my mother use it. Keep the acidity of the body down in order for alkalinity and thus increased oxygenation. Study William F.Koch asap!
What Natasha Tauber is saying is indeed correct. Its exactly the same for hiv which has never ever been isolated wether one believes the 3d rendered pretty drawings or not. No one has ever taken the reward for isolated hiv virus, why? The PCR test was created by Kary Mullis. It’s for searching for minute amounts. For anything to kill someone there has to be an isolatable amount of virus/bacteria etc. If one needs a PCR test then theres something very wrong. This starts to go into the realm of psuedo science infact moving away from old concrete scientific medical knowledge of old. Now prove to me editor that any one of these cases died from Swine Flu. Prove to me it wasn’t barium related poisoning or a number of other covert bio-weapons being used by the United Nations following the Club of Rome’s Global 2000 report for population reduction. Many agents and substances like Barium are currently being sprayed over the populance daily via operation cloverleaf/raindance/red sky. All countries within the civil & military ‘Open Skies Treaty’ get sprayed daily and have done since 1993 known as chemtrails. Their real and used for multiple agendas including population reduction & Variable Terrain Refractivity Parabolic Equation. Remember 35% of cases of so called SARS was infact a faulty sewage system in a tower block and not a corona virus. For more knowledge on PCR’s etc then check out Jon Rappoport. For information on the population reduction check out Dr Leonard Horowitz’s ‘Death in the Air’ book and others. Also check out ‘The Limits to Growth’ from 1972 by the Club of Rome. This is why we have Cancer in 1 in 3 people without the big panic that would happen if it wasn’t all controlled to be that way. This is how they can project 1 in 2 cancer sufferers by 2010. This is why we have the threat of Codex Alimentarius trying to remove herbology and alike as competition. This aids profiting but also depopulation. There IS a global conspiracy bringing about a New World Order.
Eupatorium perfoliatium is i feel too cold on the digestive system for this Swine Fever as one of the symptoms of this virus is diarrohoea and vomiting in a percentage of the suffers . In most viral fevers Boneset is one of my prime herbs but when their is digestive symptoms like diarrhoea this herb will only make the diarrhoea worst , which may weaken the patient more.Also I think that is to be applauded that Paul is going to sell Boneset at cost . Thanks will be getting some next order.
http://www.virologyj.com/content/6/1/197
Anti-viral properties and mode of action of standardized Echinacea purpurea extract against highly pathogenic avian Influenza virus (H5N1, H7N7) and swine-origin H1N1 (S-OIV)
Stephan Pleschka , Michael Stein , Roland Schoop and James B Hudson
Virology Journal 2009, 6:197doi:10.1186/1743-422X-6-197
Published: 13 November 2009
Abstract (provisional)
Background
Influenza virus (IV) infections are a major threat to human welfare and animal health worldwide. Anti-viral therapy includes vaccines and a few anti-viral drugs. However vaccines are not always available in time, as demonstrated by the emergence of the new 2009 H1N1-type pandemic strain of swine origin (S-OIV) in April 2009, and the acquisition of resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors such as Tamiflu(R) (oseltamivir) is a potential problem. Therefore the prospects for the control of IV by existing anti-viral drugs are limited. As an alternative approach to the common anti-virals we studied in more detail a commercial standardized extract of the widely used herb Echinacea purpurea (Echinaforce(R), EF) in order to elucidate the nature of its anti-IV activity.
Results
Human H1N1-type IV, highly pathogenic avian IV (HPAIV) of the H5- and H7-types, as well as swine origin IV (S-OIV, H1N1), were all inactivated in cell culture assays by the EF preparation at concentrations ranging from the recommended dose for oral consumption to several orders of magnitude lower. Detailed studies with the H5N1 HPAIV strain indicated that direct contact between EF and virus was required, prior to infection, in order to obtain maximum inhibition in virus replication. Hemagglutination assays showed that the extract inhibited the receptor binding activity of the virus, suggesting that the extract interferes with the viral entry into cells. In sequential passage studies under treatment in cell culture with the H5N1 virus no EF-resistant variants emerged, in contrast to Tamiflu(R), which produced resistant viruses upon passaging. Furthermore, the Tamiflu(R)-resistant virus was just as susceptible to EF as the wild type virus.
Conclusions
As a result of these investigations, we believe that this standard Echinacea preparation, used at the recommended dose for oral consumption, could be a useful, readily available and affordable addition to existing control options for IV replication and dissemination.