Briefly… about the virus…
Influenza A is a virus with many subtypes that are identified and categorized by differences in two proteins, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Differences are due to the rapid mutation of the virus. The scientific community has learned quite a bit about Influenza A virus, but the fact remains that we are unable to know what we don’t know and the virus mutates rapidly, becoming something new and challenging very quickly. Antiviral drugs do not eliminate the virus; they inhibit the replication of the virus. Learning more about the life-cycle of a virus has lead to the development of anti-viral strategies that target the virus at different stages in that cycle.
Timeliness…
We are currently experiencing a flu outbreak that may be very significant and potentially devastating to individuals and communities, as well on a much larger level. We should all be using common sense in protecting and taking care of ourselves and our families. I won’t use this as a pulpit for my position on things that are related and responsible in varied degree. This is some information about plant materials that are easily obtained and that you may want to have to arm and educate yourself.
Essential oils and viral replication…
All essential oils are anti-microbial to a degree. In this application, microbes refer to fungi, bacteria and viruses. Some are broad spectrum anti-viral. Because we just don’t know HOW they affect the virus, they very well may affect the Influenza virus as well. There is a tremendous amount of anecdotal, cultural and historical information that tells us certain plants are effective against certain aliments. I think we should listen to our Grandmothers… anyone ever been given schwedenkrauter for whatever ailed you?
Tea Tree –(Melaleuca alternifolia) A study conducted by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases revealed that replication of a strain of influenza was severely inhibited if the Tea Tree eo was introduced within 2 hours of infection. This suggests that Tea Tree eo interferes in an early stage of replication but after viral adsorption. Tea Tree eo is inexpensive and is pretty stable (has a long shelf life).
Wasabi (Wasabia japonica) Published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. Apparently the summer leaves are discarded as inappropriate for making wasabi food preparations and there is development of a use for summer leaves. Anti-influenza virus activity is being investigated. Extracts of leaves harvested in July exhibited a high replication inhibition rate (98% or higher) in both the type A and B strain.
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Specifically glycyrrhizin. An animal trial showed that an injection of glycyrrhizin into the abdominal cavity completely protected a group of mice infected with an otherwise lethal influenza virus. Poor mice… The conclusion is that the glycyrrhizin stimulates the production of gamma-interferon.
St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Evidently this has been researched since the 1980’s as an AIDS retro-viral. Didn’t know that. In the lab it significantly inhibits the replication of several viruses, including HIV, influenza A, cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex 1 and 2, and Epstein-Barr virus. The challenge is that these results are only possible in the presence of light. The effective compound is either bound to or is a polycyclic anthrone, which have photosynthesizing properties.
Coconut oil – not an essential oil but worth mentioning. About 50% of the fatty acid in Coconut oil is Lauric acid, the most essential fatty acid for the building of an immune system. In the body, it is converted to monolaurin, a powerful monoglyceride that destroys lipid-coated viruses (such as cytomegalovirus, HIV, herpes, and influenza) as well as pathogenic bacteria. I use this on the skin and in the kitchen. The smell and taste of organic raw coconut oil are just fabulous.
Quercetin – also worth of mention. Quercetin is a flavonoid and is available as a supplement and in foods. Animal studies show that exercise stress increases the susceptibility to infection of Influenza A (H1Ni in the study) and that feedings of quercetin offset the increase of susceptibility. Eat your apples and onions!
Oregano oil - (Oreganum vulgare) A study cited in Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials 2009, 8:8 indicate that Oregano eo has inhibitory effects the replication of the Yellow Fever virus. Apparently the presence of O. vulgare essential oil in the culture medium at 11.1 ug/mL produced a 100% reduction of virus yield. (A Ug is a microgram, 1/1000000 of a gram or 1/1000 of a milligram.) Oregano eo seems to be effective because of direct inactivation of the virus rather than being effective only at a stage in the life cycle of the virus.
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) was also tested in the above referenced study and produced similar striking results. Mugwort is very high in ketones and should be only used by the experienced.
Desert Parsley or Biscuit Root. (Lomatium dissectum) First recognized by European transplants to the Western United States after the flu epidemic of 1918. Groups of indigenous people inexplicably survived or were not infected. People of the First Nations used this plant in many ways for lots of things. Roots to seeds, food to spiritual. The attention getter was the use as a treatment for influenza. Many botanists, herbalists and naturopaths have studied and used this plant in the last century. It is native to California and Nevada. If you are interested in using it, where you are located and what you can get will dictate how you use it.
