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St. John’s
wort flowers
(Hypericum perforatum) * |
Contains
dianthrones and flavonoids which have antiviral activity against a
broad spectrum of viruses including HIV (in vitro). This herb's
amphoteric effect on the nervous sytem makes it useful both as an
antidepressant and for anxiety. St. John’s wort is used locally and
internally for nerve and spinal injuries, nerve pain, sciatica and
shingles.
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Elderberry
(Sambucus nigra) * |
Elderberries
contain vitamin C, proanthocyanadin flavonoids and antiviral
proteins. Elderberry syrup, extract or glycerite is very useful for
treating colds, influenza and other viral respiratory disorders. The
flavonoids help to strengthen capillary integrity especially in the
eyes and reduce histamine production by the sinus mast cells. This
reduces allergic symptoms and sinus irritation.
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Japanese
Honeysuckle flowers
(Lonicera japonica) * |
A common weedy
plant with fragrant flowers. As a child you may have sucked the
sweet nectar from these blossoms. In Chinese medicine the unopened
flowers are used as a powerful antibacterial and antiviral agent.
They are effective in treating influenza, sore throat, colds,
urinary and intestinal infections, painful mastitis, damp heat
dysentary, and conjunctivitis. Barefoot Doctor’s combined Lonicera
with Coptis to make “a poor man’s penicillin”.
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Lomatium root
(Lomatium
dissectum) * |
Has been used
extensively by native peoples of the Northwestern US but remains
little-known to the general herb community. A powerful
antiviral/bacterial agent, it is being used to reduce viral load in
chronic conditions such as EBV, CMV, HPV, HIV and herpes. It is an
active urinary and pulmonary antiseptic and is effective for
treating colds and flu. Long term use may induce a wide spread rash
and a low grade fever.
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Hyssop fresh
flowering herb
(Hyssopus officinalis) * |
A valuable, if
underutilized, herb with many uses. It is an anti-viral agent
especially effective for inhibiting Herpes and Influenza viruses.
This fragrant herb is a useful carminative, emmenagogue and
diaphoretic. It is appropriate for intestinal viruses, colds, flu,
nausea, flatulence and delayed menses. |
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Lemon Balm
fresh herb
(Melissa officinalis) * |
A mild,
flavorful remedy appropriate for children's colds, stomachaches and
headaches. Lemon balm is useful for mild depression, mild
hypertension, herpes and hyperthyroidism.
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Chinese Isatis
root
(Isatis tinctoria,
I. indigotica,
Baphicacanthus cusia)
* |
Used in
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to clear "pathogenic heat" from
the blood. In Western terms, Isatis is used for erysipelas, acute
conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, infectious and acute hepatitis, Herpes
simplex and H. zoster (orally and topically) and pityriasis rosea.
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Bibliography: |
American Herbal
Pharmacopoeia St.
John’s wort - Hypericum perforatum,
Binghamton, NY, 1997
Bone, K. The Herbal Treatment of Viral Infections, European
Journal of Herbal Medicine, Vol. 1 #1, 1994, pp. 23-28
Chen, J.&T., Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, City
of Industry, CA, 2004
Kuhn, M., Winston, D., Herbal Therapy & Supplements:A
Scientific & Traditional Approach,
Philadelphia, 2001
Leung, A. and Foster, S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural
Ingredients,
New York,
1996
Zhou, J. Recent Advances in Chinese Herbal Drugs,
Beijing,
1991 |
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*Herbal
Therapeutics Research Library
Author: David Winston (RH) AHG
©2007
Herbal Therapeutics Research Library. All rights reserved |
Disclaimer: The information on
historical, ethnobotanical and phytotherapeutic uses of herbs and
traditional formulas contained herein is based on the experience and
research of the author. It is not intended as a substitute for
consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Any
attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should be done under the
direction of a health care professional. The publisher and author
are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences
resulting from the use of any of the information discussed. Should
you have any questions concerning the appropriateness of any
preparation mentioned, the author strongly suggests consulting a
professional health care advisor. |
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