Tuesday
Apr282009
Tue, April 28, 2009 | Lisa Barger Herbs, Swine Flu & Your Immune System
“Are there any herbs that might strengthen your immune system against swine flu?”
Because swine flu is such a new virus there haven’t been any scientific studies but, yes, there are herbs that have been proven to stimulate the immune system and “fight” other strains of cold and flu. Obviously, no herb, supplement or other “natural” product will replace common sense and common sense dictates that avoiding the flu in the first place should be your first priority. That means taking precautions like washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes and nose. Remember, 80% of all flu infections are spread through direct contact so hygiene is a must..
But, if you’d like a little more insurance, here are some herbal products to consider:
Echinacea
Several studies have found echinacea an effective immune stimulant. A 2009 study from Iran found it actually exerted such an anti-viral effect that it may actually prevent recurrent HSV-1, or herpes simplex virus type-1. Now, obviously, herpes is not the same virus that causes the flu but this was just the latest in a string of studies that suggest that echinacea might just help prepare the immune system for a viral infection.
Echinacea is not often sold dried but the current standard “dose” is a daily equivalent of 900 mg of the dried root. Ask a qualified herbalist to recommend a tincture that will give you an appropriate amount of the herb.
Garlic
The other major anti-viral herb that is readily available is garlic. It also has demonstrated the ability to prevent cold and flu symptoms. The current recommended “dose” of fresh, raw garlic is 4 g per day.
One easy way to take garlic is to mince a clove then mix it with about a teaspoon or so of honey. This masks the taste a bit and helps knock out some of the “burn”. (Keep in mind that garlic has to be chopped or minced to be effective.) It will not in any way reduce the effectiveness of the garlic.
St. Johns Wort
Another herb that may help fight flu is St. John’s wort. The evidence for this herb isn’t quite as strong as it is for garlic or echinacea but a few studies suggest that it may have anti-viral properties.
St. Johns wort is almost always sold in tincture form and is often labeled according to its hypericin level. The current recommend “dose” is a daily intake of 0.2-1.0 mg of total hypericins.
Warnings, Cautions & (Once Again) Common Sense
Remember, despite what a lot of my “natural” peers claim, no herb is perfectly safe and no herb is safe for everyone. Each one of these herbs has the potential to interfere with a wide range of both “natural” and pharmaceutical medications. All have documented side effects.
For the best info on preventing swine flu—or preparing your immune system, just in case—skip those web sites authored by one-book-experts and get your health advice from the only person qualified to give it—your own doctor.
Dosage Information Came From:
Wichtl, M. (2003). Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals.
Blumenthal, M. (1998). The Complete German Commission E Monographs.
Studies Referenced In This Article:
Ghaemi, A., et al. (2009). Echinacea purpurea Polysaccharide Reduces the Latency Rate in Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Infections. Intervirology.
Amagase, H., et al. (2006). Clarifying the real bioactive constituents of garlic. Journal of Nutrition.
Barnes, J., et al. (2001). St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.): a review of its chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacology.
Because swine flu is such a new virus there haven’t been any scientific studies but, yes, there are herbs that have been proven to stimulate the immune system and “fight” other strains of cold and flu. Obviously, no herb, supplement or other “natural” product will replace common sense and common sense dictates that avoiding the flu in the first place should be your first priority. That means taking precautions like washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes and nose. Remember, 80% of all flu infections are spread through direct contact so hygiene is a must..
But, if you’d like a little more insurance, here are some herbal products to consider:
Echinacea
Several studies have found echinacea an effective immune stimulant. A 2009 study from Iran found it actually exerted such an anti-viral effect that it may actually prevent recurrent HSV-1, or herpes simplex virus type-1. Now, obviously, herpes is not the same virus that causes the flu but this was just the latest in a string of studies that suggest that echinacea might just help prepare the immune system for a viral infection.
Echinacea is not often sold dried but the current standard “dose” is a daily equivalent of 900 mg of the dried root. Ask a qualified herbalist to recommend a tincture that will give you an appropriate amount of the herb.
Garlic
The other major anti-viral herb that is readily available is garlic. It also has demonstrated the ability to prevent cold and flu symptoms. The current recommended “dose” of fresh, raw garlic is 4 g per day.
One easy way to take garlic is to mince a clove then mix it with about a teaspoon or so of honey. This masks the taste a bit and helps knock out some of the “burn”. (Keep in mind that garlic has to be chopped or minced to be effective.) It will not in any way reduce the effectiveness of the garlic.
St. Johns Wort
Another herb that may help fight flu is St. John’s wort. The evidence for this herb isn’t quite as strong as it is for garlic or echinacea but a few studies suggest that it may have anti-viral properties.
St. Johns wort is almost always sold in tincture form and is often labeled according to its hypericin level. The current recommend “dose” is a daily intake of 0.2-1.0 mg of total hypericins.
Warnings, Cautions & (Once Again) Common Sense
Remember, despite what a lot of my “natural” peers claim, no herb is perfectly safe and no herb is safe for everyone. Each one of these herbs has the potential to interfere with a wide range of both “natural” and pharmaceutical medications. All have documented side effects.
For the best info on preventing swine flu—or preparing your immune system, just in case—skip those web sites authored by one-book-experts and get your health advice from the only person qualified to give it—your own doctor.
Dosage Information Came From:
Wichtl, M. (2003). Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals.
Blumenthal, M. (1998). The Complete German Commission E Monographs.
Studies Referenced In This Article:
Ghaemi, A., et al. (2009). Echinacea purpurea Polysaccharide Reduces the Latency Rate in Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Infections. Intervirology.
Amagase, H., et al. (2006). Clarifying the real bioactive constituents of garlic. Journal of Nutrition.
Barnes, J., et al. (2001). St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.): a review of its chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacology.
This is "retired" article left in place for archival purposes. It may not reflect current thinking or research on the topic.
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