Articles by Steena Barnett - Medical Herbalist

Asian Bird Flu

 

Bird flu appears to be a virus capable of jumping from birds to humans, it appears to move and change as it goes from human to human, there have been very few cases so far but here is a herbal take on what we can do to lessen the chance of getting it or if it came to the worse scenario-what a herbalist might do-

 

Firstly see a qualified health practitioner who knows what they are doing, they can give you practitioner products which take into account your health, any medications you might already be on, can prove what they say and is insured and belongs to a recognized professional body. If you are unsure of them-walk away and see somebody you believe in-its your health.

The precautions suggested are these for any form of flu, they are the basic researched herbal anti virals, there is no specific research on bird flu and herbal medicine (if there is please let me know)

What are the symptoms of avian flu in humans?

In humans, it has been found that avian (bird) flu causes similar symptoms to other types of flu:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• muscle aches
• conjunctivitis
• in severe cases of avian flu, it can cause severe breathing problems and pneumonia, and can be fatal.

Prevention

Diet– Low sugar, low processed food, whole meal, wholegrain, all as natural as possible.

Drink green tea as it has been shown to kill flu bugs.

Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables-at least 50% of your diet-all the wonderful vitamin C and vitality to help you. Also drink juices such as the Nudie juices-you need the purple berries– the blueberries, elderberries, bilberries-they have anthocyanins which also slow the flu bug.

Herbal Remedies

Use quality herbs, now is not the time for supermarket specials, use prescription dose herbs from a reputable manufacturer
Most people will need:

*Astragalus membranaceus root is immune enhancing, tonic and traditionally has been used for prophylaxis against colds and flu for 1,000`s of years.

 

* Echinacea spp root-all round good guy for normalising the immune system, used for both prevention and treatment.

 

*Eleuthrococcus senticosus root used to enhance immune function in healthy individuals, a general all round health improver.

*Liquorice (glycyrrhiza glabra root)-the real stuff not the stuff bought at the shops as a lolly.
Used to sooth coughs and reduce upper respiratory catarrh.

* Cats Claw Bark (Uncaria tormentosa) Used for people with poor immunity and a tendency to infections. Should not be given to children under the age of 2.

*Reishi and Shitake tablets - Reishi mushroom has shown itself to be anti viral, anti oxidant and anti bacterial.

*If you have lowered immune function then strong anti oxidants may be required as well, and garlic obviously.

Acute phases

Take Echinacea spp root and andrographis paniculata herb– high doses, what ever it says on the bottle, double it. (Andrographis is contraindicated in preganancy).

Also all the herbs I originally mentioned (although if in acute flu phase, stop taking the astragalus, it is preventative but does not help in acute conditions).

Plus Hypericum perfolatum (works against enveloped viruses),

Ginger is a circulatory stimulant and warming expectorant

Liquorice, Sambuccus nigra (elderflower) -for mucous and anti flu

Garlic either in tablet form or raw, crushed in your diet, aim for 1-2 cloves of garlic per day

Eupatorium perfolatum (boneset) Helps to reduce the bone and muscle pains associated with flu.

 

Mediherb Eyebright complex tablets for if a secondary bacterial infection hits the sinuses.

Home made chicken soup is nourishing and anti microbial.

Keep sipping the purple juices especially elderberry.

Humidifiers with fennel and rosemary (anti flu activity) around the house to kill of flu bugs.

 

If you have any concerns regarding your immunity , diet or anything you may wish to discuss regarding herbs and the bird flu, please do not hesitate to make an appointment.

Evidence based research is available for all the suggestions made regarding prevention and coping with bird flu.

 

 

 

 

Copyright
Steena Barnett, M.N.I.M.H, M.N.H.A.A., Cert Phyt (1990)