-
Bone et al (1995:16) conducted a study of a small number of
university students which found that Echinacea was probably
efficacious in the prophylaxis and treatment of colds and
influenza, but recommended a larger sample size to better
bear this out statistically.
- Andrographis paniculata
- A common annual plant throughout India
- Clinical studies in bacterial and viral
- demonstrated good effects, implying an
- immunostimulant effect
-
Other actions
Cardiovascular Activity
? Anti-fertility Activity (in female mice)
Hepatoprotective and Choleretic Activities
Medicinal Uses
Acute and chronic infections
Weakened immunity
Worm infestations
- Traditionally considered to be superior to Quinine in
- the treatment of Malaria
- Toxic liver damage
- liver infections
- poor liver function
- Potential value in cardiovascular disease
- Contraindicated in pregnancy
-
Adverse Effects
High doses may cause
gastric discomfort,
anorexia and vomiting,
non toxic
Andrographis should not be used during human
pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
- Cat's Claw Uncaria tomentosa
- Decoction of the bark is used to treat degenerative processes
- (including cancer), inflammatory conditions, gastric ulcers,
- diabetes and asthma.
-
Adaptogens
Bone notes that tonics such as Astragalus and
Panax and Siberian Ginseng are contraindicated in the acute
stages of infection, as they are considered to be too
stimulating
- Astragalus membranaceus was traditionally used
- as a tonic for building both vitality and blood.
- It helps stop debilitating sweating, promotes organ
- regeneration and is used for organ prolapse.
- Astragalus is beneficial in treating recurring colds,
- shortness of breath and chronic sinusitis.
- It tonifies the lungs.
-
Not advisable to be used in acute infections
as can exacerbate the acute stage of infection
As Astragalus may heighten immune response (or
stimulate it) and potentially cause crisis
- Withania
- immunostimulatory activity
- immunomodulatory activity in relation to IgE and cell
- mediated hyper-reactivity.
- Withania to have antiinflammatory actions via immunomodualtory functions on
- complement activity, T-lymphocyte proliferation; humoral
- antibody response and cell mediated immune response
-
Owais etal showed Withania somniforia to have
antibacterial effects against salmonella typhimurium.
Teixeira eta suggest that Withania extract
indirectly modulates immune activity favouring an efficient
and sustained response of phagocytes in the control of
infection.
- Cellulitis
- Acute support for the immune system:
- Echinacea
- Andrographis
- Potential antimicrobial activity:
- Golden seal
- Rosemary
- Fennel
- Licorice
- Chamomile, Marshmallow
-
Circulation stimulants:
Cayenne
Prickly ash
Veinous return support:
Horsechestnut
Butchers broom
- Chicken Pox - Treatment
- Itch relief (pinetarsal, calamine lotion, herbal creams) is very
- important to avoid scaring.
- Otherwise treat as per other acute infections.
-
Treatment Aims
Decrease viral load
Improve immunity
Support the nervous system
Improve elimination
- Actions
- Antiviral
- Immunostimulant
- Alterative/depurative
- Adaptogen
- Circulatory stimulant
- Hormonal - if menstrual relation
- Sedative – if anxiety present
- Nervine/tonic
-
Specific Herbs (Antiviral)
Thuja
Licorice (topically)
Lemon balm (topically)
St. Johns Wort
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