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The fear must cease; part two

10 Herbs to Help You Fight the Flu

*See Herbal Protocol below the list of herbs to determine which specific herb to take during each phase of the flu.

1. Astragulus, – Astragulus membranaceus, huang-qi

Part used – Root

Actions – Antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, adaptogen, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, diuretic, hypotensive, immune modulator, immune stimulant, tonic. Cytokine inhibitor. Reduces autoimmune response and protects endothelial cells.

Properties – Sweet, warming, immune tonic.

Preparation & Dosage – (Phase 2 & 3) Taken as a tincture, tea, powder, capsules, or in food. Tincture: 1:5 @ 50%, 30-60 drops, up to 4x/day as a tonic. As a preventative for the flu or chronic illnesses, 1 teaspoon, 4-6x/day, and for acute conditions every 3 hours. Tea: 2 oz. herb in 1 quart of hot water, cover and let stand 4 hours, strain and drink throughout the day. Powder: 1 tablespoon, 3x/day. In acute conditions, 2 tablespoons, 3x/day. Food: Can be added to soup stocks and immune enhancing broths (has a tendency to shred so be sure to strain well).

Uses – Active against influenza A, other viruses, and respiratory infection. Immune potentiator and modulator. Enhances spleen function (spleen deficiency). Is considered a superior immune tonic in Chinese Medicine. Normalizes white blood cell count. Useful in reversing immunosuppression from any source.

Drug/Herb Interactions & Contraindications – No known toxicity, or side effects. Contraindicated for some people in late stage Lyme, as it can exacerbate autoimmune response. May increase effects of interferon and acyclovir. Synergistic with echinacea and licorice. Not for use in people with organ transplants.

2. Boneset – Eupatorium perfoliatum ­– not native to China

Part used – Aerial parts in flower or just before flowering.

Actions – Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, cytotoxic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, immunostimulant, smooth muscle relaxant. TNF-a, and cytokine inhibitor.

Properties – Bitter, sweet, cooling, adaptogenic tonic

Preparation & Dosage – (Phase 1 & 2) Dried or fresh root tea or tincture. Tea: cold tea - 1 oz. dried herb in 1 qt. boiling water and let steep overnight. Strain and drink throughout the day. Take cold as a liver tonic and for mucous membranes, take hot to reduce fever. Hot Tea: 3 0z. dried herb to 1 gallon of hot water. Steep 30 minutes. Drink hot with honey, 8 oz. every 2 hours. Tincture: Fresh herb in flower, 1:2 @ 95%, 20-40 drops in hot water up to 3x/day. Dry herb use 1:5 @ 60%, 30-40 drops in hot water up to 3x/day. For acute flu or bacterial upper respiratory infections take 10 drops of tincture in hot water every ½ hour, up to 6x/day.

Uses – Reduces fever and body aches accompanying the flu. For general debility, pneumonia, cough, epidemic influenza, colds.

Drug/Herb Interactions & Contraindications – Mildly emetic when taken in large doses. Possible allergy due to plant being in the ragwort family (chamomile, feverfew, etc.). No known drug/herb interactions.

3.Chinese skullcap, Scutellaria baicalensis, Huang Qin

Part used – 3 year growth root as a dried root powder.

Actions – Antiviral, anodyne, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antifungal, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antitumor, astringent, cholagogue, diuretic, hepatoprotective, nervine, splenic protective, expectorate, and lymphatic. Hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, TNF-a, IFN-y, cytokine, and viral RNA release inhibitor. Reduces the virus’ ability to inhibit the production of macrophages (white blood cells) by stimulating monocyte and dendritic cell maturation.

Properties – Bitter, cooling, dispels heat, expels damp heat.

Preparation & Dosage –  (Phase 2 & 3) Taken in tea, capsules, or tincture. Tea or Capsules: Root powder, 3 grams every 3-4 hours, or 1 teaspoon 3-6x/day (may be dissolved in water, taken in tea or put in capsules). Tincture: Root powder tincture, 1:5 @ 50% ¼-1/2 teaspoon 3x/day. In acute cases double the dosage.

Uses – Viral infections, especially pandemic influenza and encephalitis, respiratory infections, pneumonia, infections that affect the CNS (Lyme, meningitis, etc.), fevers, seizures, convulsions, sleep disturbances, headache, hypertension. Root tincture specific for reducing inflammation in the brain, reducing cytokine cascades initiated by viral agents.

Drug/Herb Interactions & Contraindications – May interfere with the metabolism and effectiveness of drugs and herbs, increasing their uptake in the body. May increase the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs.

4.Cordyceps, Cordyceps sinensis, dong chong xia cao

Part used – Caterpillar body, fruiting body.

Actions – Adaptogen, anti-asthmatic, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antipyretic, antitumor, antitussive, bronchial regulator, cardiotonic, expectorant, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, immunomodulator, neuroprotective, renoprotective. TNF-a, IFN-y, cytokine inhibitor. Reduces the virus’ ability to inhibit the production of macrophages (white blood cells) by stimulating monocyte and dendritic cell maturation. Cilia-protective. Reduces autoimmune response and protects endothelial cells.

Properties – Sweet, neutral, warm, adaptogen tonic.

Preparation & Dosage – (Phase 2 & 3) Taken in tea or tincture. Tea: Powder, 3-9 grams/day, or as high as 50 grams (2 oz.)/day for acute disease conditions, drink in warm water. Buhner recommends 3-4 tablespoons of the powder 3x/day. Tincture: 1:5 @ 50%, tonic dosage ¼-1/2 tsp., 3x/day. Double for active infections (1 tsp. 6x/day). Can also be infused in an alcohol liquor. The best results occur with 6 grams daily as a baseline for acute conditions.

Uses – Respiratory viral infections, CNS inflammation, unproductive or chronic cough, asthma, joint inflammation, low libido, altitude sickness, thick mucus in the lungs that will not move, tinnitus. Increases kidney strength. Tonifies the lungs.

Drug/Herb Interactions & Contraindications – No known side effects. Synergistic with closporine and antidiabetic medications affecting dosage requirements.

5.Elder, Sambucus nigra – not native to China

Part Used – Ripe berries & flowers.

Actions – Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, antioxidant, moderate immune stimulant. Neuraminidase, TNF-a inhibitor. Reduces the virus’ ability to inhibit the production of macrophages (white blood cells) by stimulating monocyte and dendritic cell maturation. Increases T cell count. Cytokine modulator.

Properties – Sweet, cooling, dispels wind-damp-heat.

Preparation & Dosage – (Phase 1 & 2) Taken as a tea, tincture, or decoction. Can be made into jams and jellies. The berries must be heated during preparation to reduce cyanogenic compounds. Flower tea: 1 oz. flowers (dried or fresh) in 1 quart of hot water, cover and let stand until cool, drink freely. To make an Elderberry syrup (Thea's Gyspy Cold Care) for colds and flu please visit theaskitchen.com

Uses – Respiratory infections, and influenza.

Drug/Herb Interactions & Contraindications – Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, depending on the part of the plant you are using and how it is prepared. There are few reports of side effects. Start with low doses and work up. No known drug/herb interactions.

6.Ginger, Zingiber officinale, gan jiang (dried older rhizome), shen jiang (fresh, young rhizome)

Part used – Fresh (not dried) root (rhizome). “Baby” or young ginger can be obtained at your local farmers markets and frozen for later use.

Actions – Fresh raw: Antiviral, analgesic, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, antiemetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antitussive, carminative, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, hypotensive, immune stimulant, mucolytic. Hemagglutinin, TNF-a, neuraminidase, cytokine inhibitor.

Properties – Pungent. Dried root is hot & drying, fresh root is warm & moistening. Dispels wind-cold.

Preparation & Dosage –  (Phase 1) Taken as a fresh juice, tea or tincture. Fresh juice: ¼ cup fresh pressed juice in 8 oz. hot water to which lemon, lime, honey and cayenne may be added. Drink every 2-3 hours at the onset of a cold or flu. Tea: Use the leftover plant matter from juicing to make a tea by steeping in hot water for 4 hours, strain, drink as above. Tincture: Fresh root, 1:2 in 95%, take 10-20 drops up to 4x/day

Uses – Viral infections including colds & flus, digestive aid, calms nausea, improves circulation, reduces diarrhea and stomach cramping, reduces fever through sweating (diaphoretic), reduces chills and inflammation, thins mucous, reduces coughing, pain relieving, relaxes blood vessels, synergistic with other herbs.

Drug/Herb Interactions & Contraindications –  Large doses should be avoided in pregnancy (emmenagogue), but the dried root can be used to ease morning sickness. May aggravate gallstones. May rarely cause gas, bloating, heartburn, nausea (usually from using dried, powdered root.) Synergistic with antibiotics, usually increasing their potency.

7. Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra, gan cao

Part used –  Root (3 year old roots or older).

Actions – Antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, mucoprotective, adrenal tonic, analgesic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antispasmodic, antitussive, cardioprotective, demulcent, estrogenic, gastric secretion inhibitor, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, immunomodulator, immune-stimulant. Upregulates the production of type 1 interferon and increases T cells, which reduces the influenza severity. TNF-a inhibitor. Reduces the virus’ ability to inhibit the production of macrophages (white blood cells) by stimulating monocyte and dendritic cell maturation. Cytokine inhibitor, strongly inhibiting cytokine cascades. IFN-y modulator. Binds HMGB1 inactivating its actions in the body. Increases T cell count.

Note: As an immune-stimulant, it stimulates interferon, and enhances antibody formation. As an immunomodulant it will reduce interferon levels if they are high and upregulate if low.

Properties – Sweet, neutral, cooling, clears-heat, harmonizing qi tonic

Preparation & Dosage – (Phase 1, 2 & 3) Taken as tincture, tea, infusion, or decoction. Best used in combination formulas. Tincture: Dried root, 1:5 @ 50%, 30-60 drops up to 3x/day. Acute dosage for viral infections, ½ - 1 tsp. (approx. 50-100 drops) 3-6x/day (blended with other herbs) for a maximum of six weeks. Infusion: ½-1 tsp. powdered root with 8 oz. water, simmer for 15 minutes uncovered, strain, drink up to 3 cups/day. In acute conditions drink 1 cup every 2 hours. Decoction: 6 grams root powder in 16 oz. water, bring to a boil, uncovered and simmer until reduced to approx 8.5 oz., then add enough water to bring volume up to approx. 32 oz., drink throughout the day.

Note: Do not use deglycyrrhized licorice if using as an antiviral. Look for between 2.5 & 4% glycyrrhizin content. 2.5 % should render approx. 50 mg glycyrrhizin.

Uses – Influenza of all kinds, respiratory viral infections, pneumonia, and coronaviruses. Moistens the lungs and reduces coughing. Sore throats as a gargle. Eases abdominal cramping.

Drug/Herb Interactions & Contraindications –  Long-term use can lead to numbness, dizziness, headache, hypertension, potassium depletion. This herb should rarely be used in isolation or in large doses for longer than 4-6 weeks, especially if you are pregnant. It is contraindicated in hypertension. Short term use in low doses, especially when combined with other herbs is very safe. Is synergistic increasing the potency of other herbs. It should not be used in combination with estrogenic pharmaceuticals, hypertensive drugs, cardiac glycosides, diuretics, corticosteroids or hydrocortisone.

8.Lomatium, Lomatium dissectum – not native to China

Part Used – Root

Actions – Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, expectorant, mucous membrane tonic. One of the most potent M2 inhibitors known.

Properties – Bitter, cooling, clears-heat and dampness.

Preparation & Dosage – (Phase 1, 2 & 3) Taken as a tincture or infusion: Tincture: Fresh root, 1:2 @ 70%, 10-30 drops up to 5x/day. Acute dosage, 10-30 drops every hour. Same dosage for dry root, 1:5 @ 70%. Infusion: Cover 2 tsp. powdered root with 8 oz boiling water, cover and let steep for one hour, strain and drink up to 3x/day.

Note: Common influenza tincture blend (as recommended by Stephen Harrod Buhner) is equal parts lomatium, red root, licorice and pleurisy root. In acute conditions take 1 teaspoon, 6x/day. Have also been traditionally eaten as food.

Uses – Upper respiratory viral infections, all influenza strains including coronaviruses, pneumonia, eases coughs. Is synergistic when combined with other herbs including: red root, and licorice. May be used as a single.

Drug/Herb Interactions & Contraindications –  No known toxicity. May cause an allergic rash (1%) in some people (more commonly with fresh, not dried root), and will pass on its own within a week. Contraindicated in pregnancy. No known drug/herb interactions.

9. Red Root, Ceanothus americanus – not native to China

Part Used – Root

Actions – Lymphatic, tonic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, alterative, antiseptic, expectorant, antispasmodic, and blood coagulant. Increases T cell count.

Properties – Aromatic, slightly warm, not widely used in TCM. Has a long history of use in the Americas primarily as an astringent.

Preparation & Dosage – (Phase 1, 2 & 3)Taken as a tincture, tea, or strong decoction. Tincture: Dry root, 1:5 @ 50%, 30-90 drops up to 4x/day. Tea: 1 tsp. powdered root in 8 oz. water, simmer 15 minutes, strain. Drink up to 6 cups daily. Decoction: 1 oz. herb in 16 ounces water, cover and simmer slowly for 30 minutes, take 1 tablespoon 3-4x/day. Make a strong tea as a gargle for throat inflammation and tonsillitis.

Uses – Clears lymph. Useful for coughs including whooping cough, and bronchitis.

Drug/Herb Interactions & Contraindications –  No known side effects. Contraindicated in pregnancy. Should not be used with pharmaceutical coagulants or anticoagulants.

10. Rhodiola, Rhodiola rosea, Hong Jing Tian

Part Used - Root

Actions - Adaptogen, yin tonic, antidepressant, cardiotonic, endocrine tonic, nervous system tonic, neuroprotective. Neuraminidase inhibitor. Protects cells from hypoxia, significantly reducing lung damage. Prevents hypoxia-induced oxidative damage, increases intracellular oxygen diffusion and the efficiency of oxygen utilization. Reduces autoimmune response and protects endothelial cells.

Properties - Sweet, cooling, adaptogen tonic.

Preparation & Dosage – (Phase 2 & 3) Tincture or capsules. Tincture: Dried root 1:5 @ 50%, Tonic dose: 30-40 drops, 3-4x/day. Acute dose ½-1 teaspoon 3x/day for 30 days then back to tonic dose. Capsule: 100 mg., 1-2 per day. In acute conditions up to 1,000 mg. daily. Standardized to 2-3% rosavins. Take just before meals.

Note: 1 teaspoon is approximately 100 drops. Check out this useful measurement chart.

Uses – Increases physical endurance and the ability to respond to stress. Useful for chronic fatigue syndrome, colds and flu.

Drug/Herb Interactions & Contraindications – May cause nervousness, don’t take at night. No known contraindications or herb/drug interactions.

Other Important Herbs:

1. 
   

   Angelica - Neuraminidase inhibitor. Directly inhibits HMGB1

   
   


2. 
   

   Cleavers – Lymphatic with some of the same effects at Red Root. Fresh juice of the plant is best.

   
   


3. 
   

   Echinacea Angustifolia – (Phase 1 & 2) Antiviral, found to be effective against swine origin flu. Inhibits receptor cell binding activity of the virus and strengthens protective power of the mucous membranes making it harder for the virus to penetrate.

   
   


4. 
   

   Umckaloabo – A potentially life-saving herb. The main cause of death in an influenza virus infection is pneumonia. Learn how Umckaloabo prevents this at Wisdom of the Plant Devas.

   
   

Additional Support:

1. 
   

   Vitamin D3 –Vitamin D3 deficiency among ICU patients increases mortality by more than 70% compared to those who are not deficient. Dosage: 3-6,000 iu/day

   
   


2. 
   

   Quercetin – Neuraminidase and HMGB1 inhibitor.

   
   


3. 
   

   Zinc – Increases T-cell count. Has been shown to be active against a number of viruses and is supportive in treatment of influenza. Studies have found zinc supplementation can triple the survival rate for children with pneumonia and reduce the duration of the common cold in children and adults. Dosage: 10-25 mg./day, 25-40 during acute conditions. Works synergistically with selenium, 200 mcg/day.

   
   


4. 
   

   Eucalyptus Essential Oil – Olbas, or Eucalyptus inhalation to reduce coughing and improve airflow.

   
   


5. 
   

   Cherry bark syrup for cough. Recommended: Planetary Herbals, Old Indian Wild Cherry Bark Syrup, developed by, Michael Teirra, O.M.D., R.H. Founder of East West School of Planetary Herbology along with his wife Lesley Tierra, L.Ac., R.H.

   
   

Herbal Protocol

Note: The information contained in this post is for educational purposes only. You should seek medical attention at the first signs of an infection, and be under the care of, and in communication with a licensed physician, even when you are using herbal alternatives. Be sure to disclose any herbs or supplements you may be taking. The recommendations made in this post are based on the work of, Stephen Harrod Buhner, Paul Bergner, and my own clinical experience.

Phase One – Early onset: Take at the first signs of infection, equal parts redroot tincture and licorice root extract, 30 drops, every hour until symptoms are resolved. Fresh ginger can be juiced, drink warm added to whatever liquids you are drinking. Drinking it in hot water or tea is diaphoretic helping to lower a fever. Use up to 2 oz, 2xday. Elderberry syrup as directed on label. Echinacea angustifoliainhibits the virus, 20 drops every other hour. Hold in mouth, then swallow slowly so tincture comes in contact with mucous membranes. Only useful in stage one. Lomatium tincture dosage, 20 drops every hour until condition improves. Boneset tincture or tea for body aches and fever. While some may recommend raw garlic at this stage, it may be too hot and pungent for this condition and it destroys good gut bacteria along with the bad. Learn more in Wisdom of the Five Flavors: The Energetics of Healing with Food and Herbs.

Phase Two – Moderate infection: A combination of Chinese skullcap, licorice, lomatium, cordyceps, astragulus, rhodiola, boneset, and elder. Antiviral Tincture Formula: Equal parts Chinese Skullcap, licorice, lomatium, redroot. 60 drops every hour. Immune Tincture Formula: Equal parts astragulus, cordyceps, and rhodiola. 60 drops 3x/day.

Phase Three – Severe infection: Double the dosage of Antiviral and Immune Tincture Formula.

Resources:

Elk Mountain Herbs

1st Chinese Herbs

Pacific Botanicals

Thanks for all of the useful and detailed information, Kristyne! Much love and a warm, germ-free hug, Fred

Thanks for the great anti-viral herbal information. I got into herbalism last spring after watching a docu-series so I am happy to see I have a lot of these herbs in my home already. :) Be well!

Sorry I've not looked in sooner Wendy-I have not used Cinchona.  For fever the monographs I have suggest it, but there are some side effects and many drug and food interactions so check it out online or in a good herbal text. If using, 1 tsp of bark boiled for ten or fifteen minutes to make a cup would generally be a dose and most herbs are taken 2-3 x a day.  Like I said, don't have experience with this one...so do your research.   Be well and happy!!   The times they are a changin' guess we're going along for the ride.            kristyne..  

Thanks, Julie. For a quick summary of his 12 rules for life, check out https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2018/01/jordan-peterso....

Just finished reading Crime & Punishment and The Idiot which are on Peterson's recommend reading list. Both distinctly disturbing, especially the ending of The Idiot - I feel I might dream of this tonight - it needs some processing ;-)

Thanks for that note, Chris. I'm super busy right now, but if you remind me in a couple weeks or so, we could probably install a thumbs up feature. Much love!

Great to hear that you are doing well, Nick! And thanks for the inspiring news from Vietnam.

I'm afraid I don't buy all the stuff from QAnon, Wilcock, and others that Trump is going to save us all. By April 10th, the date they are predicting everything will have changed, I'd be willing to bet they will have some excuse for why it was postponed, as has happened every time these predictions are made for many years. Consider that this may be very sophistical disinformation.

If you are waiting for someone to save you and us, I suspect you will keep on waiting until you realize the true savior lies within.

Much love and a warm, germ-free hug,

Fred

Glad you're having a grand adventure!

I also had to set some boudaries with my blood family.

And I don't believe in Q either. We have to save our selves. If you honestly believe Trump does anything for anyone besides himself, you're a poor judge of character. Completely self-centered and power mad.

I don't suppose you have access to Netflix, but if you do, check out The Family.

I'll make one comment about our current situation, and then it's only looking forward for me, that's why I quit stolenhistory.org cause they wouldn't stop talking about it.

It is all over. The power of the STURCH has been broken (not by Q or Trump) and the control system will not be coming back.

I used to think it would take three days to a week to destroy money, and this has been over two weeks and counting... It's over.

So think about our bright and free future! Develop more community and build your local villages. Enjoy the healing Earth. So much pollution is receding after just this long! I can't wait until all I hear is nature and people living in harmony again.

That old thimg wasn't about harmony at all.

Love you all and I'll enjoy the time we have left here together until the internet inevitably ends as well.

Work on your other senses and abilities! Develop your super powers during this grace period we have before things get more challenging.

I concur, pal.

I actually thought he was perfect for the job of exposing 'Merica for what it really is. The poster child for bullies. I don't judge him, he is what he is.

And it's just taking itself apart. All we gotta do is stay outta the way and work on building the real thing. Politics, religion and entertainment industries are self-destructing from their own iniquity.

I feel like I've been waiting for this time for my entire life. Time to SHINE.

Peace, brother.