avian influenza virus information

There is no reason to conclude that natural remedies are not available or are inferior to scientifically developed pharmaceuticals. It may be interesting to know that shikimic acid - the main ingredient of Tamiflu - was extracted from Star Anise seed (John Ruwitch, Reuters, Nov 25, 2005). Shikimic acid has also been found in spruce, pine and fir trees (Leonard Zehr, Globe and Mail, Dec 23, 2005).

If the main ingredient (shikimic acid) of Tamiflu comes from Star Anise seed, does this mean Star Anise seed offers the natural cure? Star Anise seed (whole fruit) has been used in cough and cold remedies. It is also recommended for various digestive and intestinal problems and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.	Star Anise - Sternanis - Illicium verum
However, while Star Anise seed may be beneficial, it is not particularly rich in shikimic acid. The amount of shikimic acid required to stop an influenza virus would probably exceed the amount of Star Anise seed one would be able to digest. Additionally, in large amounts Star Anise may have side-effects such as trembling and convulsions because of its high anethole content.

As already mentioned, there is no cure available for H5N1 as the final mutation of the virus is not available for experimentation. Nevertheless, there are a number of natural remedies with extraordinary track records in the treatment of viral, bacterial and fungal infections.

Star Anise Source: Deni Bown, New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses, 2001: 242.

Potentially Life-Saving Natural Healing Remedies
The following potential remedies require testing and must still be administered by a health care professional. Keep in mind, when ill you may be unable to think clearly, become physically weakened and be unable to administer any medication. In case the virus becomes air-borne, patients would require isolation and health care professionals would require protective clothing. Regular breathing masks may not offer adequate protection as we have learned from SARS.

Ozone (H3)
Tests have shown the amazing ability of injected Ozone to kill virus, bacteria and fungus in the blood. When Ozone is injected it is not poisonous as is falsely reported. Injected Ozone has been safely used for many years in Europe to remove parasites from water and blood.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
H2O2 can sometimes be substituted for Ozone. Hydrogen peroxide must be administered by an experienced professional.

Colloidal silver
Colloidal silver is antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal.

Hemp seed oil or Flax seed oil
These oils strengthen every cell in the body and improve oxygenation.

Olive Leaf extract
Olive Leaf contains elenolic acid which is effective against various bacteria and viruses. Olive Leaf extract is a strong antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and in general stimulates the Immune System. Dr. James R. Privatera, M.D. reports that patients with bacterial infections non-responsive to antibiotics improved after treatment with Olive Leaf extract. Olive Leaf extract also increased the number of T-cells. Olive Leaf may also support cardiovascular functions.
Source: James R. Privatera, M.D., Olive Leaf Extract, Nutriscreen, Inc., 1996.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Said to be antiviral and strengthens stomach, adrenal glands (stress hormone), etc. It is also a gentle expectorant.

Oregano oil (Oreganum vulgare)
Wild Oregano oil (brands: Oregacyn P73 and Oreganol P73) has shown the ability to kill a wide range of germs in vitro (meaning in the laboratory, not in a patient). The following in vitro kill rates were recorded in 20 minutes: 100% of the human cold virus, 99.9% of the influenza virus, 99% of the bird flu virus. Because these were in vitro tests, one cannot expect comparable results or reaction times when trying to kill the virus in a patient.
Oregano has been used as an expectorant, a mild anticonvulsive and for coughing (including whooping cough). Oregano tea improves digestion, appetite, the flow of bile and supports the stomach and liver. Thus, Oregano may be helpful for a virus known to attack the respiratory organs and liver.
Oreganum vulgare and Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) contain the active compounds Carvacrol and Thymol, which are reported to be stronger antiseptics than Phenol. Thymol is also used for fungal infections.

Oregano Sources:
Lexikon der Heilpflanzen, 2004:81.; North American Herb and Spice, 2004.; Reuters (Pneumoniae), May 27, 1998.;
Alive Magazine, Sep 2005.; Oregacyn P73 and Oreganol P73: Alive.com, Dec 2005, no. 278: 17.;
Pdf-files concerning research into the effectiveness of Oregano P73: http://www.p-73.com/cdresearch.htm

Thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme oil has long been in use to disinfect mouth and throat. Additionally, it may benefit the respiratory system.

Pink Rockrose: Cystus Extract (Zistrose: Cistus incanus)
Cystus Extract may work well for the bird flu virus. Scientific tests in Germany on a related virus and a regular flu virus support this assumption; however, more tests are needed to confirm whether Cystus Extract is useful for H5N1. A test has also shown that viruses do not develop resistance to Cystus Extract.
The extract is traded by the German company Georgios Pandalis.

Source: Spiegel-Online (a German news magazine) reported that tests were carried out by the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Berliner Charité and the Universität Münster. Virologist Stephan Ludwig of the Universität Münster tested the Cystus extract on human cells infected with H7N7.

Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa)
Pleurisy root has long been used for treating lung-related ailments, such as: pleurisy, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, dry coughs, fever, colds and influenza. (Coughing and bleedings in the lungs are two symptoms of H5N1 infection; Coughing may also aggravate bleeding from the lungs.)

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
Coltsfoot is used to stop coughing (works on the brain center responsible for cough).

Hyssop (Hyssopus off.)
Hyssop is a known antiseptic with additional benefits to the respiratory system. It is useful for coughs, whooping cough, bronchitis and the flu.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Eucalyptus is a known antiseptic, decongestant and expectorant.

Bistort (Polygonum bistorta)
Bistort is used for inflammations and to stop bleedings.
Source: Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, 1998.

Tormentil (Potentilla erecta)
Tormentil is also useful for inflammations and bleedings.
Source: Lexikon der Heilpflanzen, 2004.

Other herbs used to stop bleedings are:
Knotgrass, Shepherd's purse, Woollygrass, White Oak, Cayenne Pepper, Buckwheat, Rue.

Garlic and Onion
Can be served as a soup. Strengthens the Immune System and contains useful substances such as Quercetin.

Silymarin (Silybum marianum)
Silymarin (a Milk Thistle extract) rebuilds liver tissue. The H5N1 virus may damage the liver.

Reishi ganoderma
Reishi ganoderma strengthens the Immune System and also may support the liver.

Other herbs and natural remedies may include:
Elderberry extract (weakens influenza), Cold-Fx (a Canadian remedy for flu; contains Oligosaccharides and Polysaccharides from Ginseng root), Taheebo (also called Pau d’Arco; may have antiviral properties), Echinacea (strengthens the immune-system), Cat’s Claw, Grapeseed extract (a strong antioxidant).

Vitamins and Minerals
A Multi-Vitamin/Mineral may be important. When it is difficult swallow pills, one may still be able to drink dissolved Spirulina which contains nearly all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other substances needed for disease recovery.
Of specific importance are Vitamin A (which protects the membranes, internal linings, skin), Vitamin C (antiviral), Zinc (important for hundreds of enzymatic reactions and the Immune System), Vitamin B-complex (which supports nerve, liver and brain functions as well as many enzymatic reactions).
The alkaline/base balance can be adjusted with adequate amounts of Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium.

Enzymes
Bromelain, Curcumin (Turmeric) and other enzymes are strong anti-inflammatory remedies.

Fever
Temperature should be observed and prevented from going too high. Otherwise, fever is designed to weaken any virus.

Zentrum Publishing publishes information for educational purposes only.
For diagnosis and treatment it is our advice to seek out professional help.
Any statement or claim about natural treatments may not have been evaluated by the FDA or Health Canada.

Influenza Virus:
H5N1 Killer Virus, CBC News, The Passionate Eye
Scientific American, Nov. 2005: 45.
The Invisible Enemy, Dorothy H. Crawford, Oxford University Press, 2000.

In Vitro Research:
Virucidal Effectiveness Tests: Influenza Virus and Avian Influenza Virus, Microbiotest, Inc., Cass Ingram, D.O., M. Khalid Ijaz, DVM, Ph.D.

avian influenza virus information - Page 2