H5N1- Bird Flu
Avian influenza A(H5N1) or Bird Flu.
These are my personal notes, please consult your health care professional for use and contraindications. This is for teaching and information purposes only.
Generally transmitted by birds, but is a zoonotic disease, so can transmit to other animals and sometimes, humans. This is a list of specific plants for H5N1, in direct anti-viral effects known and also supporting the body systems specifically targeted by the virus. Most all this info can be found in Buhner’s Herbal Antivirals. There are a wide range of herbals that could also be added to this list for influenza, and without testing most of us won’t know what type of flu they may have. General influenza protocols should be employed, and adding these other ideas, if you believe they could help your specific symptom profile. As herbalists, we do not diagnose or treat disease, we treat imbalances.
Bird Flu affects the cilia in the lungs especially the lower lungs along with the cilia of the lower respiratory tract. (Pine- traditionally used to help with guarding against infection settling in the lower lungs) It is important to watch that this in the lower lungs especially, so that it doesn’t turn into a secondary infection, like pneumonia.
We want to protect the spleen and lymph structures, along with cilia structures and mucus membranes in the body. The cilia brings up mucus from the lungs, and when they are damaged cannot do their job, so infection can easily settle in the lower lungs.
Fresh Ginger Juice (narrow antiviral, but a primary specific for respiratory infections)
Plants shown to be directly antiviral to H5N1
Echinacea angustifolia- needs to be in contact with the virus in order to be antiviral. Dribble down the throat.
Elderberry
Licorice- can cause high blood pressure in some people.
Licorice and Chinese skullcap in combination should be considered the main antivirals to use for any viral infection. (Buhner 218)
Cillia protective herbs
Cordyceps
Olive oil and leaf
The berberines- Oregon grape, Barberry etc.
Bidens Pilosa
Plants that help auto immune response
Rhodiola
Astragalus ( with Reishi in bone broth for influenza A, see David Whinstons immune Broth)
Cordyceps
Plants to help protect the spleen (some also lymph)
Red root
Poke Root (use flower essence, or under guidance of healthcare provider for internal use)
Chinese skullcap