A Chinese herb known as y? zh? c?o (Commelina communis) was recently shown to reduce the H1N1 death rate by more than 50% in mice when administered after infection. If the herb was taken prophylactically (for prevention), the H1N1 virus was inhibited by up to 90%. Thus, ya zhi cao is yet another Chinese herb we can add to the arsenal against H1N1.
 
Arch Virol. 2009 Sep 23. [Epub ahead of print]

Today we had our first workshop in our new office space on a very hot topic - H1N1 and how to take care of yourself throughout cold and flu season. We discussed several recipes that you can make at home to boost your immune system as part of your self care plan to avoid getting sick… 
 
Immune boosting soup 

 
Directions: Place the beef and bones into a pot. Cover with water and slowly bring to a boil, skimming the surface occasionally. When the water comes to a boil, turn down to simmer, add the mushrooms, carrots, burdock, and onion. Add sprigs of fresh thyme and parsley, as well as salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low heat around 3-4 hours until the meat falls off the bones. 
 
Immune enhancing juice 
 

 
Directions: Juice the apple, Swiss chard, carrots and pepper. Add citrus juice and enjoy! 
 
Immunity smoothie
 

Researchers in Italy recently examined the antiviral activity of tea tree oil. They found that it effectively inhibited H1N1 replication at doses that were not toxic to normal cells. Therefore, you may want to consider diffusing tea tree oil in your office space to help prevent H1N1 infection, and if you have already contracted it, you may want to diffuse it at home to protect other family members.
 
Lett Appl Microbiol. 2009 Sep 18. [Epub ahead of print]

Researchers have been frantically looking for new and potent antivirals to combat the recent potential epidemics/pandemics of the Swine Flu (H1N1), Avian Flu (H9N2 and H5N1) and others. Chinese Medicinal compounds have shown powerful antiviral effects, so researchers looked into an herb called andrographis that had already exhibited broad spectrum antiviral properties including inhibition of HIV. A compound isolated from andrographis resulted in a 100% survival rate for pandemic H1N1 when administered at the proper time in the proper dose. If you are around sick people, then taking andrographis prophylactically might be prudent. If you think you have the flu, get to an herbalist right away (be sure to wear a mask to minimize the risk of infecting other people). According to this study, if you wait 72 hours after exposure to the flu, this herb and the antiviral drugs have no significant effects.
 
We are recommending the equivalent of about 5g/day for prevention and 10 - 14g for treatment (AE). This herb should be combined with other herbs to mitigate some of the potential side effects according to your particular constitution.
 
Biol Pharm Bull. 2009 Aug;32(8):1385-91

A Chinese herbal formula known as wu ling san was shown to not only reduce blood sugar levels, but to reverse the resulting kidney damage in mice. This is incredibly important if you are diabetic because the kidneys are one of the areas that can lead to serious diabetic complications such as dialysis. The fact that you may be able to not just prevent kidney damage, but reverse it is highly significant. If you or anyone in your family is diabetic, you should consider consulting with a professional. We don’t recommend self-prescribing. Herbs are just like pharmaceuticals (in fact many pharmaceuticals actually come form herbs) and you need to know when something is appropriate and, just as important, at what dose. You also need to know how to balance some of the herbs. In this case, the formula can cause a number of side effects if it is not appropriate for your particular constitution. A competent herbalist will know how to monitor you on the formula and how to identify and counteract side effects before they become problematic.
 
J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Jul 15;124(2):211-8. Epub 2009 May 3

A recent study looked at the effects of elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) on the H1N1 virus. They found that the extract prevents the H1N1 virus from infecting host cells (i.e., you), by binding to particular sites of the virus (called virions) that block prevent the virus from either recognizing your cells or from getting in. The researchers noted that the strength of the extract compared favorably to the known anti-influenza activities of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Amantadine (both are anti-viral drugs). So keep in mind that this can be a safe and effective alternative for prevention. Once you get the virus, it can help slow it down, but doesn’t kill it. Other herbs can do that.
 
Phytochemistry. 2009 Jul;70(10):1255-61. Epub 2009 Aug 12.

MSG is now a well known excito-toxin that is found in everything from Campbell’s soup, to El Pollo Loco, to Fridays, Chilies, soy sauce, fish sauce, Doritos, Cheesy-poofs and every type of asian food imaginable. Researchers have recently begun to look into things that could counteract the negative effects of MSG. In this study, they found that ginger root did the trick, at least in mice, and at least when it was injected into their abdomens at a dose of 100mg/kg. In other words, for a 75 kg person you would need to ingest 7.5 grams of ginger per day (wow). But even at lower doses it probably has some protective effects and may explain why people don’t instantly drop dead when they eat asian food. Vitamin C is another substance that helps protect against the neurotoxicity of MSG, a recent study also found that it can protect the thymus as well.
 
Pak J Biol Sci. 2009 Feb 1;12(3):201-12
Bratisl Lek Listy. 2009;110(4):205-9.