Treating Viral Infections
Viral response protocol (For acute respiratory viruses only)
Antiviral foods - Garlic, Onion, Clove, Ginger, Curry
Hot shower/sauna two or three times per day until a heavy sweat is produced
Vigorous breathing exercises three times per day to invigorate the lung function - forced exhales (Kapalbhati) in three cycles of 30 breaths at a time. Done outside in the fresh air.
Eucalyptus oil as a chest rub (diluted in carrier); diffuse eucalyptus in the house; very small amounts can be taken internally short term, diluted in honey, use one drop at a time. Other useful antiviral oils: Cinnamon leaf, Melaleuca, Rosemary
Eat very lightly while feeling sick; spicy broth is an ideal meal
Viruses are a very common pathogen which cause many of the disease processes experienced by humans. From the common cold to HIV, these little bundles of RNA range from minor to downright scary, but as with all diseases, with a bit of study and a consistent plan, infections are treatable and curable.
From a biologic perspective, viruses are parasites, meaning they cannot survive without a host, which they depend upon for reproduction. Like many parasites, they do not usually strive to immediately kill a host, but rather they will find lodging and alternate between periods of activity and latency over the course of the host’s lifetime. During the active phase the virus is replicating and the host will be symptomatic and likely contagious. During the latent phase there will be not viral activity. This pattern may occur with high or low frequency depending on several factors such as: The strength of the host’s immune system, the hospitality of the host environment or lack thereof, and the environmental circumstances. Some viruses activate seasonally such as the common cold and flu viruses, which are notable for becoming active in the spring and fall. Other viruses are only active a couple of times in a person’s lifetime; this pattern is demonstrated by the Herpes Zoster Virus / Varicella Zoster Virus which is responsible for causing Chicken Pox upon initial infection (usually in childhood), and which nearly always remains entirely latent for a period of as much as 60 or 70 years before potentially reappearing as Shingles in old age when the virus once again becomes active. Still other viruses exhibit activity by the month or perhaps several times per year; this is more common to see in something like Herpes Simplex.
Despite long-term, low-grade infection being the most common viral behaviour, still some viruses infect aggressively and can quickly lead to severe symptoms and possible death, depending upon the strength of the host and the course of treatment. This type of pattern is more commonly exhibited by viruses of the genus Flaviviridae - West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, and Zika Virus, and the genus Filoviridae - Ebola and Marburg virus which can quickly lead to complications of encephalitis and hemorrhage. Infections of these types require swift and aggressive treatment strategies in most cases in order to prevent severe complications.
When it comes to treating viral infections with Chinese medicine the first thing to consider is the location of the virus. For respiratory viruses, in addition the the use of antiviral substances, diaphoretics are used to induce sweating and bronchodilators are used to open the lungs and sinuses. This is the traditional method of inducing sweating to vent a cold. The most famous herb used for this purpose is 麻黄 - Ephedra sinica, which is a potent stimulant, vasodilator, bronchodilator, and diaphoretic. Secondary to this herb is 桂枝 - Cinnamomum cassia, which behaves similarly to ephedra but is not as aggressive and more appropriate for patients with some deficiency. For viruses affecting the genitals or nervous system we use herbs which are interactive with the liver and gallbladder, since these are the organs associated with these tissues. The most popular herb for this purpose is 柴胡 - Bupleurum falcatum, followed closely by 龍膽草 - Gentiana scabra. Oregano (usually in the form of oregano oil) is an example of one of the many household substances which demonstrates strong antiviral activity. After thorough evaluation a treatment plan may be formulated utilizing a combination of herbs which are specific to each individual. Furthermore dietary changes may be recommended.
One of the characteristic features of chronic viral infections is that the virus will take up residence in a particular tissue of the body where it hides under the radar of the immune system; this is often in epithelial cell layers. Epithelial cells make up connective tissues, muscle tissues, and nerve tissues and are non-vascular regions of the body, meaning they are not in direct contact with blood flow. The epithelial tissues of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, genitals, and the skin may all host latent viruses. Likewise we see that some, like Varicella Zoster, associate with particular nerves. Because viruses often successfully find residence in these tissue layers of the body they can remain undetected and undisturbed with relative ease. This means, when it comes to treating chronic viral conditions, one important factor is utilizing substances which are able to penetrate to these extravascular layers of the body or utilizing methods which guide treatments to these layers. In the context of herbal medicine, this will usually require one or several highly aromatic substances which have an acrid, piercing quality to them. Some common substances with this quality include: Clove, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, onion, wasabi, horseradish, etc.; these things are all able to quickly pierce through tissues. If you put wasabi in your mouth how long does it take before you can feel it in your nose, your eyes, etc. Many herbs used in medicine have this quality to the same or greater extent than these do, and they are used for the purpose of drying dampness, opening space within tissues, activating and tonifying tissues, creating movement in tissues, etc.
In addition to treating viruses by location it is important to include substances which are known to effectively deactivate or destroy viruses. The most common effective antiviral foods are: Garlic, onion and ginger. Garlic is the strongest of these, and can be used alone to effectively treat chronic viral infections. The most common effective antiviral herbs are: Honeysuckle flower, forsythia fruit, gentian root, oregano, wormwood, and skullcap. There are many antiviral herbs, but these are commonly available, and all quite effective. The choice of one of these herbs over any of the others depends upon the location and type of virus, and they are often used together.
Any latent infection in the body is fundamentally a failure on the part of the immune system, so another important treatment principle to employ in working to eliminate viral infection is to strengthen the immune system function. This can be accomplished with regular exercise, a healthy diet, taking vitamins and supportive herbs, etc. Please get in touch with the clinic if you would like to discuss specifics regarding viral infections and treatment strategies.