Boosting Anti-viral Immune System
- Mucous secretions contain antiviral IgA antibodies and other immune
components. Consider role of expectorants.
- Increased surface circulation increases expression of surface
immunity. Consider role of diffusives and diaphoretics.
- Nutritional considerations: Zn, A, C, E, Se, EFA.
- Cholecalciferol and immuno-competency of antigen-presenting cells.
- Sleep debt lowers immunity
- Sugar lowers immunity
- Moderate (not heavy) exercise supports immunity
- Botanicals, with multiple constituents, may enhance host resistance while at the same time
reducing tissue injury from excessive inflammation.
- Cyclic cytokine "storms" in response to infection cause systemic inflammation.
- Chronic viral hepatitis causes damage to liver by immune response.
- HIV infection triggers autoimmune response.
Adapted from [Bergner2021a]
The Lamiaceae and herpesvirus
Many Lamiaceae plants and their constituents active against herpesvirus in vitro.
German research now spans more than 50 years.
The general pattern of resesarch is: effectiveness by multiple researchers against HSV-1, HSV-2
or acyclovir-resistant herpes (ACV).
Pretreatment of culture prevents infection, ineffective after entrance into the cell.
This suggests mechanism that interferes with viral coat [Bergner2021a].
Lamiaceae plants against herpesvirus ranked by number of anti-herpes constituents:
- Thymus: 14
- Rosmarinus: 9
- Salvia: 9
- Mentha: 7
- Hyssop: 5
- Melissa: 5
Effective in very high dilutions of essential oils, such as those in preparations of the whole
plant.
Consider combinations for synergistic effect [Bergner2021a].
