Stephen Harrod Buhner's Herbal Antivirals: Natural Remedies for Emerging & Resistant Viral Infections is another essential volume to acquire for the medical prepping library. Just like his Herbal Antibiotics book, in this volume Dr. Buhner clearly presents information for each of the herbs and viral diseases he discusses, without any fluff. Everything is meticulously researched and documented, though much of the research does comes from outside the United States. Maybe that's a plus.
Buhner starts off this volume with an introduction to viruses, and though he includes the biological explanations of what viruses do, he pretty much keeps it to a level that most non-life science people with a couple of brain cells to rub together can understand. He keeps it at a conversational level, and even a bit entertaining at times. He touches on polio, smallpox, and influenza--the stuff we're somewhat familiar with, and then brings out chikungunya, a virus spread by mosquitoes that causes fever and debilitating pain, for which doctors prescribed acetaminophen. And the cause of death for many of chikungunya's victims was--get this--liver failure from the acetaminophen.
So what's to be done? As Buhner points out, Big Pharma doesn't have a lot of antivirals at its disposal. About 30% of the pages in this volume are devoted to Buhner's top seven antiviral herbs: Chinese skullcap, elder, ginger, houttuynia, isatis, licorice, and lomatium, plus boneset and red root, which merit an honorable mention. However, he also lists the many herbal options and dosages for all the illnesses he discusses; he just doesn't go into elaborate detail on the others. So you'll also learn or be reminded of how to use blackberry, raspberry, oregano, thyme, knotweed, berberine, and many other herbs in your treatment of viral diseases. And he offers some advice and herbal suggestions for strengthening the immune system.
In the appendices, Buhner includes an introduction to making herbal medicine as well as a list of suppliers he recommends. Now, as preppers, we're probably happier being able to produce our own medicine, and fortunately, the author also includes, with his discussion on each of the herbs, guidelines for growing and harvesting the herbs and sources for obtaining seeds or plants. So there's that to look forward to. In addition, the bibliography is over 50 pages long. If you want to find sources for further researching a specific disease or herb, it's all there.
Like Herbal Antibiotics, I think this volume would be better with pictures to help with plant identification. And one other complaint that some readers have is that very little attention devoted to the common cold. To me, that's not a deal breaker. A cold doesn't kill you, and if you strictly practice basic hygiene, common sense, and eat a healthy diet, you shouldn't have too many.
Like with his other books, Buhner's
intended audience is those who want a natural, practical, and effective approach to treating viral diseases. In that respect it is also quite invaluable to preppers looking
for tools to defend themselves against enemies they can't even see. Buhner provides treatment protocols for viral respiratory infections like influenza, pneumonia, SARS, RSV, and croup; viral encephalitis infections such as Japanese, West Nile, tick-borne, and dengue; and other viruses like enterovirus, varicella (shingles), herpes, and Epstein-Barr.
I'm glad I don't have to choose between getting Herbal Antibiotics or Herbal Antivirals. They are both must-haves, in my opinion. But if I did have to choose, the nod would go to Herbal Antibiotics. Herbal Antibiotics covers the plants you want for treating respiratory diseases, which is probably huge for all of us. I live in a desert where we have almost nothing in the way of ticks or mosquitoes, and much of Herbal Antivirals deals with tick- and mosquito-borne diseases. If I did have to deal with ticks and mosquitoes, or if I were worried about shingles, I'd eat rice and beans for a month and save the money to get this book. There should be a copy in every group, if not every family.
Links to related posts:
Alton's Antibiotics and Infectious Disease, Dr. Joe Alton and Amy Alton
Herbal Antibiotics, by Stephen Buhner
The Herbal Medic, by Sam Coffman
© 2019, PrepSchoolDaily.blogspot.com
Showing posts with label oregano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label oregano. Show all posts
Monday, April 1, 2019
Monday, March 4, 2019
The Medicinal Uses of Oregano
Disclaimer. I am not a licensed health
practitioner. This is just another post on an item you might wish to
have available if needed so that a physician can treat you and your
family as best as possible. No medication, including those available
over the counter, should be taken without consulting a physician.
Information shared here is for educational and entertainment purposes
only. It is not medical advice nor a substitute for licensed medical
care. A qualified, licensed physician or other medical provider should
be consulted before beginning any herbal or conventional treatment.
Precious few clinical trials have been conducted to study the medicinal uses of oregano, Origanum vulgare. However, it's got a long history of use in folk remedies.
Oregano, an easily grown perennial, is a fabulous addition to the garden as it repels insects. You can start your own from seed or buy plants at the nursery. And once you get to the store to pick out your plants or seeds, you realize there are several different kinds of oregano. And you get mad, because you don't know which kind is best. So here you go: Mediterranean oregano, Origanum vulgare, is the most medicinal. Origanum marjoram is closely related and more often used in seasoning Italian dishes, but is a bit less medicinal.
Only the leaves are used, and as soon as you've got some leaves, you can start using it. Of course, you don't want to strip all the leaves at once, or you'll kill the plant.
Of course, most of the world's oregano is grown and used for cooking and in salads. It's one of the few herbs that is stronger when cooked. Adding it to your foods is like getting tiny, tiny doses of preventative medicine in each bite you take. And that's because one of the best properties or medicinal uses of oregano is to strengthen the immune system. Who doesn't need more of that?
In vitro studies have demonstrated that oregano extracts are active against enterovirus 71, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcous aureus, Helicobacter pylori, and Penicillium. That's pretty impressive, but as noted above, not a lot of clinical trials have been performed. Researchers are still at the stage of conducting studies on mice.
And these studies on mice have shown that oregano oil can reduce cholesterol, inflammation, and pain.
FRESH OR DRIED HERB
Infusion: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of fresh or dried herb for 10 minutes in one cup of hot water, three times per day. Use for heartburn, bloating, and intestinal parasites.
OIL OF OREGANO
Oil of oregano capsules are not the same as oregano essential oil put into capsules. Oregano essential oil is much more concentrated and powerful. Oil of oregano is diluted and less potent. And there there is also oregano oil, which is simply oil infused with oregano and used strictly for cooking. They are all different animals used for different purposes and are not interchangeable. Yes, it can be very confusing.
In one of the very few clinical trials on oregano, it was shown that six weeks of supplementation with 600 mg of oil of oregano daily eliminated Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni and Endolimax nana in 10 out of 14 patients, with the remaining four showing a significant decrease in B. hominis. For those who have never heard of these protozoa and amoeba (I certainly hadn't until I started researching oregano), they are very commonly found parasites, even in first world countries. They are also generally non-pathogenic, meaning they don't cause symptoms in most people. People with compromised immune systems are another matter. Oil of oregano is a common supplement sold in most grocery stores and online.
ESSENTIAL OIL
However, most of the recent experience with oregano is in the form of oregano essential oil. According to Dr. Joseph Alton, author of The Survival Medicine Handbook, oregano essential oil is safe to ingest. For a natural pain reliever around wounds, Dr. Alton also advises 2-4 drops of oregano essential oil diluted in a 50-50 concentration with a carrier oil and spread around the edges of the wound. It can also be used to relieve the pain of insect and spider bites. When diluted to a strength of four drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil and rubbed on the affected area, it is used to relieve menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, and muscle pain.
Something that's been circulating on the internet for awhile, and with which we have personal experience here, is called the morphine bomb. It is touted for treating chronic, serious back pain. No, it is not going to get you high or anywhere near that. I came across the formula when looking for relief for my adult son who is plagued by incapacitating abdominal pain that doctors for the past six years have been unable to diagnose or treat. He's at the point where he's willing to try anything legal and non-mind-altering. After it helped him, my two daughters tried it for menstrual cramps as well.
The formula is five drops each of oregano, frankincense, copaiba, and balsam fir essential oils in a capsule, taken every four hours, or as needed. It helps my son until he develops a tolerance to it. For my daughters, the one who has excruciating menstrual cramps can't function without it. For the other daughter, she said it worked, but it wasn't worth the Pine-Sol breath so she wasn't going to take it anymore.
UPDATE (7 October 2019): Further research has found that most essential oils, even those that are food grade, should not be ingested, and that includes balsam fir. Food grade essential oils are safe to use as flavorings; the person eating the food with the essential oil flavoring is getting a very dilute, minute amount overall. Taken in the quantities above for the morphine bomb is significant and could have a substantial effect on the liver or kidneys.
For respiratory conditions such as coughs, asthma, croup, bronchitis, cold, sinus, and flu, put a few drops in boiling water and inhale deeply for five minutes.
For relieving stress and anxiety, again, put a few drops in boiling water and inhale deeply.
Contraindications: Oil of oregano and oregano essential oil should not be taken by pregnant women in medicinal amounts or treatments. Culinary usage is perfectly safe. Oil of oregano and oregano essential oil are not to be taken by individuals who take lithium or by those allergic to mint, marjoram, hyssop, lavender, or basil. These products may increase bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders.
Cautions. Because of the risk of increased bleeding, discontinue the use of medicinal oregano products two weeks before surgery. Do not use undiluted essential oil directly on the skin as it may burn. Even when diluted it may cause an allergic reaction. Oregano may also cause a decrease in the absorption of zinc and/or iron.
Links to related posts:
Herbs and Spices
Herbal Antivirals (book review)
Rosemary
Coconut Oil
Dill Weed
For further reading:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5068374/ (accessed on 22 January 2019)
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf0510079%20 (accessed on 21 January 2019)
https://steptohealth.com/medicinal-uses-oregano-oil/ (accessed on 22 January 2019)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23498188 (accessed on 22 January 2019)
https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/10-uses-organic-oregano-oil/#references (accessed on 22 January 2019)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16010969 (accessed on 22 January 2019)
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266259.php (accessed on 21 January 2019)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3769578/ (accessed on 22 January 2019)
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-oregano-oil-benefits-and-uses#section11 (accessed on 22 January 2019)
© 2019, PrepSchoolDaily.blogspot.com
8 july 2024
Precious few clinical trials have been conducted to study the medicinal uses of oregano, Origanum vulgare. However, it's got a long history of use in folk remedies.
Oregano, an easily grown perennial, is a fabulous addition to the garden as it repels insects. You can start your own from seed or buy plants at the nursery. And once you get to the store to pick out your plants or seeds, you realize there are several different kinds of oregano. And you get mad, because you don't know which kind is best. So here you go: Mediterranean oregano, Origanum vulgare, is the most medicinal. Origanum marjoram is closely related and more often used in seasoning Italian dishes, but is a bit less medicinal.
Only the leaves are used, and as soon as you've got some leaves, you can start using it. Of course, you don't want to strip all the leaves at once, or you'll kill the plant.
Of course, most of the world's oregano is grown and used for cooking and in salads. It's one of the few herbs that is stronger when cooked. Adding it to your foods is like getting tiny, tiny doses of preventative medicine in each bite you take. And that's because one of the best properties or medicinal uses of oregano is to strengthen the immune system. Who doesn't need more of that?
In vitro studies have demonstrated that oregano extracts are active against enterovirus 71, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcous aureus, Helicobacter pylori, and Penicillium. That's pretty impressive, but as noted above, not a lot of clinical trials have been performed. Researchers are still at the stage of conducting studies on mice.
And these studies on mice have shown that oregano oil can reduce cholesterol, inflammation, and pain.
FRESH OR DRIED HERB
Infusion: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of fresh or dried herb for 10 minutes in one cup of hot water, three times per day. Use for heartburn, bloating, and intestinal parasites.
OIL OF OREGANO
Oil of oregano capsules are not the same as oregano essential oil put into capsules. Oregano essential oil is much more concentrated and powerful. Oil of oregano is diluted and less potent. And there there is also oregano oil, which is simply oil infused with oregano and used strictly for cooking. They are all different animals used for different purposes and are not interchangeable. Yes, it can be very confusing.
In one of the very few clinical trials on oregano, it was shown that six weeks of supplementation with 600 mg of oil of oregano daily eliminated Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni and Endolimax nana in 10 out of 14 patients, with the remaining four showing a significant decrease in B. hominis. For those who have never heard of these protozoa and amoeba (I certainly hadn't until I started researching oregano), they are very commonly found parasites, even in first world countries. They are also generally non-pathogenic, meaning they don't cause symptoms in most people. People with compromised immune systems are another matter. Oil of oregano is a common supplement sold in most grocery stores and online.
ESSENTIAL OIL
However, most of the recent experience with oregano is in the form of oregano essential oil. According to Dr. Joseph Alton, author of The Survival Medicine Handbook, oregano essential oil is safe to ingest. For a natural pain reliever around wounds, Dr. Alton also advises 2-4 drops of oregano essential oil diluted in a 50-50 concentration with a carrier oil and spread around the edges of the wound. It can also be used to relieve the pain of insect and spider bites. When diluted to a strength of four drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil and rubbed on the affected area, it is used to relieve menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, and muscle pain.
Something that's been circulating on the internet for awhile, and with which we have personal experience here, is called the morphine bomb. It is touted for treating chronic, serious back pain. No, it is not going to get you high or anywhere near that. I came across the formula when looking for relief for my adult son who is plagued by incapacitating abdominal pain that doctors for the past six years have been unable to diagnose or treat. He's at the point where he's willing to try anything legal and non-mind-altering. After it helped him, my two daughters tried it for menstrual cramps as well.
The formula is five drops each of oregano, frankincense, copaiba, and balsam fir essential oils in a capsule, taken every four hours, or as needed. It helps my son until he develops a tolerance to it. For my daughters, the one who has excruciating menstrual cramps can't function without it. For the other daughter, she said it worked, but it wasn't worth the Pine-Sol breath so she wasn't going to take it anymore.
UPDATE (7 October 2019): Further research has found that most essential oils, even those that are food grade, should not be ingested, and that includes balsam fir. Food grade essential oils are safe to use as flavorings; the person eating the food with the essential oil flavoring is getting a very dilute, minute amount overall. Taken in the quantities above for the morphine bomb is significant and could have a substantial effect on the liver or kidneys.
For respiratory conditions such as coughs, asthma, croup, bronchitis, cold, sinus, and flu, put a few drops in boiling water and inhale deeply for five minutes.
For relieving stress and anxiety, again, put a few drops in boiling water and inhale deeply.
Contraindications: Oil of oregano and oregano essential oil should not be taken by pregnant women in medicinal amounts or treatments. Culinary usage is perfectly safe. Oil of oregano and oregano essential oil are not to be taken by individuals who take lithium or by those allergic to mint, marjoram, hyssop, lavender, or basil. These products may increase bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders.
Cautions. Because of the risk of increased bleeding, discontinue the use of medicinal oregano products two weeks before surgery. Do not use undiluted essential oil directly on the skin as it may burn. Even when diluted it may cause an allergic reaction. Oregano may also cause a decrease in the absorption of zinc and/or iron.
Links to related posts:
Herbs and Spices
Herbal Antivirals (book review)
Rosemary
Coconut Oil
Dill Weed
For further reading:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5068374/ (accessed on 22 January 2019)
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf0510079%20 (accessed on 21 January 2019)
https://steptohealth.com/medicinal-uses-oregano-oil/ (accessed on 22 January 2019)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23498188 (accessed on 22 January 2019)
https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/10-uses-organic-oregano-oil/#references (accessed on 22 January 2019)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16010969 (accessed on 22 January 2019)
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266259.php (accessed on 21 January 2019)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3769578/ (accessed on 22 January 2019)
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-oregano-oil-benefits-and-uses#section11 (accessed on 22 January 2019)
© 2019, PrepSchoolDaily.blogspot.com
8 july 2024
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