Antiviral- Effects of Herbs
Lomatium dissectum
- Constituents:
- Flavonoids;
- Coumarins;
- Tetronic acids
- Root of L. dissectum may be valuable for treatment of the Chronic fatigue syndrome, for which there is no accepted orthodox treatment
In Northern Nevada, the Lomatium dissectum flowers are dark sulfur yellow, and persist about two weeks in late May or early June. Lomatium dissectum leaves resemble those of a carrot or parsley plant. The name "dissectum" refers to finely divided or dissected leaves.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as ME(myalgic encephalomyelitis), post viral syndrome or "yuppie flu" is a recently identified syndrome for which there is no accepted orthodox treatment. Typically the symptoms arise after a case of what seems like a prolonged flu, with fatigue as the most prominent symptom of the flu. Recent clinical observations of the use of the root of Lematium dissectum suggest that this herb may be valuable for the treatment of CFS and other viral infections. The mechanism of action is not known. Lomatium contains flavonoids, coumarins and tetronic acids. During the influenza epidemic of 1917, a doctor named Ernest Kerbbs noticed the use of lomatium by the Indians, and applied it with success in his own clinical practice.
Hepatitis C and Other Viral Syndromes
In 1997 I began recommending Lomatium dissectum extracts to my patients with Hepatitis C, and was excited to note that a majority of the people using it regularly, as part of a program, had dramatic reductions in viral counts. Many experienced improvements in energy. Since then I have recommended it for other viral syndromes, upper respiratory illness and sinusitis with good results. It seems to be helpful both by itself and in combination with other herbs, depending on the condition.
Cheri Quincy, DO
Internal Medicine
Santa Rosa Medical Group
Influenza - Chronic Fatigue - HIV
Herbalist Michael Moore, in his book, "Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West", (Red Crane Books 1993), notes that Lomatium “definitely helps simple head colds and shortens the duration of overt influenza viral infections." It also seems to be helpful in "limiting the severity and number of respiratory infections in those with slow viruses…” (the chronic fatigue genre). He suggests the possibility of trying it with HIV infections, again due to its ability to improve general resistance to respiratory infections.
Naturopaths, Michael T. Murray, N.D., and Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D., in their classic Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, (Prima Publishing, 1991) consider Lomatium dissectum and Ligusticum porteri (a plant from the Southwestern US commonly called Osha) together. In their chapter on Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the authors consider that “….. Empirical experience with virus-associated diseases strongly recommends serious consideration of these plants as elements of a protocol for virus-associated acquired immune deficiency.”
Influenza Epidemic
In 1920, Dr. Ernst Krebs of Carson City, Nevada, reported on his use of Lomatium dissectum, then called Leptotaenia, during the epidemic of 1918. He observed that the nearby Washoe tribe had not a single death from influenza or its complications. He then made a preparation of this plant medicine for treating his patients with influenza, from the mildest to the most virulent cases. He states that he found Lomatium dissectum to be the nearest approach then available as a specific in epidemic influenza and the accompanying pneumonia.
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