vendredi 27 février 2015
mardi 24 février 2015
Antiviral Activity of Essential Oils
The body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of natural botanicals against a great variety of viruses is growing. Over twenty years ago, German scientists found extracts of more than 100 species of the Lamiaceae family to have antiviral effects. This discovery lead to and increase in the examination of essential oils in Europe for the treatment of viral infections.
Essential oils from many plant families have now been demonstrated to have antiviral properties. Interestingly, different plant families exhibit varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the virus strain. This is due to the particular molecular structures found in each type of oil, which penetrate physical entities to varying degrees (different tissues, cell walls, mucous membranes, etc). The effect on each virus strain depends also on the virus structure (enveloped, non-enveloped, molecular symmetry, etc.)
Certainly, one of the reasons for oils' effectiveness en vivo is their lipophillic character - essential oils are easily absorbed into mammalian tissues, where they may produce the greatest results. In fact, when studying the anti-viral effects of essential oils, researchers found that normal cells seemed to acquire a special resistance to viral penetration, though the mechanism for this effect is not yet known.
Melissa and the Herpes Virus
One of the Lamiaceae plants studied, Melissa (Melissa officinalis - also known as Lemon Balm), was shown particularly efficacious against the herpes virus (HSV). Doctor Dietrich Wabner, a professor at the Technical University of Munich, has even reported that a one-time application of Melissa oil led to a complete remission of HSV lesions. A cream medication for Herpes outbreaks, who's active ingredient is an extract of Melissa, is now sold in Germany under the name Lomaherpan. Use of Melissa essential oil itself may be just as effective - the oil can be applied directly to the lesions (or diluted to 10% in carrier if sensitivity is noted) to speed healing. Further occurrences can be prevented by applying oil to the area when sensations signal an eminent outbreak - repeating this protocol 3 or 4 times has been reported to cause total remission in some individuals.
Other essential oils found effective against the Herpes virus include bergamot, eucalyptus, lemongrass and tea tree. Related to HSV is Herpes Zoster or 'Shingles', another common virus-mediated skin condition. Application of a 50/50 blend of Ravensara essential oil and Tamanu nut oil has been found extremely effective for reducing symptoms by many people.
Antiviral Components of Oils
The list of essential oils exhibiting antiviral effects is extensive: Melissa (as above), tea tree, juniper, eucalyptus, thyme, palmarosa, lavender, rosemary, clove, laurel, cinnamon bark, anise, rose, lemongrass, geranium, neroli, bergamot, clary sage, and dill. The antiviral effect of an essential oil is due to particular components of the oil - some oils will work just as effectively on a particular infection as another, because they contain similar amounts of a certain component. The components of essential oils showing antiviral activity, and the oils in which they can be found, are as follows (from K. Schnaubelt, Ph.D. - Advanced Aromatherapy, p. 36):
Anethol - found in Anise
Alpha-Sabines - found in Tea Tree, Laurel, and other oils
Beta-Caryophyllene - found in Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme Linalool, and other oils
Carvone - found in Dill
Cinnamic aldehyde - found in Cinnamon Bark
Citral - found in Melissa, Lemongrass and other oils
Citronellol - found in Rose and Geranium
Eugenol - found in Clove
Gamma-Terpinene - Found in Juniper, Eucalyptus, Niaouli, Tea Tree and other oils
Linalol - found in Lavender and Neroli
Linalyl acetate - found in Clary Sage, Lavender, Bergamot and other oils
Limited In-Vivo Data
Good studies of application of these essential oils in cases of illness are difficult to come by, as infecting people with viruses in the laboratory to subsequently be treated with aromatics would be a difficult process at best. The oils and components above have mostly shown effectivenessin-vitro, though tests also indicate that the anti-viral effect should occur in-vivo as well. As with Melissa, it has been HSV that has been most thoroughly examined, because of the relative simplicity of doing so. But there is nothing particularly special about the herpes virus, and proper oil/pathogen paring should prove as effective.
There are some noted case studies by professional aromatherapists. Of importance in these studies is the oil/symptom relationship. Essential oils from plants of the Myrtaceae family - notably Eucalyptus Radiata and Tea Tree - and Ravensara (also high in Eucalyptol) seem to have helped in cases with respiratory symptoms. For the lower respiratory tract, Hyssop decumbens (from the same plant family as Melissa) has been of interest. Essential oils for such cases may be used either in a diffuser, being taken at regular intervals, or through massage, diluted in a carrier oil.
Conclusion
Because of the difficulty in many cases of illness in determining the exact virus type involved, more specific application cannot be given. Certainly, in cases of HSV, Melissa has been shown effective in a number of studies. For respiratory infections, Eucalyptus and Ravensara have been used with success, and can be safely used as an adjunct to regular medical care. These oils may support one's recovery on a physiologic level - essential oils also play a part in uplifting emotions, which may also speed healing, or at least improve mental outlook during the healing process. For such instances, one may simply find the essential oil or combination that one finds pleasant, calming, and/or uplifting. PLEASE NOTE: In no cases, however, should self-treatment with essential oils be used in place of professional medical care where signs/symptoms of infectious illness are present.
The body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of natural botanicals against a great variety of viruses is growing. Over twenty years ago, German scientists found extracts of more than 100 species of the Lamiaceae family to have antiviral effects. This discovery lead to and increase in the examination of essential oils in Europe for the treatment of viral infections.
Essential oils from many plant families have now been demonstrated to have antiviral properties. Interestingly, different plant families exhibit varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the virus strain. This is due to the particular molecular structures found in each type of oil, which penetrate physical entities to varying degrees (different tissues, cell walls, mucous membranes, etc). The effect on each virus strain depends also on the virus structure (enveloped, non-enveloped, molecular symmetry, etc.)
Certainly, one of the reasons for oils' effectiveness en vivo is their lipophillic character - essential oils are easily absorbed into mammalian tissues, where they may produce the greatest results. In fact, when studying the anti-viral effects of essential oils, researchers found that normal cells seemed to acquire a special resistance to viral penetration, though the mechanism for this effect is not yet known.
Melissa and the Herpes Virus
One of the Lamiaceae plants studied, Melissa (Melissa officinalis - also known as Lemon Balm), was shown particularly efficacious against the herpes virus (HSV). Doctor Dietrich Wabner, a professor at the Technical University of Munich, has even reported that a one-time application of Melissa oil led to a complete remission of HSV lesions. A cream medication for Herpes outbreaks, who's active ingredient is an extract of Melissa, is now sold in Germany under the name Lomaherpan. Use of Melissa essential oil itself may be just as effective - the oil can be applied directly to the lesions (or diluted to 10% in carrier if sensitivity is noted) to speed healing. Further occurrences can be prevented by applying oil to the area when sensations signal an eminent outbreak - repeating this protocol 3 or 4 times has been reported to cause total remission in some individuals.
Other essential oils found effective against the Herpes virus include bergamot, eucalyptus, lemongrass and tea tree. Related to HSV is Herpes Zoster or 'Shingles', another common virus-mediated skin condition. Application of a 50/50 blend of Ravensara essential oil and Tamanu nut oil has been found extremely effective for reducing symptoms by many people.
Antiviral Components of Oils
The list of essential oils exhibiting antiviral effects is extensive: Melissa (as above), tea tree, juniper, eucalyptus, thyme, palmarosa, lavender, rosemary, clove, laurel, cinnamon bark, anise, rose, lemongrass, geranium, neroli, bergamot, clary sage, and dill. The antiviral effect of an essential oil is due to particular components of the oil - some oils will work just as effectively on a particular infection as another, because they contain similar amounts of a certain component. The components of essential oils showing antiviral activity, and the oils in which they can be found, are as follows (from K. Schnaubelt, Ph.D. - Advanced Aromatherapy, p. 36):
Anethol - found in Anise
Alpha-Sabines - found in Tea Tree, Laurel, and other oils
Beta-Caryophyllene - found in Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme Linalool, and other oils
Carvone - found in Dill
Cinnamic aldehyde - found in Cinnamon Bark
Citral - found in Melissa, Lemongrass and other oils
Citronellol - found in Rose and Geranium
Eugenol - found in Clove
Gamma-Terpinene - Found in Juniper, Eucalyptus, Niaouli, Tea Tree and other oils
Linalol - found in Lavender and Neroli
Linalyl acetate - found in Clary Sage, Lavender, Bergamot and other oils
Limited In-Vivo Data
Good studies of application of these essential oils in cases of illness are difficult to come by, as infecting people with viruses in the laboratory to subsequently be treated with aromatics would be a difficult process at best. The oils and components above have mostly shown effectivenessin-vitro, though tests also indicate that the anti-viral effect should occur in-vivo as well. As with Melissa, it has been HSV that has been most thoroughly examined, because of the relative simplicity of doing so. But there is nothing particularly special about the herpes virus, and proper oil/pathogen paring should prove as effective.
There are some noted case studies by professional aromatherapists. Of importance in these studies is the oil/symptom relationship. Essential oils from plants of the Myrtaceae family - notably Eucalyptus Radiata and Tea Tree - and Ravensara (also high in Eucalyptol) seem to have helped in cases with respiratory symptoms. For the lower respiratory tract, Hyssop decumbens (from the same plant family as Melissa) has been of interest. Essential oils for such cases may be used either in a diffuser, being taken at regular intervals, or through massage, diluted in a carrier oil.
Conclusion
Because of the difficulty in many cases of illness in determining the exact virus type involved, more specific application cannot be given. Certainly, in cases of HSV, Melissa has been shown effective in a number of studies. For respiratory infections, Eucalyptus and Ravensara have been used with success, and can be safely used as an adjunct to regular medical care. These oils may support one's recovery on a physiologic level - essential oils also play a part in uplifting emotions, which may also speed healing, or at least improve mental outlook during the healing process. For such instances, one may simply find the essential oil or combination that one finds pleasant, calming, and/or uplifting. PLEASE NOTE: In no cases, however, should self-treatment with essential oils be used in place of professional medical care where signs/symptoms of infectious illness are present.
It is not fresh news to hear about the bird flu virus that has been hitting the Asia Pacific and other regions around the world. Just like people, birds get the flu. This virus infects birds like chickens, other poultry, and wild birds such as ducks. Thus far, the Bird Flu virus has been monitored to affect several species of birds. However, what is alarming about the said contagion is that it can also affect human beings.
The first Bird Flu case that infected a human, and clinically dubbed as H5N1, occured in Hong Kong last 1997. Since then, there have been other reports of bird flu virus infections in Asia, Europe, and Africa. During an outbreak of the virus, people who have make contact with infected birds get sick. It is possible to catch Bird Flu by eating poultry that is not well-cooked or through contact with a person who has contracted the virus.
In recent news, Bird Flu cases have been on the rise and has caused worry among health officials. According to Dr. David Nabarro, the UN coordinator for Avian and Human Influenza, several countries have made progress in containing the virus' spread, but there remain some problem areas. In Indonesia, which announced the death of the 91st victim and in Vietnam whose health department confirmed the spread of one of the strains of the disease to a sixth province. The ministry of Health of Indonesia announced a human death from infection of H5N1 avian flu. Last November 5, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a 30-year old woman from Banten Province, Indonesia developed symptoms such as high fever, cough, and muscle aches last October 3. The woman was reportedly hospitalized on October 31t and died in the hospital last November 3. A WHO investigation has found out that several poultry deaths in the woman's neighborhood occurred in the days prior to the onset of her symptoms. Another case was reported involving a 31-year old man who died from the bird flu virus last November 10. A total of 91 deaths have occurred due to the outbreak, WHO officials said.
According to WHO, while research is still in the early stages, specifically in the conduct of tests with mice and other mammals in laboratory conditions in Switzerland, the US and Vietnam --- it has been determined that blood from survivors may hold the key. The organization is studying medical reports that antibodies from survivors may provide some form of protective benefit. This suggests possible developments in using blood transfusions or blood based cures in similar treatments for humans, but WHO officials warn the studies need further testing.
Of the few bird flu viruses that have crossed the species barrier to infect humans, the infection has caused the largest number of detected cases of severe disease and death in humans. However, it is still possible that those cases in the most severely ill people are more likely to be diagnosed and reported, while milder cases go unnoticed. In order to detect the bird flu virus in humans, a laboratory test is needed to confirm the virus in humans. Two main risks for human health from bird flu includes the risk of direct infection when the virus passes from the bird to humans, sometimes resulting in severe disease and the risk that the virus will change into a form that will be highly infectious for humans and spreads easily from person to person. Symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from common human influenza like symptoms such as high fever, sore throat, cough and muscle aches, to pneumonia, eye infections, respiratory diseases, and other severe and life-threatening complications. The symptoms may vary according to the specific virus type and strain that has caused the infection.
The first Bird Flu case that infected a human, and clinically dubbed as H5N1, occured in Hong Kong last 1997. Since then, there have been other reports of bird flu virus infections in Asia, Europe, and Africa. During an outbreak of the virus, people who have make contact with infected birds get sick. It is possible to catch Bird Flu by eating poultry that is not well-cooked or through contact with a person who has contracted the virus.
In recent news, Bird Flu cases have been on the rise and has caused worry among health officials. According to Dr. David Nabarro, the UN coordinator for Avian and Human Influenza, several countries have made progress in containing the virus' spread, but there remain some problem areas. In Indonesia, which announced the death of the 91st victim and in Vietnam whose health department confirmed the spread of one of the strains of the disease to a sixth province. The ministry of Health of Indonesia announced a human death from infection of H5N1 avian flu. Last November 5, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a 30-year old woman from Banten Province, Indonesia developed symptoms such as high fever, cough, and muscle aches last October 3. The woman was reportedly hospitalized on October 31t and died in the hospital last November 3. A WHO investigation has found out that several poultry deaths in the woman's neighborhood occurred in the days prior to the onset of her symptoms. Another case was reported involving a 31-year old man who died from the bird flu virus last November 10. A total of 91 deaths have occurred due to the outbreak, WHO officials said.
According to WHO, while research is still in the early stages, specifically in the conduct of tests with mice and other mammals in laboratory conditions in Switzerland, the US and Vietnam --- it has been determined that blood from survivors may hold the key. The organization is studying medical reports that antibodies from survivors may provide some form of protective benefit. This suggests possible developments in using blood transfusions or blood based cures in similar treatments for humans, but WHO officials warn the studies need further testing.
Of the few bird flu viruses that have crossed the species barrier to infect humans, the infection has caused the largest number of detected cases of severe disease and death in humans. However, it is still possible that those cases in the most severely ill people are more likely to be diagnosed and reported, while milder cases go unnoticed. In order to detect the bird flu virus in humans, a laboratory test is needed to confirm the virus in humans. Two main risks for human health from bird flu includes the risk of direct infection when the virus passes from the bird to humans, sometimes resulting in severe disease and the risk that the virus will change into a form that will be highly infectious for humans and spreads easily from person to person. Symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from common human influenza like symptoms such as high fever, sore throat, cough and muscle aches, to pneumonia, eye infections, respiratory diseases, and other severe and life-threatening complications. The symptoms may vary according to the specific virus type and strain that has caused the infection.
There is a very long-standing liaison between human beings and virus that wander unreservedly in our environment. Virus has a long history of disconcerting people.
A virus is a microorganism that is not visible to the naked eye. It is highly contagious and communicable. A virus attacks and clips to a living cell of the human body. It then discharges its DNA or RNA, which smashes the original genetic material and functioning of the cell. But before the victimized cell expires, it leaves or releases more of that virus. The virus multiplied in such a fashion impedes the growth and working of other healthy cells too, so much so that sooner or later the entire body comes in its grips. However, the immune system of the body endeavors its best to brawl the viral attack. But it does not succeed in all the cases. Due to this reason, the doctors and dieticians prescribe a healthy diet rich in nutrition that strengthens the resistance of the body.
The Residence and Transmission of Virus- there are different types of viruses known. Some infect humans, others animals and a few affect both. Viruses are everywhere in our surroundings. They can be transmitted via the food we eat, air we breathe, water we drink, sexual contact etc.
Some common Viral Infections- there are some well known viruses and the diseases caused by them.
· HIV virus is one that destroys the cells in the immune system of our body. It is therefore named as HIV i.e. Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV takes the form of AIDS at an advanced later stage. HIV virus reaches the human body through several ways such as- via sex with a partner who is already living with HIV, though infected mother’s milk to her child, through human saliva, HIV contaminated needles, syringes and so forth.
Thus, one should be very cautious regarding all these factors. Completely safety should be observed to avert lifelong HIV infection especially because no adequate cure is yet available to eliminate the effect of HIV.
· Hepatitis is even caused by virus. Since different kinds of viruses are at work, there are different types of hepatitis. These viruses harm the human liver, which results in its burning or inflammation.
Hepatitis A and E spread via the food and water of the infected person and through anal sex. There exists a vaccine for hepatitis A but not for E. Hepatitis B is caused by unprotected sex, childbirth and contact with infected person. Vaccination is available for hepatitis B and it is better nowadays to get vaccinated against it. This sterilization also ceases the threat to be caught by hepatitis D in future. Hepatitis C virus is transferred by the way of contaminated blood and is cured through medicines.
A possible prevention to hepatitis is to maintain hygiene and vigilance in matters of sex and contacts with other persons.
· West Nile Virus is known for causing diseases in animals, birds as well as humans. In humans the WNV reaches through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once the virus enters an individual’s blood, it can get transferred to all those who come in contact with it though blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeed and so forth.
In order to prevent oneself from the WNV, check the population of mosquitoes in your area and near your house. Don’t allow water logging, open bins, unhygienic sanitation, open pits etc. in your vicinity
.
Medication through drugs and no vaccination per se is present for WNV.
· Mostly the Asian and African continents encounter the threat of Polio Virus. This virus can result in a minor to complete paralysis. The poliovirus can infect person of any age. Due to the lack of hygiene this virus comes in the air through human feces and gets circulated. It enters the human body through his mouth and makes its way to the intestines. This virus particularly damages the legs of the person. The paralysis in legs due to poliovirus cannot be cured. It also destroys the respiratory system by making the breathing muscles immobile.
Most often polio hits the infants. Polio drops and vaccines are available everywhere. People should take them and give these to their kids too.
A virus is a microorganism that is not visible to the naked eye. It is highly contagious and communicable. A virus attacks and clips to a living cell of the human body. It then discharges its DNA or RNA, which smashes the original genetic material and functioning of the cell. But before the victimized cell expires, it leaves or releases more of that virus. The virus multiplied in such a fashion impedes the growth and working of other healthy cells too, so much so that sooner or later the entire body comes in its grips. However, the immune system of the body endeavors its best to brawl the viral attack. But it does not succeed in all the cases. Due to this reason, the doctors and dieticians prescribe a healthy diet rich in nutrition that strengthens the resistance of the body.
The Residence and Transmission of Virus- there are different types of viruses known. Some infect humans, others animals and a few affect both. Viruses are everywhere in our surroundings. They can be transmitted via the food we eat, air we breathe, water we drink, sexual contact etc.
Some common Viral Infections- there are some well known viruses and the diseases caused by them.
· HIV virus is one that destroys the cells in the immune system of our body. It is therefore named as HIV i.e. Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV takes the form of AIDS at an advanced later stage. HIV virus reaches the human body through several ways such as- via sex with a partner who is already living with HIV, though infected mother’s milk to her child, through human saliva, HIV contaminated needles, syringes and so forth.
Thus, one should be very cautious regarding all these factors. Completely safety should be observed to avert lifelong HIV infection especially because no adequate cure is yet available to eliminate the effect of HIV.
· Hepatitis is even caused by virus. Since different kinds of viruses are at work, there are different types of hepatitis. These viruses harm the human liver, which results in its burning or inflammation.
Hepatitis A and E spread via the food and water of the infected person and through anal sex. There exists a vaccine for hepatitis A but not for E. Hepatitis B is caused by unprotected sex, childbirth and contact with infected person. Vaccination is available for hepatitis B and it is better nowadays to get vaccinated against it. This sterilization also ceases the threat to be caught by hepatitis D in future. Hepatitis C virus is transferred by the way of contaminated blood and is cured through medicines.
A possible prevention to hepatitis is to maintain hygiene and vigilance in matters of sex and contacts with other persons.
· West Nile Virus is known for causing diseases in animals, birds as well as humans. In humans the WNV reaches through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once the virus enters an individual’s blood, it can get transferred to all those who come in contact with it though blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeed and so forth.
In order to prevent oneself from the WNV, check the population of mosquitoes in your area and near your house. Don’t allow water logging, open bins, unhygienic sanitation, open pits etc. in your vicinity
.
Medication through drugs and no vaccination per se is present for WNV.
· Mostly the Asian and African continents encounter the threat of Polio Virus. This virus can result in a minor to complete paralysis. The poliovirus can infect person of any age. Due to the lack of hygiene this virus comes in the air through human feces and gets circulated. It enters the human body through his mouth and makes its way to the intestines. This virus particularly damages the legs of the person. The paralysis in legs due to poliovirus cannot be cured. It also destroys the respiratory system by making the breathing muscles immobile.
Most often polio hits the infants. Polio drops and vaccines are available everywhere. People should take them and give these to their kids too.
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