The Use of Herbal Medicine for Fighting Coronaviruses

Yes, there’s a pandemic going on around the world and yet it’s frightening to hear about. I would like to put it into perspective and discuss the research behind using herbal medicine for fighting coronaviruses.

I would like to remind you that the CDC estimates that the influenza virus (aka the flu) has resulted in between 9 million – 45 million illnesses, between 140,000 – 810,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 – 61,000 deaths every year since 2010 in the US alone. And this is a virus we have a vaccine for!

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can infect many different animal species, including camels, cattle, and bats. A new strain of coronavirus has been identified as the cause of the outbreak of respiratory illness in people first detected in Wuhan, China. On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization named the disease COVID-19. (Formerly, it was referred to as 2019-nCoV.) What makes this virus unique is that rarely do animal coronaviruses jump species and infect people. Past coronaviruses with this similar pattern are the MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV which some of you may remember from the outbreak in 2002-2003. 

There is a lot of media hype about alternative treatments not being effective to treat or prevent the coronavirus, and yet its true the new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, has not been thoroughly researched regarding herbal therapies. There are however many studies showing the medicinal effects of herbs against other coronaviruses. Let’s talk about those. 

In November 2019, a study published in the journal Virus Research showed that elderberry (Sambucas nigra) extract significantly inhibited the replication of the human coronavirus strain NL63 (HCoV-NL63). Elderberry specifically blocked the coronavirus attachment and therefore was concluded to have strong antiviral potential against this strain of coronavirus. 

In January 2014, another study showed that elderberry (Sambucas nigra) extract can inhibit coronavirus when taken at the early stages of the infection unlike extracts of Rhodiola rosea or Nigella sativa.

In October 2011, a study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine showed that herbal extracts of scythian lamb (Cibotium barometz), gentian root (Gentiana scabra), chinese or wild yam (Dioscorea batatas), wild senna (Cassia tora), and chinese mistletoe (Taxillus chinensis) inhibited the replication of the virulent severe acute respiratory syndrome associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). 

Lastly, a study published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine in February 2020 indicated that herbal medical treatments classically used for treating viral respiratory infections might contain direct anti-2019-nCoV (aka COVID-19) compounds. Thirteen herbal compounds were found to have antiviral effects specifically against the COVID-19 strain, and 125 herbs were found to contain 2 or more of these 13 compounds. Proving that natural plant compounds may be powerful tools in fighting against these virulent virus strains and more research needs to be done.

It is unfortunate that the media is quick to disregard these plant extracts as potentially effective strategies in helping to bring this pandemic under control. As an alternative medicine practitioner, I wish there were more research studies and articles published to back up the clinical success stories I see daily using naturopathic therapies like herbal medicine. Unfortunately, there is not much funding for these types of research studies.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31560964

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24433341

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24716104

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32113846

About the author

Since 2005, Dr Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. With her scientific background, Dr Fey uses science based natural approaches to treating disease.

Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. To contact the office call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.  

Valerian: An Effective Natural Therapy For Insomnia And Anxiety

Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Its medicinal uses were prescribed as far back as the 2nd century by Galen for insomnia. In the 16th century, it was used to treat nervousness, trembling, headaches, and heart palpitations. During World War II, it was used in England to relieve the stress of air raids.

How does valerian work?

More studies need to be done to understand the exact mechanism of how valerian helps with anxiety and insomnia, but a possible mechanism is that valerian’s constituents increase the amount of GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) in your blood stream. It is known that the more activation of GABA receptors the more peaceful the person is. Common medications like xanax, klonopin, valium, etc. work along the same GABA enhancing mechanisms like valerian. Luckily, valerian hasn’t been shown to be addictive and is considered a safe alternative to these medications.

Research supporting its use

A study published in the journal, Menopause, in 2011 showed the impact of valerian on sleep quality for postmenopausal women who were experiencing insomnia. It has been shown that 61% of postmenopausal women have insomnia, which then affects cognitive function, mood, and quality of life during the day. Many studies have looked at valerian in the use for insomnia but none have looked at postmenopausal women and for this length of time. 

The postmenopausal women studied were between the age 50 and 60, they were not using hormone therapy and were experiencing insomnia based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The participants and examiners were all blinded. One group of women were given 530 mg of concentrated valerian capsules 2x/day and the other were given placebo, for 4 weeks.

A statistically significant change was reported in quality of sleep in the valerian group when compared to placebo. Overall, 30% of women taking valerian and only 4% of the placebo group reported and improvement in their sleep quality. Indicating, valerian as a definite useful tool to consider for insomnia.

In addition, a study published in the journal, Phytomedicine, in 2014 showed valerian root and lemon balm extracts to be effective in children less than 12 years of age suffering from anxiety and insomnia. Specifically, 169 primary school children suffering from hyperactivity, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, and focusing issues used 640 mg valerian root extract and 320 mg lemon balm extract per day for 5 weeks.

The fraction of children having strong/very strong symptoms of poor ability to focus decreased from 75% to 14%, hyperactivity from 61% to 13%, sleep difficulties from 19.4% to 6%, and impulsiveness from 59% to 22%. Parent rated social behavior, sleep and symptom burden showed highly significant improvements. Only in two children mild transient adverse drug reactions were observed.

Side effects and cautions with use

Clinically, I have only seen a paradoxical effect with valerian, for example causing insomnia vs helping it, but this is only in a very small percentage of my patients. Looking through the research there have been very few side effects noted with the use of valerian. In one study, an increase in sleepiness was noted the morning after 900 mg of valerian was taken before bed.

Levels of medicinal constituents can vary among plants depending on when the plants are harvested, resulting in marked variability in the amounts found in valerian preparations. Utilizing brands of supplements that test for the constituents can guarantee quality and although may be more costly will be most effective since there are no regulations on supplements currently.

Women who are pregnant, nursing, and children younger than 3 years old should be cautious with using valerian since studies have not been done on the safety of use. In addition, individuals taking valerian should be aware of the possibility of additive sedative effects from alcohol or other sedative drugs, such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines.

Reference

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12120807

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24199972

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21775910

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4034730

About the author

Since 2005, Dr Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. 

Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. To contact the office call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.  

The Difference Between a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor and a Naturopathic Doctor

Sounds confusing, right? Well unfortunately due to the lack of regulation for Naturopathic Doctors (ND) in NY State; ANYONE can call themselves a Naturopathic Doctor (scary, right?)

So, let’s first talk about a licensed Naturopathic Doctor’s Education (that’s me :-))

 After receiving my bachelor’s degree in science (pre-med), I then attended a four-year, in-residence doctoral program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). The CNME recognized by the US Dept of Education and is the only accrediting council in North America that qualify graduates for licensure. 

The only Naturopathic Medical Schools in the US accredited by the CNME are as follows:

• Bastyr University-Washington

• Bastyr University-California

• National University of Natural Medicine-Oregon

• National University of Health Sciences-Illinois

• Southwest College of Natural Medicine-Arizona

• University of Bridgeport, College of Natural Medicine-Connecticut

While at Natural University of Natural Medicine in Portland OR, my education included all the same basic sciences as an MD, but also studies in clinical nutrition, pharmacology, homeopathy, botanical medicine, radiology, physical medicine, and lifestyle counseling. 

After graduation to become licensed, I had to pass a two-part national board exam (National Physicians Licensing Exam) which consisted of biomedical sciences and clinical medicine portions.  My current license is in Oregon due to NY lack of regulations. I chose not to do a post-doctoral residence because there weren’t many to chose from back in 2005. Today, there are many more opportunities and many licensed ND students do go to complete post-doctoral residencies all across North America. 

The Education of a non-Licensed Naturopathic Doctor 

• Certificates/Degrees are obtained online.

• Education is NOT accredited by the US Dept. of Education.

• Programs lengths are only a few months or up to a year.

• They are not taught the same medical sciences as MD’s.

• Their faculty are not required to have medical degrees.

In addition, non-licensed Naturopathic Doctors are not required (or even allowed) to take national board exams to obtain licensure. For that reason these ND’s choose to practice in unregulated states like NY where they can call themselves doctors (crazy I know!) and can place letters ND behind their name without even having a true accredited education. 

Practicing in NY State with an education like mine can be a struggle due to its limitations. Especially when other colleagues in the medical field are considering us as quacks! This is likely due to the non regulation of this medicine in NY State. Be aware of other practitioners in NY that call themselves Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine, make sure you see their credentials before committing to their service. 

It’s only a matter of time that NY will become regulated. More and more people are seeking out alternative medicine for complementary support to their health care concerns. It’s very important to have licensed professionals in the field of natural medicine become part of the American medical model. Without regulation, there is a great risk that patients will do harm by taking supplements that interact with their medication or aggravate their current medical condition. Remember, just because it’s a “natural” substance doesn’t mean that it can’t do harm. Don’t be fooled. 

About the author

Since 2005, Dr Fey has helped thousands of women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believe that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms.

Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center For Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. Her personal website is www.doctorfey.com. To contact the office call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.