Herbals

Ideally, all treatments should be followed under the direct supervision of a physician.
Herbal Therapies
Contributed by Laurie Radovsky, M.D.
Given the fact that some patients initially respond to valacyclovir and then relapse, it is possible
that EBV has developed resistance to the antiviral.1 Herbs contain multiple compounds so
development of resistance to their antiviral activity is unlikely. Also, herbs have synergistic
properties that potentiate the effects of antibiotics and herbs, sometimes by sophisticated
methods such as counteracting counteract the efflux pumps of drug-resistant bacteria.2
This protocol can be used on its own or in conjunction with a pharmaceutical antiviral
(valacyclovir). Use these herbs for a maximum of 2 months.
The herbs used have multiple functions, but their main ones are:
Antiviral: Artemisia3 and/or Usnea4 (preferably both)
Immune support: Reishi5,6
Adaptogen: Licorice7,8 OR Eleuthero9 (Siberian Ginseng)
Unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, the effective dose for herbal antivirals varies from person to
person. Start at a low dose (lower range of dose once a day) for a few days and work up to the
maximum dose tolerated or until you are seeing a change in your symptoms. Start each
component separately in this order, at least 3 days apart. This will allow you to identify any side
effects from each component. Work up to your maximum dose with each one before moving on
to the next one. Most herbs can be used as tinctures (liquid extracts) or in capsules. Both are
effective and the decision of which to use should be based on personal preference.
1. Immune support: Reishi

Indications: A mushroom which is antibacterial, antifungal, antineoplastic, hepatoprotective,
cardiotonic; active against plasmodial parasites. Strongly antiviral, especially against hepatitis
viruses, herpes viruses, HIV and EBV. Profoundly immunostimulating, especially to the spleen.
Activates immune effector cells including T cells, macrophages, and NK cells and stimulates the
production of cytokines. Reishi has been used in China and Japan for 4,000 years for treatment
1
Strasfeld L & Chou S. Antiviral drug resistance: mechanisms and clinical implications. Infect Dis Clin North Am.
2010 Jun; 24(2): 413–437.
2
Buhner SH. Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria. 2nd edition. North
Adams, Massachusetts, Storey Publishing, 2012, Chapter 6, Herbal Antibiotics: The Synergists, pp. 207-246.
3
Efferth T. The antiviral activities of artemisinin and artesunate. Clin Infect Dis. 2008;47(6):804-11.
4
Yamamoto Y. Screening of tissue cultures and thalli of lichens and some of their active constituents for inhibition
of tumor promoter-induced Epstein-Barr virus activation. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1995;43(8):1388-90.
5
Paterson RR. Ganoderma - a therapeutic fungal biofactory. Phytochemistry 2006;67(18):1985-2001.
6
Sanodiya BS. Ganoderma lucidum: a potent pharmacological macrofungus.
Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2009;10(8):717-42.
7
Lin JC. Mechanism of action of glycyrrhizic acid in inhibition of Epstein-Barr virus replication in vitro. Antiviral
Res. 2003; 59(1):41-7.
8
Lin JC. Inhibitory effects of some derivatives of glycyrrhizic acid against Epstein-Barr virus infection: structure-
activity relationships. Antiviral Res. 2008; 79(1):6-11.
9
Glatthaar-Saalmüller B. Antiviral activity of an extract derived from roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus. Antiviral
Res. 2001; 50(3):223-8.
of debility after a prolonged illness. It is a mushroom that can be eaten whole, but can be used
medicinally as a powder or tincture.
Dose adult:
Tablets/powder: start with 1 gram once a day and work up to 1 gram 3 times a day.
Tincture: start with 1 tsp. once a day and work up to 2-4 tsp. up to 3 times a day.
Dose pregnant: probably safe.
Side effects/cautions: do not use in cases of obstructed bile duct. Do not use if you are on
immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplant. May potentiate the effects of blood thinners
such as warfarin or aspirin. May occasionally cause skin rash, diarrhea, dry mouth, sleepiness,
bloating, frequent urination, sweating, nausea. Nausea may decrease when it is taken with food.
Brands:
Herb Pharm Reishi tincture costs $15.99 for one ounce in a 1:4 ratio (larger sizes available as
dose increases).
Host Defense Reishi 500mg capsules cost $29.99 for 60 capsules.
2. Antiviral: Usnea
Common names: this is a lichen genus with multiple species and many names such as old man’s
beard.
Indications: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
Immunostimulant, inhibitor of biofilm formation, antineoplastic. Has activity against EBV and
HSV.
Dose adult: the components to treat systemic illness must be extracted in alcohol, so only
tinctures are recommended. Take 30-60 drops up to 4 times a day.
Dose pregnant: should not be used internally during pregnancy.
Side effects/cautions: may cause contact dermatitis.
Brands:
Usnea Herb Pharm tincture in a 1:4 ratio. 1 ounce costs $12.99 (larger sizes available as dose
increases).
2. Antiviral: Artemisia annua

Common names: sweet Annie, sweet wormwood
Indications: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antimalarial, anti-protozoal, anti-inflammatory,
antitumor, immune modulator, antineoplastic. Has activity against EBV. Not all constituents are
systemic, which is why in vitro studies are not necessarily applicable to living organisms
Dose adult: Start with a low dose to see how you respond to it and work up. Divide dose into
twice or 3 times a day for 30-40 days only. (If it has not cleared up in that time, it is not likely to
be effective.) Take 30 minutes before meals.
Tincture: up to 40 drops in 2 oz. of water or juice, two to four times per day.
Capsules: 500 mg. total per day divided into 2-3 doses.
Dose pregnant: contraindicated at least in the first trimester.
Dose child: Should be avoided by young children.
Side effects/cautions: Decreased appetite, nausea, diarrhea at higher doses. At high doses, liver
enzymes need to be checked periodically. Long-term use can cause neurotoxicity. May reduce
N-Acetyl cysteine, vitamin E and possibly other antioxidants, increasing risk of hearing or
neuropathy.
Brands:
Artemisinin 100 mg. capsules by Allergy Research Group, $75 for 90 capsules.
Herb Pharm (tincture). 1:5 ratio : $12.99 for one ounce. (larger sizes available as dose
increases).
3. Adaptogen: Licorice (if you hate the taste of licorice or have high blood pressure,
use Eleuthero instead)
Indications: Antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulant and
immunostimulant, antineoplastic. Accelerates the healing of gastric ulcers. Potent synergist
(enhances effectiveness of other herbs and pharmaceuticals); in fact, it is preferable not to use
it alone. It is effective against efflux mechanism of Gram negative organisms. Has activity
against EBV.
Dose adult:
Powdered root: 5-15 grams a day
Solid licorice extract: 1/8 tsp. a
day. Dose pregnant:
contraindicated.
Dose child: children should not use more than 4-5 grams a day.
Side effects/cautions: may increase blood pressure; avoid in patients with hypertension. Patients
with normal blood pressure should check it after a week to make sure it is not being elevated.
Prolonged use at high doses can cause edema, weakness, and headaches; it raises sodium
and decreases potassium levels; have labs checked monthly. Do not use for more than 2
months. Should not be used with thiazide diuretics, potassium-sparing diuretics, digoxin or
amiloride. May potentiate the effects of steroids such as prednisone and hydrocortisone.
Has estrogenic effects.
Brands:
Wise Woman Herbals solid licorice extract; 2 oz. is
$16. Frontier Herbs bulk organic licorice root is
$28/pound.
3. Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng)

Indications: Adaptogen. Particularly helpful for stressed, overworked patients. Eleutherococcus
stimulates immune function, decreases fatigue, reduces brain fog, and reduces depression.
Supports adrenal and thyroid
function. Dose adult:
Tincture: Start with 1 tsp. once a day and work up to 1 tsp. 3 times a day. Can increase or
decrease based on weight/condition). Put the entire day's dose in a thermos of tea or water, &
sip on it throughout the day.
Capsules: Start with 500 mg. a day and work up to 1 capsule 3 times a
day. Dose pregnant: safe in pregnancy; use the same dose as adult.
Side effects/contraindications: It can lead to insomnia if taken too late in the day.
Transient diarrhea. May increase blood pressure though usually only temporarily. Can be
photosensitizing.
Brands:
Tincture: HerbPharm; Herbalist &
Alchemist. Capsules: Nature’s Way.

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Ideally, all treatments should be followed under the direct supervision of a physician.

Contributed by Laurie Radovsky, M.D.

1. Immune support: Reishi

2. Antiviral: Artemisia annua

3. Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng)

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