Virus replication and essential oils

Briefly… about the virus…
Influenza A is a virus with many subtypes that are identified and categorized by differences in two proteins, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Differences are due to the rapid mutation of the virus. The scientific community has learned quite a bit about Influenza A virus, but the fact remains that we are unable to know what we don’t know and the virus mutates rapidly, becoming something new. Antiviral drugs do not eliminate the virus; they inhibit the replication of the virus. Learning more about the life-cycle of a virus has lead to the development of anti-viral strategies that target the virus at different stages in that cycle.

Timeliness…
We are currently experiencing a flu outbreak that may be very significant and potentially devastating to individuals and communities, as well on a much larger level. We should all be using common sense in protecting and taking care of ourselves and our families. I won’t use this as a pulpit for my position on things that are related and responsible in varied degree. I will give you some information that you may want to have to arm and educate yourself.

Essential oils and viral replication…
All essential oils are anti-microbial to a degree. There is a tremendous amount of anecdotal, cultural and historical information that tells us that certain plants are effective against certain aliments. I am focusing here on essential oils that have laboratory documented anti-viral efficacy, although I think we should listen to our Grandmothers… anyone ever been given schwedenkrauter for whatever ailed you?

Coconut oil – not an essential oil but worth mentioning. About 50% of the fatty acid in Coconut oil is Lauric acid, the most essential fatty acid for the building of an immune system. In the body, it is converted to monolaurin, a powerful monoglyceride that destroys lipid-coated viruses (such as cytomegalovirus, HIV, herpes, and influenza) as well as pathogenic bacteria. I use this on the skin and in the kitchen. The smell and taste of organic raw coconut oil are just fabulous.

Oregano oil -  A study cited in Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials 2009, 8:8 indicate that Oreganum vulgare and Artemisia vulgaris have inhibitory effects the replication of the Yellow Fever virus. Apparently the presence of O. vulgare essential oil in the culture medium at 11.1 ug/mL   produced a 100% reduction of virus yield. (A Ug is a microgram, 1/1000000 of a gram or 1/1000 of a milligram.) Oregano eo seems to be effective because of direct inactivation of the virus rather than being effective only at a stage in the life cycle of the virus.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) was also tested in the above referenced study and produced similar striking results. Mugwort is very high in ketones and should be only used by the experienced.

Tea Tree - A study conducted by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases revealed that replication of a strain of influenza was severely inhibited of the Tea Tree eo was introduced within 2 hours of infection. This suggests that Tea Tree eo interferes in an early stage of replication but after viral adsorption. Tea Tree eo is inexpensive and is pretty stable (has a long shelf life).