Monthly Book Review: Herbal Antivirals

HERBAL ANTIVIRALS: Natural remedies of Emerging and Resistant Viral Infections
By Stephen Harrod Buhner

Reviewed by Barbara Volk 

This book is a fabulous reference and because it is so beautifully written, it is a pleasure to read as well. In the first section, Stephen describes the mechanisms of viruses and how they function in the body. Next he goes into specific individual and virus groups with in-depth treatment protocols for each. Chapter 5 is the Materia Medica which begins with: 

“There has been very little work in the popular press (especially in the west) on herbal antivirals - and most of what has occurred is embarrassingly poor. There are a number of reasons for this. 

The field of antivirals itself, whether medical or herbal, is in relative infancy.........The general over emphasis on bacteria as disease causing agents.......also contributes to the problem. Then there is the nature of viruses themselves and the difficulty of actually creating effective pharmaceutical antivirals.” 

Each plant is described with its traditional uses, plant chemistry, scientific studies and a list of the specific viruses that the plant is effective in treating. 

The epilog begins with “Once your life is saved by a plant, things are never the same again.” Here Stephen describes the different processes used to make the medicines and includes a source list of supplies. 

This is a must have book, not only for the professional herbalist but for anyone who is interested in using plant medicine in their own lives. 

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Barbara wears many hats. She is an Artist, Equine Podiatrist, Forest/weed farmer, Herbalist, Teacher of many things. She is passionate about food as medicine, living a simple life and helping others learn to do the same. She has been using herbal medicine and food as medicine for more than 40 years. Always self employed, and always learning new things, she has created and run many businesses over the years, all involving activities that she enjoys. 

Barbara lives on 150 acres in central WV, where she creates her life and work in the Spirit of Reciprocity and invites anyone who wants to learn to come and visit. She offers classes, and work exchange is always welcome. 

To see more you can visit her website at www.spottedhorsefarm.com

Barb is the Coordinator for the Central West Virginia Chapter of HWB.

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