Herbal Antivirals: Natural Remedies for Emerging & Resistant Viral Infections

by Stephen Harrod Buhner

Viruses are smart, mutating, and becoming resistant to antiviral pharmaceuticals. Global crises such as COVID-19, SARS, and dengue feaver spread more quickly than we can develop medicines to fight them. Herbalist and best-selling author Stephen Harrod Buhner has studied the antiviral properties of plants for many years. In this comprehensive guide, he profiles the plants that have proven most effective in fighting viral infections and provides in-depth instructions for preparing and using formulations to address the most common infections and strengthen immunity, safely and naturally. The updated 2nd edition includes an expanded guide to COVID-19, including a review of the most up-to-date medical research and the plant medicines that have been found to be most potent in preventing infection, lessening the impact of the virus on the body, and addressing longer-term effects and co-infections. 

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Herbs, Science, Medicine, Reference, Gardening

424 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2013

About the author

Stephen Harrod Buhner is an Earth poet and the award-winning author of ten books on nature, indigenous cultures, the environment, and herbal medicine. He comes from a long line of healers including Leroy Burney, Surgeon General of the United States under Eisenhower and Kennedy, and Elizabeth Lusterheide, a midwife and herbalist who worked in rural Indiana in the early nineteenth century. The greatest influence on his work, however, has been his great-grandfather C.G. Harrod who primarily used botanical medicines, also in rural Indiana, when he began his work as a physician in 1911.

Stephen's work has appeared or been profiled in publications throughout North America and Europe including Common Boundary, Apotheosis, Shaman's Drum, The New York Times, CNN, and Good Morning America. Stephen lectures yearly throughout the United States on herbal medicine, the sacredness of plants, the intelligence of Nature, and the states of mind necessary for successful habitation of Earth.

Stephen has served as president of the Colorado Association for Healing Practitioners and as a lobbyist on herbal and holistic medicines and education in the Colorado legislature. He lives in New Mexico.

from
http://www.gaianstudies.org/Stephen.html
and

http://www.storey.com/author.php?ID=5...

Reviews

[bartosz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Herbal Antivirals is a sister book to Buhner's Herbal Antibiotics. Like its predecessor it focuses on herbal alternatives for medical treatments - this time antivirals.

I'm really sold on the need to find alternative treatments for viruses and bacteria. The emergence of superbugs and the neigh-inevitable viral outbreak is something that's in my mind not only highly probable - it seems an almost unavoidable, given the historical prevalence of pandemics. I'm also sold on the usefulness of plants and fungi - most if not all antibiotics are derived from fungi and almost 50% of pharmaceuticals are derived directly from plants. I'm even sold on the author's claim that herbs are safer alternatives to synthesized drugs - herbalism was practiced by every culture and Lindy effect would strongly suggest that both their efficacy and harmlessness is high.

What I'm not sold on, however, is bullshit.

In his summary of the scientific research of Boneset the author quotes a Brazilian study with 160,000 people on a "30C" homeopathic formulation of "crotalus horridus" (rattlesnake), eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset) and phosphorus.

It needs to be said: homeopathy doesn't work.

Homeopathy never worked.

None of the principles of homeopathy make any sense.

None of them ever made any sense.

All meta studies showed that homeopathy doesn't have an effect discernible for placebo. The author literally advocates for (ratte-) snake-oil. A "30C" formulation would have a dilution of 1 : 1e60. The number of atoms on earth is something in the range of 1e49 - 1e50. I am quite confident that any study that references homeopathic medicine in the "30C" formulation will fail to be replicated.

Herbal Antivirals contains a description of 13 herbs: some of them reported as antiviral by the author, some immune-protective and some "synergistic". Because the author lacks a bullshit-detector the actual value of the book is limited - it may be a good starting point but each claim has to be cross-verified and rechecked.

I called Herbal Antivirals a sister-book to Herbal Antibiotics. Indeed, some content seems to be lifted directly from the previous book, while some content (preparation of herbs and medicine making) cut short. The book doesn't really stand alone without Herbal Antibiotics.

The author style is quite droll and approachable, the concepts seem reasonable on the surface and I would really like to love this book. But I think the author does a great disservice by referencing bogus science. If herbal alternatives to antibiotics and antivirals are so important as the author claims the rigor demanded should be GREATER not less than "normal" medicine.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get an advance copy of this book. Steven Buhner literally “wrote the book” on herbalism. His mastery is particularly useful if you or a loved one has Lyme, of which he has a great deal of knowledge. But if you’re at all interested in herbal remedies, whether for the common cold or a more chronic problem, Buhner is the guy you need to read.

I had read the first edition of Herbal Antivirals, and am even more impressed with this newly expanded Second Edition. One thing about Buhner that I have always found extremely impressive is his use of data. In this book (and his others) you will find a wealth of data from studies, peer-reviewed sources, and other comprehensive scientific research. Buhner’s extensive knowledge of both viruses and plants is based on data and facts. This is extremely welcome amidst some of the more dubiously supported claims of other naturopaths and random folks writing functional medicine and herbal books today. Buehner has massively studied for years and he provides you with all the scientific data.

This book is updated with scientifically sound and interesting information on the COVID-19 virus with a lot of interesting and science-based suggestions for herbal antivirals for COVID. Other viruses like Epstein Barr, cytomegalovirus and the heroes viruses are covered in great detail as well.

As someone whose health has benefitted greatly from Buhner’s previous herbal protocols, I suggest pairing this book with Buehner’s equally excellent book, Herbal Antibiotics.” His book “Healing Lyme” has been one of the seminal publications on Lyme disease and it is interesting, scientifically based, and helpful to those with an interest in viruses and biofilms, even if you do not have Lyme.

As a fan and practitioner of both Western medicine and herbalism, I highly recommend this science-based wealth of knowledge to anyone with an interest in immunity, viruses, and herbal medicine. It is perfect complement to any Western medical treatment plan and is very low risk, with massive benefits, in my experience. (Of course, you should review any health plan, medical or otherwise, with your own doctor before starting.)

A wonderful update to a classic. I will happily buy any 3rd, 4th, and 5th edition of this book. Buhner remains one of the smartest and most gifted herbalists I have ever learned from.

Many thanks to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the gift of this book. Extra special thanks to Stephen Buhner for the gift of knowledge and better health.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in 2013, chilling and interesting retracing and foretelling of how viral epidemics/pandemics have been coming about with increasing regularity, what we can do for them naturopathically, and lots of discussion about plants, herbs and humor thrown in. If you are interested in naturopathic medicine (we all should be) and are growing at least some of your own food and herbs (we all should be), you will really appreciate this gem!!!

[hawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

read enough for now, and will continue to read and refer to.

it's taken me a while to take to Stephen Buhner as an author, but I'm pleased to have settled into his approach/style and be able to enjoy the content as intended.
this volume, and it's companion 'Herbal Antibiotics', have been the books of his that have made the 'make or break' moment for me.

both books are a good mix of overview, system approaches, specific infection approaches, and herb/plant profiles.


🌟 🌿 🌟 🦠 🌟 🧫 🌟


accessed as a paper book.

this review and my review of his 'Herbal Antibiotics' are mirrors of each other/the same, tho the books have distinct content and direction.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on the subject, bar none, and now updated with extensive information about COVID-19. As always, Buhner backs up all his information with extensive references to scientific studies. I also love that he highlights the way each herb is used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, Western medicine and Native American medicine when known. Best of all, he highlights wild plants that are growing all around us that we can harvest for free. He rightly points out that some of the most "invasive" wild plants are the most beneficial in the world -- stinging nettles, Japanese honeysuckle, etc. and also gives you information about the best sources to find both seeds and herbs.

Buhner is dying and he has been working hard to finish two books and to update this one in the time he has left. I highly admire that throughout this last year he has been providing extensive information to covid sufferers for free even as he is living in great pain and disability. He released an over-100 page COVID-19 protocol PDF for free on his website of all of his recommended protocols for active and long-covid last summer. It includes protocols for all of the manifestations that covid can take in lungs, heart, stomach, fatigue, etc. with multiple suggestions for each and good research to back it all up. That information is also included in this book, but I am so impressed that he put it online for the benefit of others for free.

This, along with his Herbal Antibiotics book, is a must-have for anyone who uses natural medicines or wants to learn how to (which really ought to be all of us, as they are so effective and accessible). I will be buying the print version as soon as it is available.

I read a digital ARC of this book for review.

[Sammarks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Buhner book.

Basically follows the same format at the previously reviewed Herbal Antibiotics, and well worth reading if you have an interest in furthering your knowledge on antiviral resistant organisms and effective herbal antivirals, immune boosters and synergists.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Herbal Antivirals, 2nd Edition" describes the mode of action of different types of viral infections and how different herbs work to prevent these viral infections. The author began with a look at several types of viruses (influenza, coronaviruses, viral encephalitis, etc.). He provided some history about the disease, very detailed information about how that type of viral infection acts on the body, how different herbs block specific modes of action by the virus (thus helping stop the virus), and the dosing and herbs used for different stages of infection. He strongly suggested the use of tinctures as the best way to get a high enough dosing to be effective.

The information on COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 was written in August 2020, over a year ago, and much of what was predicted (and included in this book) hasn't turn out to be as bad a predicted. I don't know if this section will be further updated before the publish date, but I didn't find a long section of what felt like panic propaganda to be very useful. He did include information about how the virus acted on the body and what herbs should help treat it.

The main, second section profiled several of the most useful antiviral herbs. The author described the common and Latin names of the medicinal herbs, the parts used for antiviral action, the dosage (usually as tinctures, but also powder or decoction), potential side effects, contraindications, herb/drug or herb/herb interactions, a list of medicinal actions, what it can be used to treat, the plant's chemistry, traditional uses, and scientific research on the herbs effectiveness against viruses and such. He also provided information about the plant in general, the habitat where the plant naturally grows and can be harvested, how to grow it, and where to buy it. He ended by describing some other ways (nutrition, some other herbs, etc.) to support the immune system and fight viral infections.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Lillian Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm rereading this. It is so relevant! The intro describes exactly what is happening now and it was published in 2013! Sadly, the world's scientists do not "really" understand viruses, and how to treat them. And vaccines aren't really the solution because of the nimble nature of viruses to mutate and permeate a host's cells. You also can't kill them or avoid them due to the way they have mastered using the host's immune system to survive.

Luckily, you can mitigate the cytokine cascade from killing you with specific herbs that allow you to dominate the virus until your immune system figures out the puzzle...Unfortunately, the western lifestyle combined with the western medical approach, unlike the eastern medical approach, is lethal because everything we do (bad eating habits, lack of exercise and vitamin D, toxins in the water and food, and the over use of steroids to quell systemic inflation) is a recipe for disaster.

[Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots and lots of information here. A lot of stuff the typical person might find to be too much. But I found it fascinating, and a little bit horrifying at times (especially reading about the Spanish Flu and how it mutated.). I found it very helpful in identifying herbs that can help to strengthen the body against common viruses/illnesses. This is one I’d like to own.

[Nick Woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man is absolutely brilliant! Ignore this book at your peril. I have tried many of his natural antibiotics (another of his books) and his natural anti-herbals. They work!

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems to be a requirement that herbalists have good senses of humor. This author is not one of the few exceptions and as such this herbal is a pleasant read. The author seems to clearly know his herbs.
He cites specific ingredients and the mechanisms by which they work. He also includes scientific studies backing the herbs. Lastly, he both links herbs to specific ailments (candida in my case) and provides lengthy explanations on how herbal antibiotic treatments in general and specific work.

I found this book to be less useful than his other book Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug Resistant Bacteriamerely because this book covers viruses only. I imagine I will buy this book if I ever come down with a nasty virus but probably not until then as its recommendations are specific to certain viruses (e.g. Lymes) and don't seem useful now.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! It has so many good ideas for herbal support for things that we have falsely relied on chemical medications and big pharma to supply, while the plants of our earth contain safer and more potent remedies. I am especially taken by the suggestions for neuroinflammation and protection of the blood brain barrier as that is something that my body has a hard time with. So to find things that work is exciting and inspiring. I have purchased several of the herbs written about in this book and have already seen improvements in myself.

[Eric · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Federal Trade Commission and/or FDA have warned at least two supplement dealers about advertising Buhner's "protocol" for preventing/treating Covid-19, as it hasn't been shown to work.

Looks like Buhner (who added a chapter to his book re Covid-19) joins a long list of snake oil salesmen hoping to cash in on the pandemic.

At best, people will waste money chasing Buhner's unproven remedies. At worst, serious illness or death could result from following his advice instead of seeking evidence-based treatment.

[Sylvia Forest · Rating 4 out of 5]

My go to author for all things herbal. Phenomenal knowledge of plant chemistry and its applications. Very comprehensive and includes details of much research supporting the use of an extensive range of herbal medicines.

I have made up his recipe for a fiery ginger-juice remedy for colds and flu and take it as a prophylactic
at times through the flu season - it works for me! No sign of any flu even when surrounded by colleagues and students who succumb.

[Gabbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very scientific, so if you're a scientist you'll love it. If you're not, you'll be lost in some of the chapters. The author does a very good job addressing both types of audiences and translating the information in a digestible form. Very well researched with a complete bibliography in the back that is extensive! If you love herbs and science, this is your book.

[Steve Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

Always interested in finding new angles on medicine and this is brilliant. Inspired. I bought some tincture. Haven't used them regularly, but noted some talk in book about histamine and mast cells. Taken them infrequently, but noticing no whatever yet.

[Renée Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best with the companion book on herbal antibiotics by the same author. I think everyone should own a printed copy of these books. Drug resistant pathogens kill more of us every day and modern medicine is failing to help.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough, scientifically backed information on all of the top natural antivirals, as well as a multitude of protocols designed to treat some of the most difficult viruses of our time. Everyone should own a copy!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

V useful corona remedies. As long as you can source the ingredients.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The current revised edition, of the 2013 original. A well researched source of antiviral information. I used many of these herbs when I had Covid. This was prior to the vaccine becoming available. The author touches on the political debates surrounding vaccination and treatment, but does not soap box. I recommend the book for adjunct treatments. Reader must be familiar with the botanical names in Latin, or will need to look them up.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and my ever-favorite Storey Publishing for the digital ARC of this book.

I read the first edition of Herbal Antivirals a few years ago and was really fascinated with the history of the herbs discussed and their documented use for fighting infections. I've studied herbal medicine, as a layperson, for many years and continue to find plenty of information I don't know. This informative book is a very helpful tool to have in your herbal first aid kit. The addition of information discussing COVID-19 was an insightful update to this edition.

[Dee Ruddox · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Once your life is saved by a plant
Things are never the same again”

This book dived straight into some heavy, scientific language reminiscent of a Masters Degree dissertation. I’m not sure who the target audience is - I already have experience of using some basic herbs and some of the other supplements and vitamins recommended, have done University level study of genetics & biology etc and this book took my full concentration (and I wouldn’t be confident passing a test on some of the very technical content) - at times it seemed like a medical textbook. (To prove this, the last 25% of the book is notes, references & bibliography)
I learned a huge amount - which of course is only a good thing. This way of treating microbial disease with the living pharmacy around us will only grow over the coming years.
Area around 36% seemed as though it should be the intro - the book seemed to get easier, almost as though this was 2 books smashed together....? Or perhaps I’d got used to the style of writing at that point!
I believe this is an updated version with particular detail on COVID-19/ SARS COV2 - v useful, but be aware it could be potentially overwhelming.
In summary, I am torn how to review, because the scientific detail, quotes, Latin names, human studies, statistics etc does give evidence and confidence to the information, negating any woowoo connotations of herbal medicine and certainly there is a huge amount of research and expertise on the author’s part.
Particularly liked the section in chapter 6 clearly separated into plant chemistry, traditional uses, growing/harvesting technique, uses in Ayurveda, scientific research, Chinese medicine. Western botanic practice, preparation & dosage for the top 7 anti virals.
Useful as a reference book to dip into in future, rather than read in one go. I will definitely dip back in in the future. A 3/5 for enjoyment with a full extra point for the sheer detail & knowledge imparted = 4/5

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a highly assertive volume. It includes a brief synopsis of the 1918 influenza pandemic. It then dives into symptoms of common viruses and associated treatments. The last half of the book details the main plants used as well as how to prepare them; infusions, tinctures, syrups.

This book IS the most comprehensively researched book on treating viruses with herbs. It pulls no punches on which herbs are actually effective, going so far as to ridicule both poorly informed Western doctors and goofy plant hippies alike.

He also likes making fun of taxonomists for having frustrated his research. These entertaining sidebars, clearly annotated as such, do not obscure his writing on the herbs. This commentary instead advances his critique of modern medicine, particularly the awkward ignorance of herbal remedies.

This book is best paired with the other books on Herbal Antibiotics and Lyme disease by the same author.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent research and vital information. This is a reprint of the previous version with an update for COVID. This book has extensive information on different viruses, how they affect the body and which herbals are best to treat each system in the body. At the end of each chapter is an exhaustive list of herbal remedies and how to use each. There are also recipes for combination remedies and instructions on how to use each. This is an invaluable resource, especially during these days of Covid and one I would definitely recommend.

[Tink Bastian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent source powerful of a herbal approach to antivirals. Stephen is very knowledgable about the subject and I find it a joy to know and figure out an alternative for Western medicine. The book is easy to use and you can quickly jump to those subjects that are applicable to your situation.

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author provides a sound work of research and clinical practice on the use of herbs as antivirals and to strengthen the immune system or regulate it, among other synergies. The book includes about 50 pages of bibliography snd research references.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Buhner book.

[Onyebuchi Ekufia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has fully addressed all natural remedies for virus infections.

[Cheryl Conlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I skimmed, more than read, this one, but there is a lot of great info about building one’s immune system, especially geared toward specific virus types.

[Esmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an essential reference book to have on the shelf. Alternative treatments backed up with supportive research and dosing recommendations. I have stocked my personal pharmacy with alternative remedies based on this book (and a few others). Can we really trust big pharma to provide us with medications? Big pharma has proven they are more interested in profit than healing. Doctors shrug off dangerous side effects as rare and not a concern. The last two years have shown individuals they need to be proactive and prepared to take care of themselves. Buhner is interesting and you can catch his personality along with his deep knowledge on the subject. Just a few words on the 2021 version of the book... He includes some covid propaganda and information that has later shown not be true, or at least incomplete and lacking adequate support. Despite this, he does offer several herbal treatments for Covid (and other serious viral respiratory illnesses) that deserve a closer look. His recommendations are based on the primary symptoms of the individual. Since Covid has resulted in different combination of symptoms, his recommendations are well organized. Combine his advice with other doctors and one should be well prepared with whatever comes next.