Herbal AVR ™
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
* Viral infections including the common cold, influenza (flu), oral herpes, genital herpes, herpes zoster (shingles), Epstein-Barr virus, viral hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis (mono), chickenpox, viral gastroenteritis, and viral pneumonia
* Chronic, unresolved viral infections: chronic unexplained fatigue, continued weight loss, low-grade fever, night sweats and chills, vague body aches and pain
WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
* Antiviral effect to inhibit viral replication
* Virucidal effect to kill viruses
* Immunostimulant to enhance the immune system
DOSAGE
Take 3 to 4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach. The dosage may be increased up to 6 to 8 capsules every four to six hours as needed.
INGREDIENTS
Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba)
Ban Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis)
Bo He (Herba Menthae)
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
Fu Ling (Poria)
Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae)
Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis)
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali)
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae)
Jie Geng (Radix Platycodonis)
Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae)
Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae)
Ma Bo (Lasiosphaera seu Calvatia)
Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis)
Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii)
Nu Zhen Zi (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi)
Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng)
Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae)
Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae)
Xian He Cao (Herba Agrimoniae)
Xiang Chun Ye (Folium Toonae Sinensis)
Xuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae)
Yu Xing Cao (Herba Houttuyniae)
BACKGROUND
Viruses are the smallest parasites composed of an RNA or DNA core and an outer cover of protein or lipid. There are several hundred different viruses, most of which infect humans via respiratory or enteric excretion, and some are transmitted via sexual contact or transfusion of blood. For infection to occur, the virus must attach and enter the host cell, replicate itself inside the host cell, and release new viruses to infect other host cells. Because viruses are made from RNA or DNA, covered by protein or lipid, and reside inside the host cell, they are very difficult to identify and kill. Treatment of viral infections with pharmaceutical drugs is mostly ineffective, or offers minimal benefits. In most cases, supportive care is given to alleviate signs, symptoms, and complications of viral infections. Vaccines are effective for prevention, but are available for only a few types of viruses. Protective measures, such as hand washing, proper food preparation, water treatment, and avoidance of contact with infected individuals, are important to prevent viral infections. All in all, the body’s own immune system is the most effective way to prevent and treat viral infection.
FORMULA EXPLANATION
Viral infections become a problem when the host's protective immune mechanisms are compromised. Many of these patients experience persistent infections because the body is unable to clear the virus after the initial infection. Therefore, optimal treatment requires simultaneous efforts to treat the infection and strengthen the immunity. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), treating viral infections requires three strategies. First, use herbs to clear wind-heat and toxic heat. Second, tonify qi and enhance the body’s immune system. Third, tonify yin to address symptoms of yin-deficient fire, such as low-grade fever in cases of chronic viral infections.
Herbal AVR contains herbs to clear wind-heat and eliminate toxins. Many of the following herbs show excellent antiviral effect. Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae), Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis), Xuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae), Ma Bo (Lasiosphaera seu Calvatia), and Ban Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis) clear heat and eliminate toxins. Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii), Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae), and Bo He (Herba Menthae) disperse wind-heat accumulation. Also, they are excellent for fever, sore throat, and swollen glands. Jie Geng (Radix Platycodonis) and Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) act synergistically to relieve sore throat, thus helping the heat-clearing herbs. Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) regulates qi circulation to reduce swelling and inflammation. Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae) and Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri), in addition to dispersing wind-heat, have an antipyretic effect to reduce body temperature. Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae), Xian He Cao (Herba Agrimoniae), Yu Xing Cao (Herba Houttuyniae), and Xiang Chun Ye (Folium Toonae Sinensis) have an excellent antiviral effect and are included in this formula.
The next two groups of herbs tonify qi and nourish yin of the body, which are often deficient from fighting a long-term viral infection. Chronic infection taxes the body and consumes yin. Patients often suffer from weight loss or emaciation and show symptoms of fatigue, tiredness, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, and weakness. The first group of herbs enhances the body’s own wei (defensive) qi or immune system to fight against the infection. They include Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng), Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae), Fu Ling (Poria), and Huang Qi (Radix Astragali). Together, they strengthen the Spleen and boost the immune system while preventing the harsh properties of the heat-clearing herbs from injuring the digestive system. The second group of herbs, the yin tonics, addresses low-grade fever and other signs of deficiency heat. Herbs in this group include Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis), and Nu Zhen Zi (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi). Xuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae) is also effective to prevent the heat-clearing, damp-drying herbs from injuring the yin.
Together, Herbal AVR is a balanced formula to address acute and chronic viral infections by clearing heat and tonifying the body’s own defense system.
CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS
* This formula is contraindicated in cases of deficiency and coldness.
* For patients with a sensitive or weak digestive system, take the herbs 30 minutes after meals.
* This formula is contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing.
SUPPLEMENTARY FORMULAS
* For respiratory infections, add Lonicera Complex, Herbal ENT or Respitrol formulas.
* For oral herpes, add Lonicera Complex.
* For genital herpes, add Gentiana Complex.
* For herpes zoster, add Dermatrol (HZ).
* For viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract, add GI Care II.
* For patients with weak immune system, add Immune + or Cordyceps 3.
* For chronic fatigue syndrome, add Imperial Tonic.
* To strengthen the immune system, add Immune +.
* For chronic viral infection or post viral infection with yin deficiency, add Nourish or Balance (Heat).
* For hepatitis, add Liver DTX.
* For genital human papillomavirus (HPV), add V-Support. Use Yin Care externally as herbal wash is also beneficial.
* With more inflammation, add Astringent Complex.
* With fever, add Gardenia Complex.
NUTRITION
* Always eat breakfast! According to the TCM clock, the most optimal time for the digestive system is in the morning from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
* Drink plenty of water.
* Avoid sugar: any and all foods containing sugar such as cake, dessert, candy, chocolate, canned juice, soft drinks, stevia, sugar substitutes, agave, xylitol, and corn syrup.
* Avoid raw or cold food/beverages such as sashimi, sushi, salads, steak tartar, and seared meat. Eat all cooked vegetables and nothing straight from the refrigerator.
* Avoid carbohydrates like white rice or bread as they may damage the Spleen and in turn produce more dampness.
* No seafood, especially shellfish like crabs, oyster, scallops, clams, lobster and shrimp (they enter the yangming Stomach channel). This is especially the case if suffering from skin disorder.
* Avoid fermented foods like cheese or fermented tofu.
* No dairy, including milk, cream, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. Dairy products in general tend to create dampness and therefore should be consumed less. Milk, cheese and other dairy products should be avoided, especially if patients are lactose intolerant.
* Avoid deep-fried or greasy foods. No lamb, beef, goose or duck.
* Most melons (winter melon, watermelon, etc.), nightshades (eggplant, potato, bell and spicy peppers, tomato), bitter melon, seaweed, cucumber, grapefruit, papaya, and pineapple are too cold for the Spleen. Therefore, it’s best to eat sparingly or not at all.
* Avoid the following fruits that are bad for the Spleen because they are cold in nature: plums, citrus, guava, pineapple, papaya, watermelon, honeydew.
* Avoid certain fruits like mango and durian that have heat producing effect, which aggravates the condition.
* Avoid spicy foods and stimulants like coffee, alcohol, and energy drinks.
* Avoid spicy/pungent/aromatic vegetables such as pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, funnel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili pepper, wasabi, and cardamom.
* Avoid foods and drinks with artificial coloring.
* Consume as few meat products as possible. Do not eat processed meats, such as lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages, as they contain nitrites that are associated with inflammation and chronic disease.
The Tao of Nutrition by Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease:
* Increase consumption of dandelion greens, ginger, garlic, mung beans, daikons, carrots, mint, and lotus root.
LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS
* Sleep by 10:00 p.m. In TCM, 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. is when the yin shifts to yang. It is crucial for the body to be at rest during this time for optimal health. There is no better way to restore or enhance the immune system other than resting and sleeping before 10:00 p.m.
* Afternoon naps for about 30 minutes are also recommended.