An all-natural anti-viral herb can be used to help treat the symptoms of colds and flu caused by viral infections. Usually administered in tincture form, this plant is called lomatium dissectum and is a powerful microbial. In the age of a viral pandemic, we could all stand to have a little more knowledge about nature’s ability to help our bodies recover from viral illnesses.

Lomatium dissectum is a broad-spectrum anti-microbial used to assist in the symptoms of viral infections. It is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family known by the common name “fern leaf biscuitroot”. It is native to much of western North America, where it grows in varied habitats. It is a perennial herb reaching up to 1.4 meters tall, growing from a thick taproot. The leaves are mostly attached near the base of the plant, spreading with petioles up to 30 centimeters long and large blades divided into many small, narrow segments. The flower cluster is an umbel of many small yellow or reddish flowers, each cluster on a ray up to 10 centimeters long. The fruits resemble pumpkin seeds.

Lomatium was a popular medicine used in Native American cultures. In fact, this “powerful antiviral plant was used by Native Americans to survive the 1918 influenza epidemic may prove to be a strong modern-day cold and flu remedy” according to a report from the University of California.

According to one article on the subject, the Native Americans called the medicinal root of this plant “the Dortza”, meaning – “heap powerful medicine.” As the Native Americans discovered, this natural medicine is extracted from the hard root and made into a tincture that can be used. The Washoe Indians collected the root in September and October when the richest supply of oils was concentrated in the large underground root. At least five or six gums, oils, and oleoresins are present in the very aromatic root. After collecting the root, they sliced it longitudinally, exposing the volatile oils to the oxidizing (polymerization) effects of the air, which converts the oils to a stabilized resin. The cured root would then be hung to dry from the ceiling of their hogan until it was needed.

How It Works

The root’s anti-viral action is derived from the volatile oils in the root and helps clear respiratory issues that are present in viral infections because of inflammation, such as sore throat, stuffy and runny nose, and cough. It is also especially useful for dealing with the secondary infections caused by many strains of influenza. By 1944, the Journal of Bacteriology reported, “The anti-biotic activity of oil factions separated from the root of Lomatium dissectum was determined on 62 strains and species of bacteria, molds, and fungi. The heat-stable active agent was bactericidal for gram-positive bacteria at 10-4 dilutions and at 10-3 for gram-negative bacteria.” (Journal of Bacteriology, Vol. 55 No. 5 May 1948)

Lomatium is one of the most potent M2 inhibitors known and is stronger than the pharmaceutical drug, amantadine.

Actions: Antibacterial, anticoagulant (possible), antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, (Candida albicans, Clostridium (5 strains), Corynebacterium diptherium, Diplococcus pneumonia, E. coli, Hemophilus influenza, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Neisseria gonorrhea, Proteus Vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella, Shigella (3 strains), Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes), antiseptic, antiviral (DNA and RNA viruses), expectorant, immunostimulant, tonic

Indications: Asthma, bacterial infection, bronchitis, candidiasis (douche), chronic fatigue syndrome, common cold, congestion, cough, cuts (topical), cytomegalovirus, distemper, Epstein-Barr virus, Gardnerella infections, gastroenteritis, hay fever, herpes simplex, HIV, influenza, leukocytosis, lymphangitis, mononucelosis, pharyngitis (early stages), pneumonia, respiratory tract infection, rheumatism, shigellosis, skin infections (topical), sore throat (gargle), sores (topical), stomatitis (topical), tonsillitis (early stages), urinary tract infection, vaginal infections (douche), viral infections

Known Dosage (for Adults)

To use lomatium as an anti-viral treatment for cold or flu symptoms, take 1/4 tsp every 3 to 4 hours for 5 days in 1 cup of hot water. Keep track of your usage on a dosing chart. Optionally combine with Elderberry (anti-viral daily tonic).

Many tinctures containing lomatium are available for purchase if you don’t live in an area where you can harvest your own. If you’ve tried this natural medicine for a cold or the flu, please share your experience with Ready Nutrition readers in the comments below!