Garlic and other remedies to combat bird flu

What is GARLIC? Identification name: Allium sativum L. Family: Liliaceae Habitat: native to Central Asia Medicinal part: bulb (clove) Key chemical constituents: it contains enzymes, volatile oils, proteins, aminoacids, minerals, vitamins. Specifically: allicin is antibacterial, antifungal; diallyl disulfide is anticancer; diallyl trisulfide is antioxidant, antifungal, antitumor, anti-inflammatory; vitamin C and vitamin E are antioxidant; beta-carotene is antioxidant, antineoplastic, chemopreventive; chromium, iron; selenium is antioxidant and chemopreventive. Properties and uses: it acts directly on blood circulation decreasing the pressure; it slows down pulse rate; it makes stronger and more elastic blood vessels; it strengthens the muscles of the heart. It has a diuretic action, and it disinfects the intestines. Garlic is used as ingredient in foods. Also, possibly effective against atherosclerosis, diabetes, tinea, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, prostate cancer, tick bites. Curiosity: in ancient Egypt garlic was used to boost worker’s resistance to infection, and during World Wars I and II as antiseptic to prevent gangrene and treat infection. Caution: in humans, it causes garlic breath, body odour, a burning sensation in the mouth, bloating, reflux, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Garlic increases the risk of bleeding during surgery; and it enhances the action of anticoagulants like warfarin and other drugs. These adverse reactions occur when garlic is taken with no food and at doses greater than 1 gram. What is GREEN CHIRETTA? Identification name: Andrographis paniculata Wall.ex Nees Family: Acanthaceae Habitat: native to southeast Asia Medicinal part: aerial part, leaf, root Key chemical constituents: it contains diterpenoid lactones, flavonoids, xanthones. Specifically: andrographolide is anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-neoplastic, anti-HIV. Properties and uses: the roots and leaves are depurative and anthelmintic. Green chiretta is immunomodulating; stimulates bile production and flow; protects the liver from toxins; counters the damaging effects of free radicals; helps to control blood sugar. Possibly effective against common cold, pharyngotonsillitis, ulcerative colitis. Likely safe to use orally and for short-term up to 1-3 months. Curiosity: known as king of bitters for its extremely bitter taste. Traditionally used for flatulence, loss of appetite, bowel problems, dysentery, dyspepsia, diarrhea, liver disorders. Caution: in larger doses like 5-10 mg/kg, green chiretta may cause diarrhea, urticaria, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry mouth, metallic taste, dizziness, heartburn, decreased short-term memory, and runny nose. Even anaphylactic shock in some cases. Can be toxic to male reproductive system and cause cytotoxicity. Possibly unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to abortifacient effects. What is TREE TOBACCO? Identification name: Nicotiana glauca Graham Family: Solanaceae Habitat: native to South America Medical part: leaf Key chemical constituents: it contains alkaloids. Specifically: anabasine is insecticide, teratogenic; and capable to reduce heart and respiration rates and blood pressure. Nicotine is ganglionic stimulant or blocker. Properties and uses: it is hepatoprotective, hypertensive, neuromuscular blocker, purgative, spasmogenic. It is used for low blood pressure, jaundice. Curiosity: Nicotiana is commonly known as tobacco. Nicotiana glauca is one of the 76 species of nicotiana. In the human body, nicotine is decreased by half in 11 hours, while anabasine in 16 hours. Caution: signs of intoxication in humans are nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, and dizziness. Poisoning is nicotine-like with death occurring from respiratory paralysis. Death by respiratory paralysis reported after drinking water extract of the plant and occurred within a few hours. If eaten by domestic animals, it can cause fetal deformities.

Bird flu or Avian influenza is caused by an RNA virus. This virus naturally infects wild waterfowl with no symptoms. However, when it attacks domestic birds, like chickens and turkeys, severe respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms occur, leading to death if left untreated. When medications are not available, which plants can help? GARLIC is antiviral and fresh garlic is viruscidal. It can be added to the drinking water of the animals. GREEN CHIRETTA whole plant can be boiled in 2L of water until water is reduced to half. Add 2 handfuls of uncooked, milled rice and let it sit overnight. Next day, add it to the birds food. TREE TOBACCO aqueous extract increased survival of chick embryos infected with influenza virus in vitro and clinical studies. Also, unlike other birds or mammals, chickens that ate the leaf showed no adverse effects.

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