Prof. Dr. Sigmundur Gudbjarnason and associates’ research carried out since 1992 reveals that the seeds and leaves of the Icelandic variety of Angelica archangelica contain potent bioactive compounds that help prevent viral infections, such as cold and flu.
The compounds found in the Icelandic angelica herb are known to restrict viral proliferation and strengthen the body against infection by viruses, according to Dr. Gudbjarnason, head of research and development at SagaMedica and former President of the University of Iceland.
What can we learn from the 1918 flu pandemic to help prevent Influenza A (swine flu)?
Dr. Gudbjarnason says, “There are several important antiviral compounds in Angelica archangelica that might be important in prevention of viral infections. This should be considered if the Influenza A becomes a more severe epidemic and flu medication becomes scarce”
During the time of the Spanish influenza (1), there are accounts of Angelica archangelica being used as flu treatment in Denmark. Recent studies linking the origin of the swine flu virus to the Spanish influenza (2) of 1918 further suggest that the herb may prove to be an effective prophylactic for swine flu prevention people can use to avoid infection if the Influenza A virus becomes more severe.
Preventing colds and flu with natural herbs
Icelandic Angelica archangelica provides the basis for a variety of supplements from SagaMedica.
Herbal remedies SagaPro and Voxis lozenges are made using angelica leaf and therefore contain the antiviral compounds in question. They may be used to prevent viral infection.
More information at www.sagamedica.com
1. “So sent som under den stora influenzaepidemi på 1920-1930 tallet anvendes dette medel i Danmark”
Nielsen, H. Läkeväxter förr och nu. Borås 1978. Sweden, page 187.
2. Kansas State University (2009, May 1). 1918 Flu Resulted In Current Lineage Of H1N1 Swine Influenza Viruses. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/04/090430111640.htm
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the spread of AH1N1 or Swine Flu is really scary. It is a good thing that this virus is not very deadly. We are advised to take Vitamin-C and to wear face masks.
Interesting stuff. Did you hear that there’s a new strain which is resistant to the anti-flu drugs? Tamiflu etc? Found a really good website for tracking it’s progress, seems to be updated every hour or so… http://www.swinefludeaths.co.uk.
the use of face masks and boosting your immune system by taking lots of vitamin-C is still an effective way of preventing the spread of the Swine Flu virus.
i always advice my kids to wear face masks when going into crowded areas. swine flu is really scary and i dont want my kids getting infected by it.
I have a relative who got the Swine Flu in Mexico. It is a good thing that he already recovered from this disease.