Although bacteria and viruses are too small to be seen without a microscope, they're as different as apples and oranges to treat. 

Bacterial and viral infections have many things in common. Both types of infections are caused by microbes and spread by actions such as coughing, sneezing and contact with infected people.¹        

Bacteria are relatively complex, single-celled creatures with a rigid wall and a thin, rubbery membrane surrounding the fluid inside the cell. They can reproduce on their own and less than one per cent of bacteria cause disease in people. ²

Viruses are far smaller than bacteria. All they have is a protein coat and a core of genetic material. Unlike bacteria, viruses can't survive without a host. Most viruses cause disease and have specific target tissue which they are programmed to attack.^1,2

How do we manage common viral infections like the winter flu?

My trusted favourite antiviral botanicals for winter flu are Elderberry and Lemon balm.                 

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

The European elders of herbal medicine have a long history of traditional approaches, documented since ancient times as seen in the writings of Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Pliny. Elderberries have long been used for making preserves, wines and winter cordials. Elderberry has become a popular European herb for treating cold and flu symptoms, by acting as an antiviral and diaphoretic.³

You'll find clinical studies confirming antiviral properties, especially against different strains of the influenza virus. For instance, it was shown to be effective in vitro against 10 strains of influenza virus and reduced the duration of flu symptoms from 10-14 days down to as little as three to four days. The effect on a healthy immune system showed inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8) were significantly increased by Elderberry (2-45 fold). The most striking increase was noted in TNF-alpha production (44.9 fold)³ -   we're talking acute phase responses and inflammation here. 

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is a calming herb with antiviral immune properties. Research backs up its great benefit in winter flu and infection.

Lemon balm is also of value as a topical antiviral. Some studies suggest that topical ointments containing Lemon balm may help heal cold sores. In one study of 116 people with HSV, those who applied Lemon balm cream to their lip sores experienced significant improvement in redness and swelling after only two days.⁴                            

Lemon balm also benefits by calming anxiety, improving sleep and supporting digestion.⁵

Dose recommendation:

Tea: 1.5 - 4.5 grams (1/4 - 1 teaspoonful) of dried lemon balm herb in hot water. Steep and drink up to four times daily

1:2 extract: 1-2mL three times daily

Topical: Apply cream to affected area, three times daily

Nutritional Synergy for Cold and Flu Season

Elderberry and Lemon balm combine well with the following nutrients for cold and flu season:

• Zinc: 20-60 mg per day
• Vitamin A: 15,000 per day or beta-carotene: 6 mg per day
• Vitamin C: 1-2 g or more per day in 500mg divided doses throughout the day
• Vitamin D: 1000 IU per day
• Mixed flavonoids: 50 mg per day ⁶

The beauty of simple herbs such as Elderberry and Lemon balm is their historical and evidence based effectiveness, as well as a strong safety profile in pediatrics. They are classic herbs that deserve pride of place in any herbal dispensary.

References

1. Heikkinen T et al. The common cold. The Lancet. 2003;36(19351): 51-59
2. Slack JM, Gerencser M. Filamentous Bacteria Actinomyces:Biology and Pathogenicity. Burgess, Minneapolis, 1975
3. Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines. Eur Cytokine Netw. 2001; 12(2): 290-296
4. Kucera LS, Cohen RA, Herrmann EC. Antiviral activities of extracts of the lemon balm plant. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1965; 130(1): 474-482
5. Cohen RA, Kucera LS, Herrmann EC. Antiviral activity of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) extract. Experimental Biology and Medicine. 1964; 117(2): 431-434
6. Thomsen, M. In Hechtman L (ed). Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. Churchill Livingstone, Sydney, 2015: pp 418- 507