Encephalitis is a brain inflammation caused by a virus. You may experience mild flulike symptoms, including headache, fever, muscle aches and fatigue, or serious symptoms like double vision, hallucinations and seizures. Herbs may work together with conventional drugs to support your immune system and reduce symptoms of encephalitis. Encephalitis can be fatal, so you should always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for encephalitis act in several ways. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbs will help reduce the inflammation and pain in your head and muscles. Antimicrobial herbs can help your immune system fight the infection. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage, drug interactions and preparation of herbs for encephalitis.
Cat's Claw
Cat's claw, or Uncaria tomentosa, is a thorny vine native to Central and South America. Traditional healers use the roots and stem bark for a range of diseases, including cancer, AIDS, herpes, arthritis, diabetes and asthma. Active ingredients are indole alkaloids and triterpene saponins. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cat’s claw extract may be a helpful adjuvant treatment for encephalitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. In their 2001 book “Herbal Remedies,” naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli state that cat’s claw boosts immunity and improves your response to viral infections. Do not use this herb if you have leukemia, low blood pressure or are pregnant.
Astragalus
Astragalus, or Astragalus membranaceus, is an Asian perennial with tiny yellow flowers. It is an important tonic herb and immune stimulant in traditional Chinese medicine. In their 2009 book “Medicinal Plants of the World,” botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that astragalus stimulates the production of interferon, which are proteins that trigger your immune system to attack viruses and other pathogens. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites astragalus as a support herb for viral encephalitis because of its immune and antiviral action. Do not use this herb if you have an autoimmune disorder.
Elder
Elder, or Sambucus nigra, is a large shrub with white flowers and black berries. Herbalists use the leaves, roots, flowers and berries for colds, flu, bronchitis and pain relief. Elder is rich in flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, triterpenoids and tannins. The flowers are mildly anti-inflammatory and antiviral. Hershoff and Rotelli recommend it to prevent the encephalitis virus from invading healthy cells and to relieve fever and pain. Do not use during pregnancy, and do not eat the raw and unripe fruit.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- “Herbal Remedies”; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
- “Medicinal Plants of the World”; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
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