Viral meningitis, a disease with no specific treatment according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, involves the inflammation of the membranes and spinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is caused by infection with a virus such as an enterovirus (commonly causes the stomach flu), mumps virus, herpes virus or chicken pox virus that travels through the bloodstream to the brain. Most patients recover on their own in a few weeks, and although the use of herbal medications such as cat's claw, Reishi mushroom, aged garlic or olive leaf, cannot cure viral meningitis they may help boost the body's immune system during recovery.
Cat's Claw
There are two species of plant commonly called cat's claw, Uncaria Guianensis and Uncaria Tomentosa. The extract from this woody vine that grows in Central and South America has been used for centuries by natives as an anti-inflammatory. Uncaria Tomentosa is also believed to stimulate the immune system, according to doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Cat's claw has shown to be effective in treating conditions involving inflammation, according to the study conducted by Mark Miller and associates and published in "The Journal of Inflammation," but more research needs to be completed to provide conclusive evidence.
Reishi Mushroom
The Reishi mushroom is known as the mushroom of immortality to herbalists and those who practice Chinese medicine. The extract is derived from the cap and stem of the mushroom with the scientific name Ganoderma Lucidum. The Reishi mushroom is used, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, to stimulate the immune system of patients suffering from HIV infection and cancer.
Garlic
Garlic, scientific name Allium Sativum, has been used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer and infections. Garlic contains an amino acid called alliin, which is a potent antibiotic and also forms other active components once in the body. Garlic helps to stimulate the immune system by increasing T cells (a type of white blood cell that contributes to immunity) and restoring antibody responses that were repressed.
Olive Leaf
Olive leaves contain a substance called oleuropein, which is a powerful antioxidant, meaning that it can eliminate free radicals from the body, helping to prevent damage to cells. In addition, once oleuropein is in the body it converts to elenoic acid which helps to inhibit viruses and bacteria from dividing and growing, therefore helping to fight off infections such as viral meningitis.
