Dosage: When taking any supplement in pills, capsules, liquid, powder or any other manufactured form; you should always follow that individual manufacturer’s directions.

• Olive Leaf Extract or Elenolic Acid.:

“The Bible refers to the olive tree as the "tree of life". Olives, the ripe fruit of the tree, yield healthy monounsaturated fats and phytochemicals that act as potent antioxidants. Research on the benefits of olive oil abounds in scientific literature. Yet, people are still not aware of the amazing healing powers of another component of the olive tree, the leaves. The olive tree, botanically designated as Olea europea, brings to us a promising herbal product known as olive leaf extract. The ancient Egyptians regarded olive leaf as a symbol of heavenly power, and in keeping with that belief, they extracted its oil and used it to mummify their kings.

The healing powers of olive leaf were realized as early as the 1880s when it was utilized to counteract malaria. According to the 1854 Pharmaceutical Journal of Provincial Transactions (pp. 363-354) (Hanbury) stated that a "decoction of the leaves" of the olive tree had been found to be extremely effective in reducing fevers due to a severe and otherwise often-fatal disease that swept the island of Mytelene in 1843. The olive leaf extract was reported subsequently to be more effective in its fever-lowering properties than quinine. Hanbury recalled that similar observations had been made in France and Spain between 1811 and 1828. It appears that in the early 19th century, Spanish physicians sometimes prescribed olive leaves as a "febrifuge", and often used them to treat cases of intermittent fever (2). Hanbury concluded that the properties of the tree Olea europea deserved more extensive investigation.

In the early1900s scientists isolated a bitter compound called oleuropein from olive leaf that was thought to give the olive tree its disease resistance. In 1962 an Italian researcher recorded that Oleuropein had the ability to lower blood pressure in animals. Other European researchers validated that claim and also found it to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, relieve arrhythmia and prevent intestinal muscle spasms.

In the years to come, a Dutch researcher identified that a primary ingredient in oleuropein inhibited the growth of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. This chemical was elenolic acid. Further European research determined this compound to have strong bactericidal, antiviral and antifungal capabilities. A safety study on calcium elenolate was tested with laboratory animals and published by the Upjohn pharmaceutical company in 1970. The study concluded that even in doses several hundred times higher than recommended; no toxic or other adverse side effects were discovered.

Health professionals first started using Olive Leaf extract in 1995 when it first became available. Although we do not have a long-term perspective as yet, initial results are very positive. We see a very promising and unique herb with multiple applications. It shows considerable therapeutic action against many common conditions. In short, it appears to be living up to its unique background and expectations.

From research and clinical experience to date, we can say that supplemental olive leaf may be beneficial in the treatment for conditions caused by, or associated with, a virus, retrovirus, bacterium or protozoan. Among those treatable conditions are: influenza, the common cold, Candida infections, meningitis, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), encephalitis, herpes I and II, human herpes virus 6 and 7, shingles (Herpes zoster), HIV/ARC/AIDS, chronic fatigue, hepatitis B, pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, malaria, dengue, severe diarrhea, and dental, ear, urinary tract and surgical infections. Many people who live stressful lives or who may be particularly susceptible to colds and viruses may benefit from long-term use of olive leaf as a preventive agent.

Research suggests that olive leaf may be a true anti-viral compound because it appears to selectively block an entire virus-specific system in the infected host. It then appears to offer healing effects not addressed by pharmaceutical antibiotics. Olive leaf's broad killing power includes an ability to interfere with critical amino acid production for viruses; an ability to contain viral infection and/or spread by inactivating viruses by preventing virus shredding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane; the ability to directly penetrate infected cells and stop viral replication.” (http://www.drhoffman.com/page.cfm/126).

• Echinacea–Echinacea is well known for its immune-boosting properties. It is believed that it can increase interferon production as well as stimulate white blood cell production, enabling the body to fight more effectively against viruses. Echinacea, as well as the other antiviral herbs mentioned, is best taken early on when a viral illness is suspected in order to significantly enhance its effectiveness. Echinacea is generally available in capsule or extract form and can also be made into a delicious tea. Caution: Do not use during a cytokine storm.

• Elderberry–Elderberry has been used as an herbal remedy against colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections for nearly 3,000 years. Recent studies have shown that it is effective against all strains of the flu virus and can prevent the spread of viruses. While it is available in multiple forms, the most effective remedies are as lozenges or syrup. Caution: Do not use during a cytokine storm.

• Cardamom is considered an excellent dietary source of limonene, a chemical typically found in the skin of citrus fruits. Consumption of limonene has been shown to boost antioxidant activity and has been used by patients to prevent and treat cancer. Cardamom is also used to control various digestive problems like excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and flatulence. This makes it particularly beneficial when detoxing, as it can help minimize many of the side effects. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers reported that treatment with an extract of cardamom essential oil proved more effective in treating gastric ulcers caused by aspirin and ethanol than ranitidine, a medication widely prescribed for the treatment of ulcers. And one of its most important uses is in liver cleansing. Cardamom improves the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder, and keeps viruses from multiplying.