Natural Approaches for COVID-19 and Its Many Mutations


Sue Visser

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The COVID-19 pathogen is elusive and to call it just a virus does not tell the whole story. Exclusively targeting cures and vaccines for an ever-mutating virus is frustrating enough. It offers no support for the patient in any other way, especially if they have a weakened immune system and have pre-existing co-morbidities. The reason that ivermectin is having a universally victorious run is because it addresses parasites as well as COVID-19 and has anti-inflammatory effects. Similar properties are common to a number of other naturally occurring substances. The world has faith in ivermectin as a result of the extensive patient trials to demonstrate its in vitro and in vivo effects to prevent as well as treat COVID-19.

Some people are more susceptible to the COVID-19 virus and its entourage of pathogens due to nutrient deficiencies or lifestyle-related and other co-morbidity factors and already take a lot of medications. According to herbalists and naturopaths I talk to, ivermectin offers a more viable option to vaccines. One doctor said that “more people may die as a result of taking the vaccine than being infected.” He combines medical treatments with supplements and herbs like artemisia, olive leaf, Nigella sativa among others and has also found them to be very helpful during the pandemic. We call him Doctor Gadget because he relies on biofeedback devices for diagnostics and a Rife resonator for most of his treatments. He, like many of my doctor friends, shares my passion for integrative medicine. Ironically, many of our modern drugs are derived from natural sources. Where would we be without the willow tree that provides salicylic acid for aspirins that are still used as blood thinners! And now ivermectin, derived from avermectins that are naturally occurring compounds derived from soil-based organisms.

Herbs that have been used for thousands of years to treat a broad spectrum of microbes, pathogens, and parasites have always been there for us. Some are shown to be effective against COVID-19, plus they can help to reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, lower blood sugar, and facilitate weight loss as well as relieve hypoxia and other breathing issues. Others can improve thyroid function, fight cancer, and so on. Introducing more of these natural anti-viral multitaskers to the world of science is an exciting prospect. Obviously, all the material needs to be reviewed extensively, as is the case with ivermectin. A growing number of scientific studies have already shown that the leaves of Artemisia annua, which can be ingested in capsules, extracts, or teas, have significant activity against COVID-19 and parasites, especially tapeworms—as well as against inflammation, fevers, breast cancer, and prostate cancer without any serious side effects.

A year of raising false hopes with highly acclaimed big hitters such as hydroxychloroquine or remdesivir has done little to boost the credibility of modern medicine. Trying to create vaccines against an ever-mutating virus makes no sense, especially when doctors say they are not even 25% effective against the newly mutated strains. Side effects include the possibility of being disabled and even killed by them. We know this has been the case, with growing statistics. Our hopes for better treatments have been raised by research teams who continuously examine both new and existing drugs for potential treatments against our common enemy, COVID-19. The Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC), for instance, was created in March 2020. It is led by Professor Paul E. Marik to examine incoming research to develop a treatment protocol for COVID-19. The FLCCC now recommends ivermectin, a repurposed anti-parasitic drug for both the prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19. They maintain it should be systematically and globally adopted due to its impressive performance. Remedies such as ivermectin that not only eliminate viruses and parasites but also reduce inflammation can also assist us with respiratory, metabolic, and cardiovascular issues and could pave the way to an even more successful outcome in the future.


What Is ACE2 and Why Is It Associated with Staving Off Cytokine Storms?

Firstly, what is a molecular bonding potential? Thousands of drugs, herbs and chemicals are screened to determine their molecular bonding potential. This is their ability to latch onto angiotensin 2 enzyme (ACE2) receptor sites that are present on protein spikes of the COVID-19 virus that it uses to bind to target cells. The greater the presence of hydrogen links, the higher the bonding rate, or score. It is the highest common factor used in laboratory testing around the world to determine the anti-covid potential of a substance. The remedies we hear about—remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, interferon, Artemisia and so on—are thus selected and then tested in vitro to demonstrate their knockout potential against the COVID-19 virus.

ACE2 (anti-inflammatory) is expressed in tissues that include alveolar epithelial cells within the lungs, pancreatic beta cells, and enterocytes of the small intestine to ward off the ravages of inflammation. The nose and mouth are known to have high levels of ACE2 receptors. Prolonged angiotensin 2 (pro-inflammatory) expression remains a troublemaker of note. It plays a key role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), a pro-inflammatory trigger that drives insulin resistance and cardiovascular problems. It is degraded by the ACE2 enzyme into angiotensin 1–7 (ACE 1-7) that is anti-inflammatory, to reduce insulin resistance by decreasing cellular oxidative stress, enhancing insulin signalling and insulin-stimulated glucose transport activity. It thus reduces inflammation as well as vasoconstriction and blood clotting by reducing RAAS activation.


Does a High Molecular Bonding Score Exclusively Justify the Widespread Use of a Remedy Against COVID-19?

Early achievers with good bonding scores were the anti-malarial drugs – chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine.1 They fell out of favor after months of heated debates as to their safety and efficacy. When used in vivo (on live patients), their success rates varied, depending on the accompanying zinc and vitamin D supplements and antibiotics such as Zithromax.2 Some patients recovered, others didn’t. As a much-acclaimed preventative measure against the COVID-19 pandemic, hydroxychloroquine slunk out of the limelight. It was only a matter of time before serious shortcomings and adverse effects (SAE) began to emerge. Other results from therapeutic trials done on medicines thought effective for COVID-19 found a lack of impact on mortality with the use of remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, interferon, convalescent plasma, tocilizumab, and mono-clonal antibody therapy. Stipulating a lengthy testing period to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of such remedies is an inhibiting factor and their premature release seems to be unjustified.

Doctors became wary of prescribing hydroxychloroquine because of the way it caused electrolyte imbalances that affected the cardiovascular health of susceptible patients. Often the traditional dosage needs to be stepped up and this poses further risks to patients. Arteminisin fell out of favor due to insufficient in vivo trials, and novel drugs never seem to move out of their test tubes and into the marketplace. (Arteminisin is an extract of Artemisia annua). As an isolated chemical it is not effective against COVID-19. However, the entire herb works synergistically and has convincing anti-viral as well as anti-parasitic properties.) 


Treatments That Can Assist COVID-19 Patients

Ivermectin, olive leaf, artemisia, and Nigella sativa (kalonjie or black cumin seed) are remedies that have bonding scores similar to and even higher than hydroxychloroquine. But they excel because they are not exclusively anti-viral drugs. Their effects encompass the control and elimination of associated parasites—the hiding places, the transport, and accommodation that larger parasites such as tapeworms provide for viruses!

By encompassing the lowest common denominators, we can potentiate treatments for the COVID-19 virus, its complications, its mutations and the entourage of accommodating parasites that sabotage our health in general. The work of the late naturopath Hulda Regher Clarke outlines the relationship that viruses have with their not-so-charming parasite hosts in great detail.3 Who would have known that adenoviruses, for instance, have a close relationship with tapeworm eggs and cysts? They evade the immune system within these snug little vehicles that create misleading surface antigens to outwit the immune system.4 (I assume that the same applies to the COVID-19 strain and its mutations.) I know of doctors who have averted the common cold for decades by paying attention to the regular elimination of parasites—especially flukes, worms, and other hosts of adeno- and coronaviruses that cause colds and flu.

Hulda Regehr Clarke maintained that it is the exposure of mold, especially aspergillus, that sets off our resident adeno- and coronaviruses hordes to produce colds and flu. She said that vitamin C kills mold and that is why we take it in mega doses to forestall an oncoming cold. Although we still cannot find an effective vaccine against these viruses—let alone a cure for the common cold—getting rid of sources of mold in our diet and environment can help to shush the viruses. Exposure to mold may have contributed to large outbreaks of COVID-19, so up the vitamin C when you suspect there is mold in the area. And clean it off tiles, drains, toilets, and showers with bleach or spirit vinegar.

Now we know! Getting rid of parasites helps us to reduce our microbial load and, hence, our vulnerability to these viruses. Parasites deplete us of vital nutrients such as minerals and antioxidants that support our immunity against viruses, especially zinc. This is why remedies that have high bonding scores for COVID-19 (anti-viral ability) that also eliminate parasites—especially tapeworms, are so helpful—especially if they have anti-inflammatory effects. Ivermectin was originally developed to rid animals of parasites and thus provides additional benefits apart from its antiviral and anti-inflammatory ability. Pork-eating communities are riddled with tapeworm, so it is no surprise that ivermectin is gaining the upper hand in South American countries.

The herb artemisia (wormwood/Artemisia annua and afra) packs a punch against viruses and parasites.5 In April, the California biotech company Mateon Therapeutics announced in a press release that tests showed artemisinin inhibited the replication of SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.6 A powerful body of scientific evidence, built over the last 40 years, has revealed that the components in the leaves of Artemisia annua are highly active against a broad range of human diseases, including viruses, parasites, and cancers. This natural herb contains a range of active compounds that make it a naturally occurring, side-effect free, combination therapy for malaria, fevers, hot flushes, and COVID-19 symptoms. It has been used as a herbal medicine for over 2000 years and has an excellent safety record. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and infants should not take artemisia/wormwood. Artemisia is called wormwood and the early trials in China last year, although anecdotal also showed its efficacy as an anti-viral agent as well as worm and parasite eliminator.

Olive leaf has a number of therapeutic effects, including lowering blood pressure, improving insulin functionality, warding off colds and flu, and eradicating viruses—including COVID-19, microbes, and parasites.7 It does not wipe out beneficial gut flora and is deemed safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Unlike many of the popular anti-malarial drugs, no drug resistance has been reported with olive leaves. The most studied active components of olive leave are oleacein and oleuropein; but in nature, the synergy from the entire leaf or plant component is always more effective than its mere extracts.

Nigella sativa. In vitro studies have shown that it can decrease the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Some of its components have a high affinity to many SARS-CoV-2 proteins and enzymes. The main active constituent found in kalonjie (Nigella sativa) is thymoquinone—a volatile oil that comes from these tiny black seeds. In a 2016 study kalonjie oil was found to have anti-influenza viral activity. For the COVID-19 protocols, 1 teaspoon twice a day was used to good effect. Black cumin has immune-suppressing (in states of inflammation) or immune-boosting (in states of infection) abilities that play a key role in protecting us from pathogens as well as cytokine storms. Benefits include immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, anticancer, hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, and anti-asthmatic effects. It has a broad antimicrobial spectrum, including malaria, Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria, viruses, parasites, Schistosoma (bilharzia), and fungi. Apart from helping to control pain, epilepsy, Parkinsonism, and anxiety, black cumin (kalonjie) improves learning, memory, and alertness and is mood elevating.

Biofilms also harbor viruses and bacteria that are protected from the immune system within the coating of mucus they provide.8 Eighty percent of chronic infectious diseases are mediated by biofilms that result in persistent inflammation and tissue damage. Interrupting quorum-sensing pathways, used by bacteria and other germs to communicate, will inhibit biofilms from forming in your mouth, lungs, and intestines in the first place. Iodine and anti-parasitic/anti-microbial herbs such as olive leaf and artemisia, also penetrate biofilms and effectively help to control many potentially infectious diseases such as malaria that are beyond the scope of regular meds and antibiotics.9,10

Every 17 minutes, blood that circulates around our iodine reserves in breast and thyroid tissue is treated to a blast of iodine in order to kill off microbes on a continuous basis, providing we do not have an iodine deficiency. We can also use iodine topically and in mouthwashes and nasal sprays as it is a broad-spectrum germ and virus killer of note. Studies from the Connecticut School of Medicine suggest that even a weak concentration of 0.5% of iodine could completely inactivate the COVID-19 virus.

Some foods, herbs, and essential oils have been shown to inhibit quorum sensing and are referred to as QS inhibitors. Essential oils, especially clove oil contain solvents called phenols which may enable them to cut through biofilms throughout the body. Essential oils also kill off viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils are effective against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans biofilms. Eucalyptus, peppermint, clove bud, tea tree, and lemongrass essential oils have been used safely and effectively both topically and internally, for instance, in Lyme disease patients diagnosed with biofilm colonies.


Basic Deficiencies of Glutathione, Zinc, Vitamins C and D

There seems to be a link between insulin resistance and the severity of COVID-19 to patients who suffer from cardiovascular problems, elevated blood sugar, metabolic disorders, and other debilitating conditions that require chronic medications. These patients are unable to control glucose levels in their bloodstream and are very vulnerable to hyper inflammation, vasoconstriction and blood clots even prior to the ravages of COVID-19.  Last year, one of the few convincing, life-saving treatments for COVID-19 was the use of corticosteroids as outlined by Dr Horby.11 Prolonged use of systemic corticosteroids may increase the risk of reactivation of latent infections (e.g., hepatitis B virus [HBV], herpesvirus infections, strongyloidiasis, pneumonia or tuberculosis). Cortisone is helpful, a lifesaver from raging inflammation, and has been very helpful against cytokine storms. However, we need certain micronutrients to maintain our immune system; and it is as a result of these deficiencies that patients get into trouble in the first place.

Dr Horowitz, renowned for his Lyme disease research, suggests that we address a glutathione deficiency as a causative factor for a respiratory crisis.12,13 He found that after an hour of glutathione administration to his patients who were unable to breathe, they experienced dramatic, almost immediate relief. “Although anecdotal,” he said, “I have heard from patients who were on n-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione after exposure to COVID-19, that they did not get sick or test positive for the virus, when others around them did.” Glutathione is one of the body’s master antioxidants and plays an important role in our defenses to regulate cytokine responses and immunity. It is a small protein molecule composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine, called GSH precursors or building blocks.

Humans do not make their own vitamin C because glutathione is our primary antioxidant. Vitamin C supplements support glutathione and are being used extensively to help COVID-19 patients. While physicians and researchers are studying the effects of high-dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C, some doctors are adamant that no supplement, including vitamin C, can prevent or treat COVID-19. Oral glutathione supplements that include bioavailable precursors such as vitamin C and N-acetylcysteine can effectively increase glutathione production and hence improve the outcome of patients. For the emergency treatment of coronavirus-infected patients, some forms of glutathione can be inhaled into the lungs or used trans-dermally or intravenously. A dose of N-acetylcysteine immediately loosens up a tight mucous-bound chest.

Zinc plays a central role in the immune system and is one of the most effective ways to reduce inflammation and deactivate the replication of the coronavirus’s RNA. Zinc also reduces the risk of bacterial co‑infection, especially against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection (considered the most common cause of pneumonia), tuberculosis, HIV AIDS, measles and malaria.  Zinc supports the respiratory epithelium and assists the clearance of mucus. A severe zinc deficiency has been observed in 80% of patients who were admitted to hospital with severe COVID-19 related complications. Supplementation with 10 mg zinc gluconate in Zn‑deficient children resulted in a nearly twofold reduction of the number of episodes of acute lower respiratory infections and hastened their recovery.14 As an ionophore or zinc facilitator, quercetin assists zinc as an alternative to hydroxychloroquine and is a safer option. A loss of taste and smell indicates a zinc deficiency, as does small white flecks on the fingernails. Daily recommended doses range from 15 – 20 mg for adults.

Vitamin D deficiencies are linked to weakened immunity, especially during phases of lockdown when people are denied a daily dose of sunshine. Countries with high COVID-19 mortality rates seem to have higher levels of vitamin D deficiency compared to countries that were not as severely affected by COVID-19.15 Patients with low vitamin D levels who are infected are more vulnerable to hyper-inflammation, cytokine storms, and respiratory complications. Research suggests that vitamin D could play a role in the prevention and treatment of co-morbidities such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and multiple sclerosis. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is 600 IU, but some supplements suggest 5,000 or 10,000 IU per day.

Quercetin is a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory plant pigment that boosts the immune system. It helps zinc to exert its antiviral effect on COVID-19 and is a better alternative to hydroxychloroquine as an ionophore.16 This helps to kill viruses as well as inhibiting replication of already infected cells. It helps to fight obesity, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. It also prevents blood clotting – a critical factor for COVID-19 patients.

In January 2021, the FLCCC update recommends the following supplements for use in conjunction with ivermectin17 (0.2 mg/kg per dose. One dose daily for a minimum of 2 days and a maximum 5 days):

  • Vitamin D3 (4000 IU) and zinc (100 mg per day) and aspirin (325 mg), unless contraindicated.
  • Vitamin C (2,000 mg) plus quercetin (250 mg twice a day).
  • Melatonin (10 mg before bedtime as it causes drowsiness).


Coleus forskholii and Licorice

Coleus forskholii is an herb that has been used for treating respiratory complications for over 3000 years, yet little attention has been paid to the way it could assist COVID-19 patients. It can assist patients with breathing difficulties, inflammation, and obesity. Today coleus is mainly used to assist weight loss by breaking down adipose tissue and preventing production of further fatty tissue.  It contains forskolin, a chemical that activates cyclic AMP to help treat hypertension, mild congestive heart failure, asthma, psoriasis, digestive problems, glaucoma, and persistent urinary infections.18 It has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties and is soothing to the nervous system. The anti-hypertensive properties of coleus forskolin were confirmed in a 2011 study by the Journal of Research in Ayurveda.19 It was also found to be an efficient treatment for angina or chest pain. A 2009 study, published by Natural Product Communication, indicates that it also has activity against the HIV virus. We look forward to more studies to confirm these effects on COVID-19 patients.

Coleus forskholii can increase stroke volume, which is the amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat. It was shown to reduce the risk of blood clots, and it lowers high blood pressure by relaxing the arterial walls.20 Being a bronchodilator with an antihistamine action, it could be useful for breathing difficulties to reduce airway resistance and increase air volume capacity of the lungs.  For patients with obesity and insulin resistance, it stimulates the metabolism by increasing thyroid hormones and promotes the secretion of insulin, helping to lower glycated hemoglobin. A double-blind test found that people taking forskolin showed an increase in fat loss over those taking a placebo, as well as an increase in lean body mass and bone density. A boon for obese patients!

Licorice root extract has also shown potential as an antiviral to treat the new coronavirus, according to an initial study by researchers in Beijing.21,22 It functions as an antioxidant and has antidepressant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic effects on patients with heart disease. It regulates aldosterone to maintain a balance between sodium and potassium and this helps to prevent dehydration. Napoleon marched his troops across the desert and licorice prevented a dry mouth (a lack of saliva), a dry cough, dehydration, and fatigue. Anecdotal—but good to know!


Repurposing Well-Established Drugs for COVID-19

Researchers are currently repurposing drugs that are ongoing patent remedies for bipolar disorders, alcohol abuse, diabetes, scabies and cataracts, etc. as anti-COVID-19 cure-alls. The molecular bonding affinity of well-known patented drugs as potential remedies for treatment as well as preventative agents for the COVID-19 pandemic circumvents the need for dosage guidance and safety trials. Ivermectin was identified as having one of the highest or among the highest of binding affinities to spike protein S1 binding domains of SARS-CoV-2 among hundreds of molecules that were collectively examined.  Ivermectin is a treatment for roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm infections as well as scabies and rosacea. It kills parasites by super-relaxing them, so they lose their grip on the host. Originally intended as a veterinary drug, ivermectin has become a popular drug for humans as well, being invaluable for treating river blindness and a large variety of flukes and worm infestations.

When ivermectin was widely distributed among populations in 2020 with a high incidence of COVID-19 infections, the results of its efficacy as both a prophylactic and therapeutic remedy were carefully scrutinized by the FLCCC after extensive patient trials in South America, India and other regions; and the whole world took note.23,24 The FLCCC concluded that ivermectin is a cheap, affordable remedy to prevent the transmission and development of COVID-19 disease in those exposed to infected patients. Ivermectin is classified as a GABA-agonist.25 In other words it works as an activator of GABA, our chief inhibitory neurotransmitter. They reported that ivermectin also hastens the recovery of patients and prevents the deterioration of those with mild to moderate disease if treated early after symptoms appear.  Mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19 was reduced with lower case-fatality rates in regions with widespread use of ivermectin in the select regions.

The post-viral/chronic fatigue syndrome with disabling symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pains and chest pain, impaired memory and “brain fog” are often a problem. The FLCCC ivermectin trials indicated a recovery rate of 87.9% of the patients after two doses. They claim that “the safety of ivermectin is nearly unparalleled given its near nil drug interactions along with only mild and rare side effects observed in almost 40 years of use and billions of doses administered.” Paul Marik, MD, FCCM, FCCP, founder of the alliance and a professor and chief of the division of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School added that ivermectin “is a safe drug that is exceedingly cheap.” He agreed that “what is truly remarkable — this was a gift to us — ivermectin has high activity against COVID-19.”26

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SAHPRA, the South African Health Products Regulatory Association, was unable to confirm the efficacy of ivermectin against the COVID-19 virus during its patient (in vivo) trials. Despite the public outcry demanding its use against COVID-19, the regulators insisted that it is not effective at the recommended dose. Days later they withdrew their objections and placed the responsibility in the hands of the doctors who would be prescribing this drug. The biggest problem here is that ivermectin for human use is hard to obtain and now farmers and unscrupulous dealers are selling veterinary versions of ivermectin at exorbitant prices and the dosage guidelines are for animals, not humans. In South Africa, I was offered a few syringes of it from an online dealer—but I am not a cow or a pig! The United States Food and Drug Administration warns members of the public not to self-medicate with ivermectin products intended for animals.

Ebselen is another useful repurposed drug to look at for COVID-19-related benefits. In the past, doctors have used Ebselen to help treat bipolar disorder, cataracts and hearing loss. Recent studies show that it inhibits the virus’s main protease (Mpro).27,28 As a consequence, scientists have already shown that Ebselen is safe. It also exerts a powerful antibacterial effect on drug-resistant strains like Staphylococcus aureus and significantly reduces elusive biofilms. It doubles up as an anti-inflammatory and can reduce cytokine levels. Ebselen is a selenium-based organic complex, which can mimic the activity of glutathione peroxidase. It is a strong antioxidant, which increases the efficiency of glutathione and has a strong neutralizing effect against free radicals, especially when it comes to inflamed airways.

Antabuse, a drug that is commonly used for treating alcohol abuse offers a number of benefits as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2.29,30 The generic is called disulfiram and as previously demonstrated in vitro with SARS and MERS coronaviruses, it inhibits the main coronavirus protease (Mpro) and stops it from replicating. It also helps the body to compensate for a loss of glutathione. As we now know, a glutathione deficiency (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral) is the leading cause of respiratory distress and cytokine storms. The drug is not expensive and has the advantage of doubling up as a treatment for alcoholics. For South Africa this has additional benefits, as many of the specially appointed coronavirus/pandemic beds are occupied by the victims of alcohol abuse.


Caveats, Drug Interactions, and Contraindications

Ivermectin has a number of potentially serious drug-drug interactions. Please check for potential drug interaction at Drugs.com: “Ivermectin Drug Interactions.” The most important drug interactions occur with cyclosporin, tacrolimus, anti-retroviral drugs, and certain anti-fungal drugs. With ivermectin, numerous studies report low rates of adverse events, with the majority mild, transient, and largely attributed to the body’s inflammatory response to the death of the parasites and include itching, rash, swollen lymph nodes, joint paints, fever and headache. Serious events occurred in less than 1% and were largely associated with administration for Loa loa parasites, causing paralysis and possibly death.

Ivermectin has been used safely in pregnant women, children, and infants.  We are reassured that ivermectin is safe because it does not cross the blood brain barrier. But if you have the MDR1 gene that allows ivermectin to enter the brain, it causes neurological damage that could result in coma and death. (I would presume that ivermectin is only guaranteed to be safe if you don’t have this condition and your blood brain barrier is perfectly intact. Investigating this potential may be a good idea prior to taking it.) If ivermectin is given at high doses (in which case, brain levels peak 2–5 hr after administration), it may enter the brain. When given simultaneously with CYP3A4 inhibitors that include statins, HIV protease inhibitors, many calcium channel blockers, and glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone, lidocaine, and the benzodiazepines, then there is no guarantee that ivermectin will stay out of the brain. 

The anticoagulant warfarin would require dose monitoring. Another special caution is that immunosuppressed or organ transplant patients who are on calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine or the immunosuppressant sirolimus should have close monitoring of drug levels when on ivermectin given that interactions exist which can affect these levels.

Natural or herbal remedies and supplements usually carry no serious risks or side effects but may duplicate the effects of medications if taken concurrently. Olive leaf, black cumin, artemisia, and Coleus forskholii also lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugar, and prevent blood clots; so we are warned not to take these herbs with medications that do likewise. If you wish to use them instead, do not immediately stop taking your medication. First discuss your drug-weaning schedule with a practitioner, so the drugs can be stepped down in alternate phases while the dose of the herb is increased.

Olive leaf is safe to take in conjunction with a flu shot, histamine blockers, and traditional cold medications. Unlike over-the-counter remedies, which have been shown to be detrimental to the health of young children, olive leaf may be used by persons of all ages. Laboratory experiments performed on live tissue and animals and use by thousands of humans have shown the leaf components to be extremely safe and non-toxic. In addition, recorded medical use since the early 1800s makes no mention of adverse side-effects. While being one of the safest herbs to take, the effects of concentrated extracts on disease microbes, blood pressure, and blood sugar make it wise to follow a few guidelines when taking it, especially for the first time. A Herxheimer of die-off effect causes nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting while toxins and parasites are being purged. 31

Artemisia is not suitable for pregnant or lactating women. Users report it as a safe drug to use. There are no severe adverse effects associated with the drug when used within the recommended dosage level.32


References

  1. Illustration of docking parameters  https://www.frontiersin.org/files/Articles/592908/fmicb-11-592908-HTML/image_m/fmicb-11-592908-t001.jpg
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  3. https://drclark.net/en-us/
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  5. https://www.artemisiaannua.org/
  6. Mateon Expands Its COVID-19 Therapeutic Program to Include Artemisinin. (press release) April 8, 2020. http://investor.mateon.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mateon-expands-its-covid-19-therapeutic-program-include
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  11. Horby P, et al. Dexamethasone in Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19. NEJM. February 25, 2021; 384(8):693-704.
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  17. https://covid19criticalcare.com/
  18. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081026595000112
  19. Jagtap M, Chandola HM, Ravishankar B. Clinical efficacy of Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq. (Makandi) in hypertension of geriatric population. AYU. 2011;32(1):59-65.
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  21. https://plantmedicines.org/licorice-mers-sars/
  22. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/compound-licorice-extract-potential-treat-093000752.html
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  24. https://covid19criticalcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/FLCCC-IVERMECTIN-Summary.pdf
  25. Kory P, et al. Review of the Emerging Evidence Demonstrating the Efficacy of Ivermectin in the Prophylaxis and Treatment of COVID-19.  November 2020.
  26. https://www.healio.com/news/primary-care/20201208/this-was-a-gift-to-us-ivermectin-effective-for-covid19-prophylaxis-treatment
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  28. https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/37/eabd0345
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  31. https://www.about-olive-leaf-extract.com/olive-leaf-side-effects.html
  32. https://nootriment.com/artemisinin/

Bio:

Sue Visser is the health researcher and product developer for Nature Fresh Health Products. She has developed over 45 products, beginning with her unique Calcium Complex formulation in 1997. With over 25 years of experience in complementary and especially traditional medicine, Sue shares her articles freely with doctors (SA Medical Academic) and other publications. For many years, Sue has given free presentations, radio shows, workshops and has appeared in the two TV series on local herbs (Nature’s Health – 2007 and 2009). She is the author of two books and dozens of research papers and published articles. Sue investigates current health trends, products and modalities on a constant basis and interacts with fellow South Africans at all levels to learn more about their health issues. Artemisia annua and other anti-malarial species, especially Olea Europa/Afra have now come to the fore as treatments for CV-19. The new Nature Fresh prototypes are having very successful results with viral infections by using herbs that treat malaria. www.naturefresh.co.za; sue@naturefresh.co.za