NONI

Also known as the Indian mulberry, noni (Morinda citrifolia) is a small Polynesian evergreen that grows in tropical climates. Because of research in Japan showing that noni fruit inhibits the growth of cells known to be precursors of certain cancers, noni products have become popular supplements for human and animal cancer patients. Noni is reported to be an analgesic pain reliever and an antiseptic effective against harmful viruses, bacteria including E. coli, fungi and internal parasites, making it an appropriate “immunization” herb. It can be applied to cuts and other wounds to help them heal without scarring. Noni is available as a pasteurized juice diluted with other juices to improve its flavor, and in capsules containing powder made by drying noni juice at low temperature or freeze-drying.

Unfortunately, the multilevel marketing of any product may result in the widespread publication of unverifiable anecdotal stories, wildly enthusiastic claims, high-pressure sales tactics, and the denigration of competing products. It is difficult to separate fact from fiction in the early years of a supplement's widespread promotion, and these are the early years of noni's mass marketing. Because of its long history of medicinal use in tropical cultures and its lack of documented toxicity, noni is probably as safe as its promoters claim. Health food stores carry noni products from a number of national brands.

OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT

Derived from the leathery green leaves of the familiar olive tree Olea Europaea, olive leaf extract is a broad-spectrum infection fighter. The olive leaf has a long medical history, dating back to ancient Egypt and popular in folk medicine for centuries. In the 1850s, it was used to cure malaria with a strong decoction made by boiling a handful of leaves in a quart of water until half the water evaporated. Early in the twentieth century, the bitter compound oleuropein was isolated and determined to be a disease-resistant ingredient. In the early 1960s, Dutch researchers discovered elenolic acid, a chemical agent within oleuropein that has a powerful antibacterial effect and that may be its most potent chemical ingredient. American pharmaceutical researchers in the late 1960s showed that calcium elenolate, a salt of elenolic acid, inhibited the growth of every virus against which it was tested, without any harmful influence on host cell mechanisms. However, because the compound rapidly binds to proteins in the blood, which renders it ineffective, attempts to develop calcium elenolate as a pharmaceutical drug failed.

Olive leaves remained an interesting topic of research but of limited commercial value until the development by East Park Research of a manufacturing method that solved the problem of protein binding. In his book Olive Leaf Extract (New York: Kensington Books, 1997), medical journalist Morton Walker reports that olive leaf extract has been shown to be effective against over a hundred diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. In addition to fighting infection, it improves circulatory health and may help prevent heart attacks by improving the pumping action of the heart muscle, lowering high blood pressure, eliminating atrial fibrillation and preventing LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. The extract has been used to heal peptic ulcers, hiatal hernias, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and a host of other illnesses.

Any herb that kills fungi and parasites can cause “die-off,” a side effect lasting a week to ten days during which fatigue, excessive perspiration, headache, diarrhea and other symptoms of detoxification overwhelm the patient. This reaction is caused by the sudden death of pathogens and resulting demands made on the body's organs of elimination as they remove dead yeast cells, parasites and other waste products. Reducing the dosage reduces the symptoms, although this gentler strategy lengthens treatment time.

TEA TREE OIL

The essential oil of the leaves and branches of the Australian tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, is advertised as “a medicine kit in a bottle,” and the description fits. Tea tree oil is used externally to treat skin lesions, insect bites, rashes, burns, abscesses, cuts, abrasions, infected wounds, and fungal infections. Like eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil is a specific for the respiratory system as well as an all-purpose disinfectant. Australian and British research conducted in the 1930s showed that a 15 percent tea tree oil solution is as effective as the full-strength oil in killing yeast cells, mold, bacteria and viruses. More recent laboratory tests have shown that concentrations as low as 1 percent are effective against streptococcus and other gram-positive bacteria, E. coli and other gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi.

Several brands of superior-quality tea tree oil are available. For best results, use a therapeutic-quality oil that is 100 percent Melaleuca alternifolia imported from Australia. Tea tree oil can be applied full-strength to the skin of most adults, but it should be diluted before use on children, pets, and those with sensitive skin. For most applications, a 10 percent solution works well. Dilute 1 tablespoon full-strength tea tree oil in 1/2 cup olive oil (or another carrier oil) and mix by shaking.

Because essential oils do not dissolve in water, an intermediate step is needed to prepare water-based disinfectant sprays and washes. Use this procedure to dilute any essential oil in water, tea, aloe vera gel or other nonfat liquids. To prepare a 7 percent tea tree oil solution, which many aromatherapists recommend for topical application and household use, add 1 tablespoon full-strength tea tree oil to 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) vodka, other grain alcohol, vegetable glycerine or sulfated castor oil. Shake or stir well and let stand for 10 seconds. If a film of oil floats to the top, add more liquid and shake again. When no oil floats to the surface, pour the solution into a measuring cup and add enough aloe vera juice or gel, herbal tea such as comfrey or calendula, pure water or any combination of aloe, tea and water to fill the cup to the 6-ounce or 3/4-cup mark. At that point, your solution will be approximately 7 percent tea tree oil. If the solution separates after standing, shake well just before using.

A 7 percent solution of tea tree oil in water can be sprayed on kitchen and bathroom surfaces, into air ducts or air-conditioning units, and on telephone receivers and mildewed shower walls. It can be added to laundry wash water or simply sprayed into the air. Tea tree oil should not be used every day on every surface, for immunologists report that regular exposure may cause bacteria, viruses and other agents of infection to become resistant to the oil's effects. Instead of relying on a single disinfecting agent, use several in rotation.

OIL OF OREGANO

Common oregano, the culinary herb Origanum vulgare, which is a member of the mint family, is the “true” oregano of the herb garden, and it enjoys an ancient medical reputation, having long been used as a remedy for digestive, respiratory and rheumatic problems and as a treatment for stings and bites. In The Complete Aromatherapy Handbook (New York: Sterling Publishing, Inc., 1990), Susanne Fischer-Rizzi writes, “Oregano is one of the most effective antiseptic essential oils for all kinds of infections. This antiviral remedy helps stimulate the stomach and the appetite and helps treat hiccups and dyspepsia. Oregano also loosens phlegm, calms coughing spells and helps treat chronic bronchitis. Topically oregano has been used to help treat cellulite, eczema, psoriasis, and chronic skin problems. Using oregano in a sitz bath or as a massage oil may help relieve menstrual problems. Dosage: Take orally 1 to 2 drops, diluted, one to two times daily. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.” For external application, dilute oregano essential oil in a large quantity of carrier oil, such as 5 drops essential oil per teaspoon (15 drops per tablespoon, or 30 drops per fluid ounce) of olive oil. Caution: Stronger solutions canburn or irritate the skin.

Dr. Cass Ingram, a physician and surgeon, promotes this fragrant herb in his book The Cure Is in the Cupboard: How to Use Oregano for Better Health (Buffalo Grove, IL: Knowledge House, 1997), recommending both the dried herb and its well-diluted essential oil as a treatment for abscesses, allergies, arthritis, asthma, athlete's foot, back pain, bites, bronchitis, bruising, candidiasis, canker sores, colds, cold sores, colitis, congestion, diarrhea, earaches, eczema, fatigue, flu, fungal infections, gastritis, hearing loss, neuritis,parasites, poison ivy, prostatitis, psoriasis, ringworm, rosacea, shoulder pain, sinusitis, splinter wounds, scalp conditions, tooth and gum infections, traveler's diarrhea, ulcers, urinary infections, warts, wounds and several other conditions in adults and children.

Ingram's book and media appearances have caused a flurry of interest in Origanum vulgare. Few aromatherapy companies carry this essential oil; most sell Thymus capitatus (Spanish oregano) labeled as Oregano-Origanum. Be sure your oregano essential oil is correctly labeled, of therapeutic quality and from a reputable dealer. The essential oil of oregano can be diluted like tea tree oil, described above, to make a water-based antiseptic solution. In addition, you can grow Origanum vulgare and either dry the herb for use in capsules or make an alcohol or glycerine tincture. You can also find a commercially available alcohol tincture of organically grown Origanum vulgaris, which shares many of the properties of the essential oil.