Uses

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In 1997, I began recommending Lomatium dissectum extracts to my patients with Hepatitis C and was excited to note that a majority of the people using it regularly, as part of a program, had dramatic reductions in viral counts. Many experienced improvements in energy. Since then, I have recommended it for other viral syndromes, upper respiratory illness, and sinusitis with good results. It seems to be helpful both by itself and in combination with other herbs, depending on the condition.

Cheri Quincy, DO

Internal Medicine

Santa Rosa Medical Group

Herbalist Michael Moore, in his book, Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West, (Red Crane Books, 1993), notes that Lomatium "definitely helps simple head colds and shortens the duration of overt influenza viral infections." It also seems to be helpful in "limiting the severity and number of respiratory infections in those with slow viruses." (the chronic fatigue genre). He suggests the possibility of trying it with HIV infections, again due to its ability to improve general resistance to respiratory infections.

Naturopaths Michael T. Murray, N.D., and Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D., in their classic Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, (Prima Publishing, 1991), consider Lomatium dissectum and Ligusticum porteri (a plant from the Southwestern US commonly called Osha) together. In their chapter on Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the authors consider that "..... Empirical experience with virus-associated diseases strongly recommends serious consideration of these plants as elements of a protocol for virus-associated acquired immune deficiency."

In 1920, Dr. Ernst Krebs of Carson City, Nevada, reported on his use of Lomatium dissectum, then called Leptotaenia, during the epidemic of 1918. He observed that the nearby Washoe tribe had not a single death from influenza or its complications. He then made a preparation of this plant medicine for treating his patients with influenza, from the mildest to the most virulent cases. He states that he found Lomatium dissectum to be the nearest approach then available as a specific in epidemic influenza and the accompanying pneumonia.

His complete report is copied under "History" here on our website, and it is worthwhile reading for its complete description of how this herbal medicine works in the body.

Side Effects: There is a rash of hives that affects 5-10% of those using Lomatium dissectum tincture. This skin rash has so far not been reported with the powdered extract, which we sell in capsules. If a skin rash develops, discontinue use. Side effects: This herb is antibacterial as well as anti-viral, and at higher doses could cause depletion of the 'friendly' bacteria normally found in the intestinal tract. Adding acidophilus to the diet should counterbalance this potential.

Michael Moore's book Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West (Red Crane Books, Santa Fe, 1993) has an interesting discussion of this 'lomatium rash' reaction with the use of tincture or fresh root, suggesting that a protocol supporting the whole person may prevent side effects of this sort. He also notes that the rash does not reappear if the patient uses Lomatium again a month later.

Information offered here is not intended to be used as a substitute for the advice and supervision of a health care professional when looking for treatments for medical conditions. No guarantees of any kind are made for the performance or effectiveness of the preparations mentioned on this website. No responsibility is assumed by the author, publisher or distributors of this information should the information be used in place of a licensed medical practitioner's services.