In addition to traditional infections, it now seems that ‘new’ viruses, bacteria, yeast/fungi, and other microbial pathogens are afflicting humanity. From ancient times, the leaves of herbs have been used to heal. Even the Bible states, “the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2). Vira-Bac-YST contains the leaves of certain herbs which have historically been used to help human beings cope with various problems.

Buckwheat Leaf and Juice,Fagopyrum esculentum, has been used as a tonic and, in homeopathic forms, for itching [1]. “Buckwheat…will only give its best when used as nature provided it—in combination and in synergy with the whole plant” [2] (this is true, of course, for other herbs [3]). Though most often recommended for capillary and venous health (i.e. bruising, varicose veins) [1], naturopaths, chiropractors, and holistic doctors have long recommended its leaves or its immune supporting components in products to fight viral and bacterial infections [3-5]. In addition to containing chlorophyll, presumably active components include rutin, quercitin, and hyperoside [1] (it also contains other semi-unique Food substances that may be actively needed). It should be noted that, despite its name, buckwheat is not taxonomically related to wheat, and is often used in gluten-free, wheat-free diets [6].

Olive Leaf Concentrate, Oleo europaea ,is a remarkable herb. Olive leaf extract (OLE) “inhibits acute infection and cell-to-cell transmission of HIV-1 as assayed by syncytia formation using uninfected MT2 cells co-cultured with HIV-1-infected H9 T lymphocytes. OLE also inhibits HIV-1 replication as assayed by p24 expression in infected H9 cells. These anti-HIV effects of OLE are dose dependent, with EC(50)s of around 0.2 microg/ml. In the effective dose range, no cytotoxicity on uninfected target cells was detected” [7]. “The antimicrobial potential of eight phenolic compounds isolated from olive cake was tested against the growth of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus cereus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The phenolic compounds included p-hydroxy benzoic, vanillic, caffeic, protocatechuic, syringic, and p-coumaric acids, oleuropein and quercetin. Caffeic and protocatechuic acids (0.3 mg/ml) inhibited the growth of E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The same compounds apart from syringic acid (0.5 mg/ml) completely inhibited the growth of B. cereus. Oleuropein, and p-hydroxy benzoic, vanillic and p-coumaric acids (0.4 mg/ml) completely inhibited the growth of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and B. cereus. Vanillic and caffeic acids (0.2 mg/ml) completely inhibited the growth and aflatoxin production by both A. flavus and A. parasiticus, whereas the complete inhibition of the moulds was attained with 0.3 mg/ml p-hydroxy benzoic, protocatechuic, syringic, and p-coumaric acids and quercetin” [8]. “The phenolic compounds extracted from olives with ethyl acetate inhibited germination and outgrowth of Bacillus cereus T spores. Purified oleuropein, a well-characterized component of olive extract, inhibited these processes also” [9]. Research has concluded that oleuropein “showed significant antiviral activities against” respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza type 3 virus” [10] and “can possess antibacterial action” [11]. “Olive leaf 0.6% (w/v) water extract killed almost all bacteria tested, within 3 h. Dermatophytes were inhibited by 1.25% (w/v) plant extract following a 3-day exposure whereas Candida albicans was killed following a 24 h incubation in the presence of 15% (w/v) plant extract…electron microscopic observations of C. albicans, exposed to 40% (w/v) olive leaf extract, showed invaginated and amorphous cells. Escherichia coli cells, subjected to a similar treatment but exposed to only 0.6% (w/v) olive leaf extract showed complete destruction. These findings suggest an antimicrobial potential for olive leaves” [12]. It is believed that oleuropein from olive leaves is converted into elenolic acid in the body—elenolic compounds are believed to have “a killer effect against many viruses, bacteria and other microbes” [13]. “Upjohn found that one of the ingredients of olive leaf extract, calcium elenolate, destroyed every harmful virus, bacteria, yeast, fungi and protozoan it was exposed to in vitro”, but that it lasted only minutes in vivo [13]—that is one of the reasons why concentrated olive leaf Food should be better for humans than any of its isolated components. Reportedly olive leaf components are helpful for some with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, parasites, colds & flus, herpes, ear infections, Staphylococcus aureus & related ‘superbugs’, and fungi [8-13]. “Olive leaf extract does not cure disease. It is important to remember that pathogens are not the disease. Neither are symptoms the disease. Disease occurs as pathogens and other harmful substances damage glands, organs or tissues of the body. Nothing in the extract can change or fix damaged cells in the body. By attacking microbes and directly strengthening the body’s immune system, olive leaf extract enables the immune system to better protect and help restore health”[13]; the same is true for oregano, buckwheat, and herbal combinations (it is also true that none appear to provide the same benefits to everyone).

Wild Oregano Leaf and Stem, Origanum vulgare, has been reported to have effectiveness against yeast infections [14], parasites [15], bacteria [16], and viruses [17]. The PDR for Herbal Medicines states that its “essential oil, which contains carvacrol, is antimicrobial in vitro” and that “Oregano herb is used for respiratory disorders such as coughs, inflammation of the mucous membranes, and as an expectorant…In China, Oregano is used for colds, fevers, vomiting, dysentary, jaundice, and malnutrition for children” [1]. One study found that its oil was active against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica [15]. The same study also found that its constituent’s carvacrol and thymol were also separately active against the same pathogens. “Origanum oil…possesses a broad spectrum of in vitro antimicrobial activities attributed to the high content of phenolic derivatives such as carvacrol and thymol…Using Candida albicans in broth cultures and a micro dilution method, comparative efficacy of origanum oil…in vitro. Origanum oil at 0.25 mg/ml was found to completely inhibit the growth of C. albicans in culture…mice fed origanum oil exhibited cosmetically better clinical appearance compared to those cured with carvacrol. The results from our study encourage examination of the efficacy of origanum oil in other forms of systemic and superficial fungal infections and exploration of its broad spectrum effect against other pathogenic manifestations including malignancy”, especially with an olive extract [18]. An animal study found that “oregano essential oil exerted an anticoccidial effect against E. tenella” (Eimeria tenella) [19]. “Oregano…showed the broadest antibacterial activity by distinctly inhibiting the growth of all the organisms tested” [16]. “oregano…showed antimicrobial effects on Shigella” species” [20]. “Oregano (Origanum vulgare)…EO had the strongest bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties” (EO=essential oil) [21]. Cass Ingram (D.O.) wrote, “Diarrhea meets its match with Oregano…Oregano is the ideal herb for reversing lung disorders, particularly bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis…a superb remedy for intestinal gas…Patients suffering from fungal infections should eat large amounts of oregano” [17]. “In fact, with food-like herbs, such as…oregano…large amounts are usually well tolerated with insignificant side effects if any…an individual is not going to get sick or suffer ‘permanent’ damage from eating edible substances, even powerful ones like oregano…all true oreganos grow wild…Colds and flus meet their match with oregano. This is because carvacol…exhibits significant anti-viral activity. The activity is potentiated by other natural antibiotics…Psoriasis and eczema may respond to” wild oregano [17]. Note: There have been some reports of photosensitivity associated with oregano [1].

Detox “refers to symptoms generated by a detoxification process. As the body begins to deal with dead microbes, one may experience a variety of detox symptoms. This occurs when invading organisms die…Common reactions include fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, muscle/joint achiness or flu-like symptoms. Some people may develop a rash…The best way to maximize the power of olive leaf extract and limit any adverse reaction is to drink four cups of water in between usages. Water helps to strengthen the lymphatic system and flush the kidneys…Die-off effect is only temporary” [13]—this is also true for oregano and buckwheat. The body is designed to normally heal itself, though even scripture sometimes credits edible leaves (and even water, cf. John 5:4;7:38) as part of the process.