Lomatium Dissectum - An Herb That Cured Me

James Humphrey, January 15, 2022

Adam Stark, November 2009, debrasnaturalgourmet.com

Lomatium Root (Lomatium dissectum, formerly Leptotaenia dissecta syn. multfida)OTHER NAMES: Fernleaf Biscuitroot, Desert Parsley, Indian Parsnip, Toza Root

Lomatium may very well be the best antiviral we have. It's certainly the best and strongest I've ever used both topically and internally, and especially for the lungs. So why haven't you heard of it?

Lomatium was highly regarded by the Native American peoples of the high plateaus of the Pacific Northwest, who used it as a primary herb for all sorts of infections and lung ailments. Unfortunately, by the time that white settlers were making inroads in the region, medical science had already "advanced" past the stage where they believed there was anything left to learn from native peoples about native plants. Sure, frontier medicine might do in a pinch. But modern, official, civilized medicine (i.e. purgative, cathartics, and electroshock) was to be preferred.

We're still feeling the repercussions of this bias. Look at the shelves of your local natural product store: almost every major American drug plant in commerce is either an East Coast native (Goldenseal, Cranberry, Willow, Slippery Elm), developed by European scientists (Echinacea, Black Cohosh, Saw Palmetto), or recreational (Coffee, Tobacco, Marijuana). Only now are we really beginning to look at our vast Western pharmacopeia.

In retrospect, we could have looked a lot sooner. And it's not like we didn't have clues. Back in 1920, a young physician named Ernst Krebs published an account of his experience with Lomatium in the Bulletin of the Nevada State Board of Health. Krebs had been assigned by the Indian Bureau to the Washoe reservation, and he was there when the Spanish flu hit. (The so-called Spanish flu was an avian strain that killed more than 500,000 Americans, and between 20 and 100 million worldwide):

".Whether a coincidence or not, there was not a single death in the Washoe tribe from influenza or its complications, although Indians living in other parts of the State where the root did not grow died in numbers. It was such a remarkable coincidence that a practicing physician who saw apparently hopeless cases recover without any other medication or care of any kind investigated the root. A preparation was prepared and employed in a great many cases among the whites, from the mildest to the most virulent types of influenza, and it proved, among other things, that it is the nearest approach we have today to a specific in epidemic influenza and the accompanying pneumonia. Other physicians were induced to give it a trial, with the same results. It is beyond the experimental stage, as its therapeutic action in this direction is established and beyond any doubt. The cases in which it has been used run into the hundreds. There is probably no therapeutic agent so valuable in the treatment of influenzal pneumonia."

Too good to be true? Well, we have no reason to doubt him. (Contrary to popular belief, this is not the Ernst T. Krebs Jr. who would later get all quack-y claiming he could cure cancer with "vitamin B17.") But his account was published, and then, seemingly, ignored.

The next we hear of Lomatium is from a researcher named Percy Train who was sent to Nevada by the U.S. government to screen local plants for potential drug development. He spent six years there, starting in the mid 1930s, and found nothing that even touched Lomatium for sheer germ-killing firepower. In the words of the late, great herbalist Michael Moore, "It killed just about every microbe his research group tested it against, and you could douse rats in it without hurting them."

Train published his book in 1941. Once again, published, then ignored.

Fast forward to today. Lomatium is still virtually unknown, and there still isn't a shred of formal research on it. There isn't a marketing push. Nobody has ever gotten on the Oprah Show to tout it.

But the plant has had two strong advocates: the great naturopathic doctor, John Bastyr; and the great herbalist, Michael Moore. It's because of these two men, I believe, that the knowledge of Lomatium is still alive today. Most everyone who uses Lomatium now can trace their knowledge back to either Moore or Bastyr, either directly, or indirectly, through one of their thousands of students.

And now, finally, the word is just beginning to get out, as fears about modern-day H1N1 have begun prompting people to look for solutions.

Bird flu, swine flu, three-toed sloth flu I don't care. Lomatium shines in viral infections, period. I've been using it for over a decade, and I've never met a viral infection where it hasn't at least made a dent. Even in infections where I didn't expect it to work for example a friend with Hep C, who took Lomatium on the advice of a naturopathic doctor, and saw her viral load plummet it's worked. In Chronic Fatigue with a (presumed) viral component, it's worked. In shingles, it's worked. Michael Moore suggests using it for what he calls the "slow viruses": HPV, Mono, Hep C, CMV, and (he suggests tentatively) HIV.

But Lomatium seems to specialize in viruses of the respiratory tract. Many of the plant's antiviral compounds are excreted out through the mucosa of the lungs. So on their way out the body, they end up exactly where they're needed. First, they thin congested, boggy mucous and work as a mild expectorant. But again, we come back to where Lomatium shines: as a stone cold germ-killer. For deep lung infections, I have found nothing that can match our modest little Biscuitroot. And if you're one of those people whose every little sniffle or sneeze ends up sinking its claws into your chest, Lomatium is invaluable at the first sign. It can still be effective after an infection has already established itself.

Lomatium is also useful topically. For example, if you're dealing with a wart, try soaking the pad of a band-aid in the standard tincture of Lomatium, and apply it over the area before going to bed. You ought to see shrinkage in 4-5 days.

Suppositories made with Lomatium, Western Red Cedar, and vitamin A are a standard naturopathic protocol in viral infections of the cervix, although I have no direct experience here.

SAFETY: Lomatium may cause a skin rash in as many as 1% of the people who take it. I've given Lomatium or Lomatium-containing products to close to 1,000 people, and I've heard of the rash four times. One was a woman who got it on her arms after taking Lomatium for a few days. She stopped taking the herb, and the rash went away a few days later. Another woman got a very mild rash on her neck, and continued taking the Lomatium because it was working so well. She just wore a turtleneck. The third woman got a head-to-toe rash and checked into the ER for some strong suppressive anti-inflammatories. Finally, I just heard this week of someone who took my Lomatium-containing cold'n'flu formula who saw a mild rash develop a few days in. The rash went away in a few days by itself.

There's some debate in the medical herbalism community as to what causes the rash, and how to avoid it. Some say it depends on how the medicine is prepared. Lomatium is very rich in resins, they say, and there's foam that should be skimmed from the top when you're preparing it. Others cite Michael Moore's take on the subject, which is that it's not the herb itself, but a detox reaction to metabolic products of viral or bacterial die-off. He says that in 30 years, he's never seen the rash in people who take Lomatium along with herbs that support detox. I'm not sure who I agree with. But, die-off or not, coincidence or not, I'll say that I've only once seen the rash in people taking a good, Lomatium-based formula, with good supportive herbs.

DOSING: I dose Lomatium high, because I use it acutely. 60-90 drops of the tincture, 3-4 times a day.

Jane Barlow, June 9, 2018, Barlow Herbal

"On the eastern slopes of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains grows a very important plant in the Parsley Family. The western Indians have long used this plant to prevent and treat many ailments.

Botanically called Lomatium dissectum, because of its long, slender, hollow stem and its oil producing linear glands in the ripening seeds. The Indians called the medicinal root of this plant "the Dortza", meaning – "heap powerful medicine." The Washoe Indians collected the root in September and October when the richest supply of oils was concentrated in the large underground root. At least five or six gums, oils and oleoresins are present in the very aromatic root. After collecting the root, they sliced it longitudinally, exposing the volatile oils to the oxidizing (polymerization) effects of the air, which converts the oils to a stabilized resin. The cured root would then be hung to dry from the ceiling of their hogan until it was needed.

During the flu pandemic of 1917-1918, the root came into extensive use by the two Washoe Indian tribes near Carson City, Nevada. Dr. E.T. Krebs Sr., the contract physician who was assigned by the U.S. government to the Washoe Indians, was dumbfounded to find that these two groups of Indians were free from respiratory illness and that no deaths had been attributed to the influenza "bug." This was especially amazing because both Indians and white people were "dying like flies" throughout the entire region, the nation and the world. Spotting the dried root hanging from their hogans, Dr. Krebs asked what it was and what its use was. He was told it was "heap powerful medicine," and that it was used to prevent colds and the flu. He asked if he could try this medicine on some of his white patients and, after making a crude preparation and giving it to his non-Indian patients in San Francisco, he said, "They just stopped dying."

How it works: Scientific investigation of the plant reveals that the volatile oil factions in the root contain the antiviral/antibiotic ingredient. Also present are powerful anti-bacterial/anti-fungal properties. The Lomatium dissectum extract has a viro-static effect, meaning that it stops the growth of all viruses, bacteria and fungus in the body and eliminates the lethal micro-organisms without harming the ones necessary to good health. The effectiveness of Lomatium dissectum in eliminating infections and restoring health is an incredible gift from Mother Nature.

Extensive work has been done by over five universities on Lomatium dissectum. It is a powerful, nontoxic, viro-static against flu viruses, the trachoma virus, the Lansing Polio viruses, and numerous other viruses. By 1944, the Journal of Bacteriology reported, "The anti-biotic activity of oil factions separated from the root of Lomatium dissectum was determined on 62 strains and species of bacteria, molds and fungi. The heat-stable active agent was bactericidal for gram-positive bacteria at 10-4 dilutions and at 10-3 for gram-negative bacteria." (Journal of Bacteriology, Vol. 55 No. 5 May 1948)

About the time this report was published, ‘miracle' sulfa drugs began to be widely promoted. In the interest of being ‘modern,' no one wanted to use an old Indian remedy. With renewed interest in some natural remedies, Dr. Krebs Jr. passed on the extracting techniques developed by his father to Dr. Max Barlow. The extract is made today in an alcohol-based tincture known as LDM-100.

Since LDM-100 is anti-viral, the dosage depends upon the strength (or weakness) of the body's natural immune system. LDM-100 is completely natural and non-toxic; therefore, the dosage may be safely increased until it takes effect.

As the above quote from the Journal of Bacteriology indicates, Lomatium dissectum is also effective against molds and fungi. Thus, many Barlow Herbal users are seeing great results in fighting Candida albicans with our extract (when taken orally). LDM-100 will clear up most yeast infections. A drop between the toes will eradicate athlete's foot.

LDM-100 may be taken as a preventative against viral infections or solely during high-risk periods. This wonder drug of nature inhibits growth and reproduction of viral organisms, rendering them inactive, thus enabling white blood cells to do their job.

It should be noted that some people may experience a one-time detox rash from an oil faction found in Lomatium dissectum; as is possible from contact with any plant. The rash ranges from mild to full body and can be extremely itchy and uncomfortable. Such a reaction can be quickly overcome by taking Dandelion Root, Vitamin C, and Pantothenic Acid. Two days of only fresh juices has been found to speed up the detox process. The addition of fresh squeezed wheat grass juice is also extremely helpful. One can discontinue use of LDM-100 temporarily.

Adults: 3 to 10 drops, 3 to 5 times daily, or more. It is suggested to begin with a low dosage and frequency and gradually increase. Keep dosage low for the first 7 days and then increase as needed. Children: 3 to 4 drops, 4 to 6 times daily. It is also recommended to gradually increase quantity and frequency. 1 to 2 drops for babies added to water or juice." -Dr. Max Barlow

Jane here. My dad has been gone for over 22 years now and I feel that while much of the information about Lomatium has stayed the same - there have been some interesting things I've learned and come to believe about Lomatium and it's effect on the human body. I've talked to other herbalists who are very familiar with Lomatium and have used a fresh root extract of it and have never seen the detox rash. It appears that part of the power comes from curing and oxidizing the Lomatium root after it's been wildcrafted. Letting all of the oils cure and dry before putting the roots into the extraction process, in my opinion - changes the medicinal properties of Lomatium. Lomatium is a broad spectrum anti-microbial and I've seen it handle viral, fungal, yeast and some types of bad bacterial issues. I've come to believe that Lomatium's special gift to humans is it's anti-viral properties. I wouldn't want to live my life without it and it's been a true game changer when it comes to taking care of my kids and now my grand-kids. My biggest hope for you is using this information to help you stay healthy and well. Please know that I am not a doctor and anything I share with you is not meant to be medical advice.

Lomatium Dissectum Detox Rash Information If you are new to the plant Lomatium, please read this information all the way through. Lomatium can cause a one-time detox rash in some people when taking it for the first time. It is not a dangerous or contagious rash, but it can be a scary, uncomfortable and a very emotional detox.

Start with a very small dosage when taking a Lomatium product for the first time. A very small dosage of the liquid Lomatium (LDM-100) would be 5-10 drops in water once a day for the first week for adults. You can even start with 1-5 drops once a day for the first week. In capsule form (SEES-Plus) one capsule once a day for the first week is considered a small dosage. It is easier to start with a smaller dosage when Lomatium is in liquid form (LDM-100 or MunityBoost).

Most little kids and teenagers do not get the rash. If they do, it is typically much less intense and clears out very quickly. A small, starting dose for a child would be 1-3 drops once a day for the first week. If no rash, then increase and use accordingly.

LDM-100 preceded by MunityBoost is very effective for all kinds of viral, fungal, yeast and some types of bacterial infections. Although there is much less chance of it, MunityBoost can cause the detox rash just like straight LDM-100 can. MunityBoost is 25% LDM-100.

What we've come to believe is that a viral or fungal load has been "stuck" in the tissues and Lomatium gives your body the opportunity to push out through your skin (your largest organ). We've seen many people on a Lomatium protocol completely eradicate long standing, systemic viral and fungal issues. Even ones that lay dormant for long periods of time.

If someone is going to get this detox reaction, then it will happen with a small amount or a large amount. It will only happen once for most people who get the rash. Over the years we have had a small handful of people get a light rash a second time but only those who waited a long time between taking it for the first time and then taking it again. Usually a year or more. Please remember that it's not dangerous or contagious. Just extremely uncomfortable and itchy.

It usually proceeds like this: The rash will typically show up between 5-7 days after taking Lomatium. It looks like measles at first and then will progressively get worse before it starts to get better. It can show up anywhere on the body and then spread. If someone has had chronic UTI's then the rash usually shows up on the lower torso near the kidneys. If someone has had chronic chest/lung infections, then the rash usually shows up on the chest first before it spreads to the rest of the body. Sometimes it shows up randomly on a certain body part. There can be swelling, fever and purple looking welts. The extremities are usually the last parts of the body to get the rash. Legs and arms. It is also normal for ears, nose and face to swell a little. Some people get a light rash that covers only small parts of the body and is gone in 2-3 days. Most people get the full deal. And it usually goes solid and looks like a sunburn.

A couple of guidelines: You can lower the dose and keep going or you can stop taking it until the rash is gone and runs its course or some people prefer to stop until the rash is gone simply because it makes them feel better to stop what caused the rash in the first place. It won't make the rash go away quicker if you stop but it's up to everyone individually.

It is very important to stay hydrated with lots of water. This will give your body a chance to truly flush the toxins out. Lots of fresh, green juicing also helps to nourish you through this detox quickly. Stay away from fried food, junk food, processed food, soda, milk and dairy and most meat while your body is detoxing. Your body works very hard to digest, process and eliminate food and if you take a break from eating all together (fresh juice only) for 2-3 days – the rash will clear up much quicker. Even if you eat clean, taking a break from food will be extremely beneficial. If you simply can't juice fast, then eat as clean as you can. Everyone knows what that means.

There are some supplements we've found to help the rash clear up a little quicker. Number one is Dandelion root. You can get it in liquid form, capsule form or tea. Dandelion root is a very well-known liver support and detox. When the liver is supported the body is better able to handle the powerful viral/fungal detox of Lomatium. Look at our LiverLove product. It is a specific blend for detoxing and supporting the liver and gallbladder. Consider going through a full bottle of LiverLove prior to starting Lomatium. If you already have the rash, then it will help you to take some form of Dandelion root during the rash.

We also suggest high dose Vitamin C. 5000 mg per day for an adult. Activated Charcoal is also a helpful detox tool and will help your body process the detox without your skin having to take it all.

The Lomatium rash usually gets extremely itchy to the point of being unable to sleep for a night or two. Taking an Epsom salt bath once or twice a day is very beneficial and can soothe and nourish the skin while the rash is running its course. Some people get up in the middle of the night to take an Epsom salt bath as well. Use Coconut Oil or Emu oil to smooth on the skin to relieve the itching.

Some people will feel an increase in energy while the rash is doing its thing and some people feel quite the opposite and feel extremely fatigued. The rash is not contagious so if you feel good then just carry on as usual. For some people this detox rash is an intense, emotional experience. This is a healing crisis. Sometimes you must get worse before you can get better. If you are tired, then rest as much as you can to let your body heal. There is no doubt this rash is miserable to go through, but your body is doing a smart thing.

A couple of wonderful things to know about Lomatium. 1) Your body doesn't appear to build an immunity to the plant Lomatium. So, you can take it for long periods of time while your body is healing from long standing systemic, viral/fungal/yeast issues. It is common for many people to take a preventative dose every day during cold and flu season or when they travel. Especially when getting on an airplane. A solid preventative dose for an adult is 1/2 dropperful (approx. 25 drops) once or twice a day. 2) You can safely increase the dosage until it does the job. Due to our extensive, lifelong use of Lomatium we have used LDM-100 (25-50 drops each time) every hour on the hour to clear up UTI's, ear infections, cold, flu and other acute infections.

Here are some of the issues I've used it for during my more than 40 years experience with Lomatium.

As you can see, the pure root extract of Lomatium dissectum has amazing medicinal properties. So whether you've been using LDM-100 for many years or you're just starting to use it, broaden your horizons in your applications and watch the wonderful results! LDM-100 can be taken straight or diluted in a small amount of water or juice. (Juice is nice for small children or taste sensitive adults.) We have been using it since the mid 1970's.

Note: Please use your common sense when using herbal medicine to treat yourself and your family. If chronic conditions persist or worsen please see a qualified health care professional. Modern medical technology can enhance and even save your life in the right situation.

Taking the time to educate yourself about plant medicine is a critical component of using it correctly and safely for your every day needs.

Thank you for reading and please feel free to reach out to us with any questions.

2015, Phytomed, www.phytomed.co.nz

Warnings & Contraindications: Phytosensitivity rash (rare), nausea (uncommon). Caution should be used with those sensitive to plants within the Apiaceae family. Possible additive effects to anticoagulant medications, therefore avoid before surgery. Best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding as safety not established.

Main Indications: Specific for respiratory infections & high fevers, coughs, colds, influenza, pneumonia, tuberculosis, SARS and asthma; as well as other infections & related conditions including rotovirus, EBV, CMV,chronic fatigue syndrome,HIV, Hepatitis C, gingivitis, periodontal disease, candidiasis, urinary tract infections, shigellosis, viral encephalitis. Topically used for wounds, boils, warts, sores, burns, sprains & rheumatism.

Lomatium dissectum(Lomatium) is a long-lived, slow-growing, tap-rooted, semi-arid perennial native of the Great plains, deserts and high mountains of the Pacific North West of North America (Buhner, 2013; Tilley,2010; Meilleur, 1990). There are approximately 70-80 different species of Lomatium, and several species are used medicinally, however the most widely used is Lomatium dissectum(formerly classified as Leptotaenia dissecta until 1942) (Drum, 2006; Henry, 2009).

The species has been used for hundreds of years for food, medicine and ceremonial purposes by the native peoples of North America, and prized as a panacea for a myriad of health conditions (Buhner, 2013; Keville, 2003). It first came to prominent attention during the great influenza pandemic of 1918-1920, where a US physician working with the Washoe people of Northern Nevada reported a significant reduction in mortality amongst the native people using the herbcompared to the general population (Ackerson, 2005; Buhner 2013).

Native Americans used Lomatium widely in human and veterinary medicine. Internally, it was used as an infusion, decoction or smoke to treat respiratory infections such as coughs, colds, sore throats, bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis. External applications included as a wash, poultice, rub or steam bath for rashes, cuts, sores, smallpox, wounds, parasitic infections, swellings, sprains and broken bones(Meilleur, 1990; Keville, 2003; McCutcheon, 1995).

Lomatium is considered the primary antiviral herb by the US herbal community (Buhner, 2013), however despite a rich ethnobotanical heritage, there is limited scientific research on the plant (Zamacheck, 2014). Clinical reports demonstrate its wide use for a range of viral conditions, from the traditional use againstrespiratory and urinary tract infections, to apparent efficacy against chronic "slow" viral infections such as Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and human herpes viruses(Buhner, 2013; Ackerson, 2005; Adams Herbs, 2009).

It is thought that the antiviral activity of Lomatium is associated with the strongly aromatic, bitter and oily qualities of the mature roots (Buhner, 2013). The compounds within Lomatium penetrate the viral coat and inhibit ribonucleo-protein complex associated activity (Buhner, 2013). Lomatium seems to be exceptionally potent against H1N1 influenza viruses (Buhner, 2013). A recent invitrostudy demonstrated an aqueous extract of Lomatium inhibited the secretion of chemokine CXCL10, high levels of which are correlated with a poor prognosis in influenza A infection (Zamacheck, 2014). A 1995 study reported in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found Lomatiumwas the only extract to demonstrate activity against rotavirus, the diarrhoea causing double-stranded RNA virus which is a major global infectious disease causing gastroenteritis, by completely inhibiting the virus' cytopathic effects (Ackerson, 2005; McCutcheon, 1995). Additionally, a preliminary invitrostudy of a related species, Lomatium suksdorfii, has demonstrated HIV-1 replication inhibition by virtue of the coumarin constituent suksdorfin, suggesting possible use in treatment of HIV infection (Lee, 1994).

Lomatium is also a stimulating expectorant, and may enhance immunity inthe mucosaby increasing mucosal secretions of IgA antibodies (Bergner, 2005). Its traditional applications in bacterial and allergic respiratory conditions suggest either a local or systemic enhancement of host resistance, and possibly antispasmodic or anti-inflammatory effects (Bergner, 2005).

The Lomatium spp. contains a number of chemically unique coumarins including pyranocoumarins, furanocoumarins, prenyloxycoumarins, and prenyloxyfuranocoumarins which are thought to contribute to its strong antimicrobial activity (Buhner, 2013). Early preclinical studies conducted in 1948 & 1949 found antibacterial activity of aromatic extracts from L. dissectumto be active against a broad range of mostly gram-positive bacteria,as well as some gram-negative bacteria, including Vibrio commaand Neisseria catarrhalis; efficacy against a range of moulds and fungi was also reported (Buhner, 2013; Matson, 1949; Carlson, 1948). In vitro evidence suggests that an extract of L.dissectumhas antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium michiganense, Bacillus cereus, Xanthomonas campestris, Phythium ultimum, and Rhizoctonia solani(Natural Medicine, 2015).

This antimicrobial effect has been attributed to the presence of tetronic acid consitituents, known as 2-alkenyl-3-hydroxy-penta-2, 4-dien-4-olides (Natural Medicine, 2015; Van Wagenen, 1986).

Lomatium has also shown efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the primary bacteria responsible for tuberculosis infection, as well as two associated and hard-to-treat bacterial species, M. aviumand M. intracellulare, (commonly referred to as M. avium complex or MAC). These are again emerging as important pathogens due to their increased incidence associated with AIDS, and multi-drug resistant strains of M. tuberculosis and M. avium(McCutcheon, 1997). Invitrostudies demonstrated a methanolic extract of Lomatium root completely inhibited growth of these bacteria, with Lomatium's furanocoumarin constituents thought to be responsible for the anti-mycobacterial effect (McCutcheon, 1997).

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• Lemon Balm
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• Pelargonium
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