Based upon the neuropsychiatric effects you guys cite, it seems to stimulate Dopamine(hallucinations) and then possibly Gaba(memory loss). For an herbal alternative that is touted being more efficacious than Echinacea in exiting a cold or flu faster, Elderberry Extract. It is an Antiviral that also works on Type A and B influenza. In addition is a polyphenol antioxidant. Win-Win. I think everyone should give this route(3x a day for 1st week then 1x for maintenance) a month long trial to see if it exerts any symptom lowering effects. In addition the amino acid Lysine stops Herpes Virus from replicating and is an immunostimulant. It also has mild effects on Growth Hormone and Collagen. Right now I am taking Lysine and have tryed Elderberry to good effect with 3 colds.

I am glad the lysine is working for you.

Antioxidants are always good, for everyone. Some people at RSD use grapeseed extract to prevent spread of RSD (which is another severe form of neuropathic pain).

However, I think Vit D is the most powerful agent against viral infection.
http://www.orthomolecular.org/resour...s/v04n04.shtml

So you will want to get a Vit D level checked to see how much you would need.