Alternative Answer: Natural AntiViral Herbs

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Alternative Answer: Natural Antiviral Herbs

 

There are hundreds of plants used all over the world, which are used in

herbal medicine as treatments for viral infections. Here are some of

the most accessible and reliable.

 

Astragalus (astragalus membranaceus): has been in the Chinese Materia Medica for

centuries and has shown to have immune boosting properties. This classic energy

tonic has a warming and toning effect. Although not used as a treatment for

acute illnesses, astragalus is believed to be very useful as an herbal remedy

for treating viral infections, including those that cause the common cold and

flu.

 

 

Echinacea (eucalyptus globulus): has long been used as an antiviral remedy for

colds and flu. It appears to work by boosting production of interferon, the

body's own antiviral fighter, as well as, stimulating infection-fighting white

blood cells. Echinacea has three compounds, which are chicoric acid, caffeic

acid, and echinacin. These three compounds have specific antiviral properties

that can resist viruses.

 

 

Forsythia (Forsythia suspensa) and Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) are the top

choice in the Chinese Materia Medica for addressing heat toxins. Often used

together, these flowers are the main ingredient in a formula called Yin Qiao San

for treating viruses causing upper respiratory infections.

 

 

Garlic (allium sativum): Compounds that are rich in sulfur content are found in

abundance in garlic and are active against the virus responsible for flu. These

sulfur-based compounds have shown to be effective in clinical studies. A similar

but less effective antiviral action is also found in the common onion, which is

a close relative of the garlic plant.

 

 

Ginger (zingiber officinale): Phenolic compounds are responsible for relaxing

the muscles of the stomach, and explains ginger's effect in easing motion

sickness. Fresh or dried, the root has been shown to minimize vomiting. In

addition, the phenolic ingredients act within the stomach as a sedative and

painkiller, which helps to reduce over-activity of the gut. In stomach

infections, the oil acts as an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory. The

gingerols alone are thought to be responsible for ginger's action as a liver

protective.

 

 

Goldenseal (hydrastis canadensis): Berberine is the active compound in

goldenseal that stimulates the immune system. douche of goldenseal is excellent

for reducing yeast infection. Berberine increases blood flow to the spleen and

stimulate the activity of macrophages, blood cells that are an important part of

the immune system.

 

 

Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra): also used for centuries and found in the Chinese

Materia Medica, this herb's potent antiviral action works against a wide range

of viral agents. With eight active antiviral compounds, the most recognized

being glycyrrhizin, these compounds inhibit as well as block the viral

penetration of the body's cells and the multiplication of genetic material from

the viral particle.

 

 

Milk Thistle (silybum marinum): is the top choice for all kinds of liver

disorders such as hepatitis, cirrhosis as well as mushroom poisoning. Silymarin,

the active ingredient, is also helpful in gall bladder disease.

 

 

Sangre de Drago or Dragon's Blood (croton lechleri): The antiviral properties of

this herb have shown to help with viral sores caused during infection from the

herpes virus. The compounds in this herb, including ds taspine and

dimethylcedrusine have the ability to heal wounds and are have antiviral

properties.

 

 

 

Essential Oils with Antiviral Properties

 

 

Use these oils externally by blending a few drops into a base oil of vegetable,

sunflower, safflower or canola oils and massage into pulse points, chest, tops

of feet and wrists. Do not digest these oils internally. Tea tree can be added

to a half a cup of warm water and gargled then spit out for treating sore

throats.

 

 

Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus): this oil has compounds which include

quercitrin, hyperoside, and tannic acid, which help eliminate viruses.

 

 

Juniper (juniperus): has an antiviral agent. Juniper contains a potent antiviral

compound called deoxypodophyllotoxin. The herpes viruse, flu and many other

types of viruses seem to be inhibited by extracts from juniper.

 

 

Lemon Balm (melissa officinalis): is a potent inhibitor on the herpes virus,

among other viruses that lead to infection.

 

 

Tea Tree Oil (melaleuca alternifolia): used for everything from earache to

athlete's foot, as well as gum inflammation and skin infections, this antiviral

oil can be applied directly to an infected area, three times daily. Tea tree can

be added to a half a cup of warm water and gargled then spit out for treating

sore throats.

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

Peacefulmind.com

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