Viruses exist everywhere, and they can cause health conditions like hepatitis, mononucleosis, HIV, the flu, and even the common cold. While many people commonly opt to get an annual flu shot (influenza vaccination), studies have shown that it is only 80% effective, due to the fact that this virus has mutating strains. Additionally, vaccines don’t properly educate your immune system and they can contain preservatives and chemicals. Wouldn’t it be better if you could use all natural herbs to fight off viruses without harming the body?
Facts About Viruses
A virus is a microscopic organism that can exist almost anywhere on the planet. Viruses can spread through sneezing, coughing, person-to-person contact, sexual contact, or by entering the body through food or water. More often than not, viruses infect plants, fungi, animals, humans, and bacteria. Some viruses are fatal, while others can make you feel ill for only a day or so. Consisting of genetic material, viruses cannot replicate without a host, which classifies them as parasites. Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on the planet.
So What Do Antiviral Herbs Do?
When you consume foods that keep your immune system strong, you have a better chance of fighting off viruses. Antiviral herbs can help to inhibit the development of viruses because they boost the immune system, which helps the body attack viral pathogens. Antiviral herbs also contain anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and healthy digestive properties.
#1: Echinacea
Echinacea is an amazing herb that is loaded with antimicrobial properties, which are great for the immune system. All varieties of the echinacea herb have phenol compounds. At a base level, phenols protect plants from UV radiation damage and infections. The active substances in phenols control enzymes and cell receptors, and their active antioxidants make them great for keeping human cells healthy.
#2: Astragalus Root
Astragalus root has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years, primarily for enhancing immune function. Several studies have shown that astragalus’ antiviral properties help to stimulate the immune system and inhibit the development of the common cold or flu.
#3: Ginger
If you keep up with our web content, you know that we love ginger. One of our favorite things about ginger is that it helps to cleanse the lymphatic system, also known as the body’s sewage system. It also helps to flush toxins from your organs. Did we mention that ginger prevents the body from accumulating toxins that can make you sick or susceptible to bacterial infections? Well, it does that too!
#4: Oil of Oregano
While fresh oregano is tasty, the health benefits come alive when it is distilled to extract the essential oil. Oil of oregano contains carvacrol and thymol, both of which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Carvacrol is responsible for reversing viral infections, allergies, parasites, and reducing inflammation.
#5: Cat’s Claw
This herb has a lot of bark, not meow! Okay…that was terrible. People in South America have actually used the bark of cat’s claw as a natural remedy for fevers and digestive conditions, like dysentery, for centuries. Cat’s claw has powerful antiviral properties that can be used to help reduce one’s viral load, and early studies show that it may be beneficial for HIV patients, but more research needs to be conducted.
#6: Elderberry
Elderberry has been popularly used in many cultures for its ability to help fight viral infections, herpes, influenza, and bacterial infections. Almost all of the elderberry plant is usable. You can use the bark, leaves, roots, and flowers, which can be beneficial to brew into a tea when you have the flu. Make an elderberry syrup to boost immune function by clicking here.
#7: Olive Leaf
The antiviral properties of olive leaf have been known to fight back against the common cold and more serious viruses like meningitis, pneumonia, hepatitis B, malaria, gonorrhea, and candida symptoms. Recent research has shown that the extract of olive leaf can fight against viruses that cause influenza or respiratory infections. Olive leaf extract’s compounds can also kill invading organisms, making it so viruses cannot replicate to spread infection.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
