Top 10 Contenders for the Title of Best Antiviral Herbs

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With the escalating cost of medicine, you may be among the growing number of people who are taking back control of their health naturally.  A simpler way to do this is to get back to basics by finding herbal remedies to provide relief for disease vectors that most commonly affect you, such as viruses. Viruses can cause the common flu and cold but they are also responsible for more dangerous diseases like pneumonia and meningitis.

Herbal antivirals resist infectious invasions before they can bring you down or help your body to heal faster when you succumb to a virus of any type.  Herbal antivirals pull extra duties by also serving as antibacterials, disinfectants, and immune boosters, too.  The following are the best known natural, herbal antivirals:

  • Cranberry
  • Echinacea
  • Garlic
  • Oregano
  • Ginger

1.Cranberry. This tangy berry is best known for its ability to ward off bacterial infections in the urinary tract system. But cranberry also prevents common rotaviruses from taking hold in your body, too. Plus, the tart berries are loaded with Vitamin C; a nutrient well known for boosting your body’s immunity.

2.Ginger. This pungent root is an excellent choice,particularly for bugs that flare up in your digestive tract. Ginger causes the body’s mucosal cells to secrete agents that counteract infections. Ginger’s anti-nausea properties also help your body to retain much needed liquids to prevent dehydration. Its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties reduce the risk of secondary, opportunistic diseases.

3.Garlic. Allicin is the compound in garlic that gives the cloves a strong, pungent taste and their antiviral properties. Chew several raw cloves at the first onset of flu or cold symptoms. Garlic is particularly good for viruses  that cause Epstein-Barr syndrome.

4.Echinacea.  Also known as coneflower, this daisy-like bloom already has a reputation for helping the body fend off viruses and even seasonal allergies. It’s also a disinfectant. Echinacea is most effective when taken as a tincture.

5.Oregano Oil. A mainstay in most kitchen spice cabinets, oregano staves off viruses and bacteria. Dab oregano oil around your nose to prevent the entry of airborne viruses. You can easily season sick room soups with oregano, too.  Generously add oregano to everyday foods to keep your immune system fit.

The following herbs, although not as well known, are equally powerful antivirals: 

6.Astragulus root. Best used as a preventative to take down viruses before they bring you down.  Astragulus root is most efficacious as an antiviral when taken as a tea.

7.Turmeric.  Better known for savoring curries, the curcumin contained in turmeric root repels viruses so they cannot enter the cells of your body.  Turmeric targets viruses that are suspected to cause some cancers.

8.Olive Leaf. This powerful leaf halts the progress of dangerous conditions like viral pneumonia and pleurisy which most often occur as secondary diseases stemming from improperly treated flus and bronchitis. Olive leaf extract takes on the viruses that cause meningitis.

9.Mullein. A ubiquitous fuzzy plant found in most yards, you can easily dry and grind this powerful plant on your home at own. Take some as a tea when you feel the first signs of congestion in the head and chest coming on. Mullein defies the notion that herbs take a long time to work.

10.Elderberry. The least that can be said of elderberry is that it tastes delicious. Many natural and homeopathic remedies are based in elderberry syrup not just for its comforting, sweetly-warm taste but because the berries have strong antiviral properties. Elderberry also soothes symptoms like coughs, congestion, and wheezing.

Getting the Most from Antiviral Herbs

  • Garlic, cranberry, elderberry, turmeric, and ginger are most effective for you when eaten raw, added to foods, or condensed into syrups.
  • The curative properties of mullein, olive leaf, echinacea and astragulus root are better taken as dried leaf teas, tinctures, or extracts.
  • Oregano, ginger and garlic can be infused in oils. You can put a handful of the raw herb in a cup of olive oil. Mix vigorously in a glass jar, seal tightly, and let it set a few days in a cool dark place.
  • You can purchase all these herbs in capsule form, too.

Antiviral Herbal Tip: If you feel the onset of a virus, brew a very strong mixture of broth, ginger, and garlic; this will boost your immune system, allow you take in more hydrating fluids, and ease muscle aches and pains as the herbs do their work repelling the virus.

All these antiviral defenders are easily found and inexpensively purchased at your local grocers or health food store. More than a few are probably in your kitchen cabinet waiting to take a virus down now.

Sources: remedytip.com, regenerativenutrition.com, naturalalternativeremedy.com

More Related Reading:

Healing the Body, Mind and Spirit with Ginger Root

10 Great Herbs and Whole Foods to Heal Your Gut Naturally

10 Best Benefits and Uses of Peppermint Essential Oil

Liu Jiao
I have written articles on various physical and mental health related conditions, including diabetes/ heart disease/ autism/depression/Nutrition/fitness/diets/fad diets/herbs/alternative therapies/weight loss/obesity in children and adults/smoking risks/alcohol risks/fast foods/disease....

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