Anti Viral Foods

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Top 10 Antiviral Herbs

1. Elderberry

Elderberry has a long, rich history of use for medicinal benefits by


numerous cultures. It fights infections including influenza, herpes, viral
infections and bacterial infections. A study published in the Journal of
Alternative and Complementary Medicine concluded that elderberry
can be used as a safe treatment for influenza A and B. This is due to
its efficacy on all strains of influenza virus that were tested, the clinical
results, its low cost and the absence of side effects.

Most every part of the elderberry can be used — the flowers, bark,
roots and leaves are often used for their amazing health benefits.
So discoverelderberry benefits for your health today.
2. Echinacea

Echinacea has become one of the top-selling herbs of all time; that’s
because regular use of echinacea is beneficial for immune support
and overall health. There is considerable evidence suggesting that
phytochemicals in echinacea have the capacity to reduce virus
infections and tumors. This powerful herb contains a compound called
echinacein that inhibits bacteria and viruses from penetrating healthy
cells. This greatly reduces the chances of contracting any type of
infection while consuming echinacea.

Some more echinacea benefits include its ability to alleviate pain,


reduce inflammation, improve skin problems, treat upper respiratory
issues and improve mental health.
3. Calendula

The flower petals of the calendula plant, which is sometimes


called pot marigold, have been used for medicinal purposes since at
least the 12th century. This antiviral herb has high amounts of
flavonoids, which are plant-based antioxidants that protect cells from
being damaged by free radicals; it also fights viruses,
inflammation and bacteria. The dried petals of the plant are used in
tinctures, ointments and washes to treat infections, burns, wounds
and heal cuts fast.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ear drops


containing calendula are sometimes used to treat ear infections in
children, and scientific studies have found no side effects.
4. Garlic

Experiments have shown that garlic — or specific chemical


compounds found in garlic — is highly effective at killing countless
microorganisms responsible for some of the most common and rarest
infections, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, thrush and herpes.
Because of its antiviral properties, garlic can be used to treat eye
infections and as a natural ear infection remedy.

Some more raw garlic benefits include its ability to reduce the risk of


cancer, control hypertension, boost cardiovascular health and fight
hair loss.

To make a garlic oil infusion at home, crush garlic cloves and add
them to a carrier oil (like olive oil). Let the mixture sit for about five
hours, and then strain the bits of garlic and keep the oil in a  jar with a
lid. You can also swallow a raw clove of garlic; you might need to cut it
in half if it’s too large. Bite down once to release the allicin; then
swallow with water like a pill.
5. Astragalus Root

Astragalus root, another powerful antiviral herb, has been used in


traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and its main use is to boost
the body’s immune system. Scientific studies have shown that
astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system,
suggesting that it may help prevent the common cold or flu.

A 2004 study evaluated the effects of astragalus on herpes simplex


virus type 1 and found that the herb has obvious inhibiting efficacy.
Another study published in the Chinese Medical Sciences
Journalconcluded that astragalus is able to inhibit the growth
of coxsackie B virus in mice. Astragalus also has antibacterial and
anti-inflammatory properties, and it is used on the skin for wound care.
It’s also one the adaptogen herbs to lower cortisol.

 
 
6. Cat’s Claw

The bark and root of cat’s claw have been used by South Americans
for centuries to treat health problems including fevers, stomach ulcers,
digestive conditions and dysentery. Cat’s claw works as a natural
arthritis remedy and treats ulcer symptoms as well.

Cat’s claw has antiviral properties, and it’s can helps get rid of
herpes. Early studies are researching its effects on HIV as well.

This powerful herb is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and


antifungal. It’s used to treat digestive problems such as ulcers, irritable
bowel syndrome, colitis and leaky gut syndrome. The best way to
consume cat’s claw regularly is by making an herbal tea with a
tablespoon of the herb in eight ounces of water.
7. Ginger

Ayurvedic medicine has praised ginger’s ability to boost the immune


system before recorded history. It believes that because ginger is so
effective at warming the body, it can help break down the
accumulation of toxins in your organs. It’s also known to cleanse the
lymphatic system, our body’s sewage system.

Ginger prevents the accumulation of toxins that make you susceptible


to viral, fungal and bacterial infections. Medicinal ginger health
benefits also include working as a natural remedy for nausea, pain
alleviation, anti-inflammatory properties and improving diabetes.
8. Licorice Root

Licorice is emerging as a prominent player in the search for treatment


and prevention for diseases like hepatitis C, HIV and influenza.
The Chinese Journal of Virology published a review that confirms
the antiviral activity of licorice root due to its triterpenoid content.
Another 2010 publication notes licorice’s antioxidant, free radical-
scavenging and immunostimulating effects.
Some more licorice root benefits include:

 Sore throat remedy for fast relief


 Cough natural remedy
 Protection against leaky gut signs and symptoms
 Heals adrenal fatigue
 Pain relief
9. Olive Leaf

The olive leaf has antiviral properties, giving it the ability to treat the


common cold and dangerous viruses, including candida symptoms,
meningitis, pneumonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis B,
malaria, gonorrhea and tuberculosis; it also treats dental, ear and
urinary tract infections and is a natural treatment for shingles.

Research shows that olive leaf extracts effectively fight against a


number of disease-causing microbes, including some viruses that
cause influenza and other respiratory infections. The powerful
compounds found in olive leaves destroy invading organisms and
don’t allow viruses to replicate and cause an infection. In fact, the olive
leaf is so beneficial to our health that treatment with olive leaf
extracts reversed many HIV-1 infection-associated changes  in a study
done at the New York University School of Medicine.
10. Oregano

Medicinal grade oregano is distilled to extract the essential oil and


preserve its healing compounds; in fact, it takes over 1,000 pounds of
wild oregano to produce just 1 pound of oregano oil!

Oregano oil benefits are proving to be superior to some antibiotics,


without the harmful side effects. That’s because oregano contains two
powerful compounds, carvacrol and thymol, that have powerful
antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s the carvacrol  that reverses
viral infections, as well as allergies, tumors, parasites and disease-
causing inflammation. Doubting the power of this antiviral herb?
Well, there are over 800 scientific studies that reference carvacrol and
its amazing health benefits!

How to Use Antiviral Herbs

Herbal Tea

Teas are a great way to get the antiviral benefits of herbs every day.
Steep one tablespoon of herbs in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Ginger,
for example, is great in an herbal tea after dinner. It aids digestion and
fights viruses. Echinacea, for example, is a popular herbal tea that’s
sold in most food stores, so the work is already done for you.
Herbal Infusion

Herbal infusions are stronger than teas because they require a larger
quantity of herbs. To make your own herbal infusion, steep a cup of
antiviral herbs in water for about 7 hours. Keep the infusion in an air-
tight jar, and drink it cold or heated. Because the infusions are strong,
don’t drink more than one cup a day.
DIY Herbal-Infused Oil

An infused oil is when you heat the herb in a carrier oil for several
hours. You can use the oven to heat the mixture, or try leaving it in a
hot and sunny place for 12 hours. Use about 1/2 cup of antiviral herbs
(you can use one herb or a mixture), and add it to 1 cup of coconut
or jojoba oil.

If you heat the mixture in the oven, it should be in an oven-safe dish


for 3 hours at 200 degrees. If you decide not to use the oven, put the
mixture in an air-tight jar and let it sit in a sunny place for about 12
hours. Once the herbs are infused into the oil, drain the leaves and
keep the oil in a jar. You can use the oil topically to alleviate pain and
kill infections.
Essential Oils
Many of these herbs are sold as essential oils; make sure to purchase
organic and pure essential oils from a reputable company. To use
essential oils benefits like their antiviral properties, diffuse 3–5 drops
in your home, add 2–3 drops to warm bath water or mix 1–2 drops
with a carrier oil and apply the mixture directly to the skin. Massaging
essential oils into your feet, abdomen and chest is useful when
fighting a fever or flu symptoms. If you are new to this natural remedy,
use my Essential Oils Guide to get you started.

Antiviral Herbs Recipes

A great way to get herbs into your everyday diet is by adding them to
a smoothie. My Cilantro Ginger Smoothie Recipe helps your body
detoxify and soothes inflammation. It also has antiviral and
antibacterial properties. Another great option is my Alkalizing Juice
Recipe that has a knob of garlic; this is a great way to fight viral
infections and boost your cardiovascular health.

I recommend you try making herbal teas at home. They’re easy and
full of health benefits. You can use ginger or licorice root in place of
turmeric — just follow my Turmeric Tea Recipe and add a teaspoon
of the herb of your choice or 1–2 drops of an essential oil or oil
infusion.

Don’t miss an opportunity to add these powerful antiviral herbs to your


meals. They can be thrown onto so many meals throughout the day,
and it’s worth it! Try my Veggie Omelet that calls for garlic and
oregano — two antiviral herbs that fight infections.

An easy way to add these herbs into your diet is to throw them in
healthy soups! Choose from my 49 Healthy Soup Recipes; you can
add 2–5 drops of an essential oil, herbal infusion or oil infusion to any
of these soups. They boost the flavor and health benefits.
Possible Side Effects & Interactions of Antiviral Herbs

If you use infusions or essential oils, remember that the products are
extremely potent and should not be taken for a long period of time. If
you use these natural remedies for their antiviral properties, do not
consume them for more than two weeks. Giving yourself a break
between long doses is important. If you are pregnant, be cautious of
using essential oils and reach out to your health care provider before
doing so.

Some of these antiviral herbs interact with medications, so read up on


an herb before you begin consuming its extract or essential oil.

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