Anti Viral Foods
Anti Viral Foods
Anti Viral Foods
1. Elderberry
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.