In our November newsletter we covered some of Nature’s best antibacterials. This month we will tell you about some of Nature’s best antivirals. Some do double-duty, fighting both bacterial and viral infections. A multi-layered approach to immune health would also include probiotics, antioxidant vitamins A, C and E as well as CoQ10 and selenium.

LET’S START WITH MINERALS

COLLOIDAL SILVER has been fighting infections for thousands of years. It really does contain pure silver, super small particles of it, which are suspended in a solution, neither dissolving nor settling to the bottom. This suspension is called a colloid. Colloidal silver seems to work on the enzymes necessary for viruses, bacteria and fungi to “breathe.” It literally suffocates them by preventing them from using oxygen.

Another mineral of note is ZINC which can reduce the length and severity of symptoms of the common cold as well as herpes simplex virus by preventing viral replication. Zinc lozenges are a convenient way to take zinc.

SOME FAMILIAR HERBS

The powerful antioxidant ELDERBERRY (Sambucus nigra) is a delicious antiviral that is especially effective against influenza. It can help to reduce the length of the illness and severity of symptoms because elderberry prevents viruses from geting into our cells and stimulates immune activity. It is believed that QUERCETIN and other flavonoids help this process by protecting cells from damage. Elderberry may be helpful aganst HIV and herpes viruses also.

Studies show that GARLIC (Allium sativum) has antiviral, antibacterial as well as antifungal activity against common cold, flu and herpes simplex type I and II that cause oral and genital herpes. For ear infections, a garlic and MULLEIN infused oil may be helpful.

In addition to its wound healing, nerve soothing and mood lifting qualities, ST. JOHN’S WORT (Hypericum perforatum) is also antiviral. It is effective against influenza and enveloped viruses such as herpes simplex, hepatitis C and HIV. Enveloped viruses cloak themselves in bits torn from our cell membranes thus damaging the cells and deceiving our immune system. Compounds in St. John’s Wort attack the torn-away tissue, unmasking these stealthy viruses so our immune system can get rid of them.

A FEW EXOTIC HERBS

A native of South Africa, UMCKA (Pelargonium sidoides) influences immune response in the upper airway mucosa and interferes with viral replication. It is effective for treating flu, cold, acute sore throat and bronchitis. In Germany, Umcka extract is an “approved drug” for acute bronchitis. It is even safe for children.
PAU D’ARCO (Tabebuia impetiginosa), a tree from the Amazon rainforest that has been studied for its effects against viruses that cause herpes simplex types I and II, influenza and polio. It is believed that Pau D’Arco inhibits viral replication.

ESSENTIAL OILS

There are also several antiviral essential oils. Two very common ones are EUCALYPTUS and TEA TREE oils. These oils can be used topically and can be inhaled directly into the lungs via diffusion or steam inhalations.

ANTIVIRAL TEAS

Some herbs are so tasty and soothing that you may prefer a tea to a capsule or extract. Try some GREEN TEA, GINGER, LEMON BALM or LICORICE, individually or in a blend for a comforting virus-stopping remedy.

A FEW OTHER ANTIVIRAL HERBS

ASTRAGALUS (use preventively, stop use if you do get sick)
CAT’S CLAW
CINNAMON
ECHINACEA
GOLDENSEAL
OLIVE LEAF
OREGANO
OREGON GRAPE
RHODIOLA
TURMERIC

A GENTLE REMINDER

Although natural remedies have been used safely for thousands of years, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription drugs or have a chronic medical condition be sure to consult your healthcare practitioner prior to using these or any other remedies.

FDA DISCLAIMER

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT DISEASE.

From Evergreen’s Archives: December 2014

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