In an age where medicine seems to have many of the answers to common ailments the humble virus still provides a challenge to doctors. Unlike bacterial infections, virus borne diseases, like the common cold or influenza do not respond to antibiotics – the standard approach is to give the body time to marshal its own defenses and eventually deal with infections caused by viruses.
Of course there are also ways to ease the discomfort of dealing with a viral onslaught – however these approaches are mainly aimed at helping our body cope with the discomfort. These approaches include keeping hydrated and dealing with high temperatures.
However there are also some very effective antiviral herbs that can be employed to mitigate the effects of a viral infection. Here are some of the most effective.
Prickly Ash Bark
A few drops of extract of Prickly Ash bark in water provide a healthy dose of virus fighting effects. As a bonus the extract is also excellent for combating the effects of a viral infection such as depression which often accompany a viral infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Tremendously popular, Apple Cider Vinegar should be mixed with water (about two tablespoons with eight ounces of water) to give your body the boost that it needs to fight off a viral infection. A great idea is to mix in some lemon juice to taste.
Garlic
For lovers of the pungent vegetable (believe it or not it’s a vegetable not a bulb – it has leaves) this antiviral supplement is going to be a pleasure to use. You can really go overboard when it comes to using garlic for its antiviral properties. If you want to spare family or coworkers from the smell the next day then odorless capsules are available – however, seeing as it’s great fresh or even lightly cooked you may prefer to look at preparing food with it rather than buying the capsule form.
St. John’s Wort
Another one of the very powerful herbs is St. John’s Wort. This perhaps better known as a treatment for depression – however it’s also a very effective antiviral supplement. It also helps to supercharge the immune system meaning that it can help to stave off that viral infection before it even gets a foothold in your body.
Calendula
Calendula is harvested from the leaves of the leaves of the Pot Marigold. It has been used for almost a thousand years as a natural medicine. Calendula is a rich source of flavonoids which are naturally occurring anti-oxidants. This makes it fantastic as a natural antiviral agent.
Echinacea
One of the most widely used supplements in the world Echinacea is well known for its positive effects on the immune system. It contains echinacein which may stop viruses from entering healthy cells – stopping a viral infection in its tracks. It has also been found to help with infections of the upper respiratory tract – good news for those suffering from colds or flu.
As an alternative to artificial medicines antiviral herbs provide a natural way to help the body deal with viral infections – they’re well worth exploring for those who want a gentler avenue to better health.
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