During fall and leading up to winter, we are particularly vulnerable to different kinds of illnesses that are caused by viruses, including colds, flu and cold sores. A virus is not to be confused with bacteria, which causes infection. Viruses are tiny bits of nucleic acids that use your body’s cells to replicate.
There are very few treatments, allopathic or natural, that can kill a virus outright, therefore a virus must run its course.
We’ve compiled a list of natural remedies that can potentially, reduce the effects of a virus, or prevent the virus altogether:
Colloidal Silver (Ionic Silver):
Silver has been utilized as a medicine since ancient times to treat scores of ailments.Colloidal silver is a suspension of pure metallic silver in water that is used to dramatically reduce the symptoms of the virus in general. It works by interfering with the enzymes so a virus cannot wreck havoc in the body.
Elderberry:
The common black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has long been used to reduce the length and severity of flu symptoms. Taking 60 ml a day for adults and 30 ml for children helps to facilitate a quick recovery. Elderberry extract binds to the tiny spikes on a virus protein that are used to pierce and invade healthy cells and destroys them so that the virus becomes ineffective.
Echinacea:
The herb Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) supports the immune system and has a direct anti-viral action against colds and viral bronchitis. Both the roots and the flowering tops of the herb are the most effective at helping the body resist the viruses.
Garlic:
Garlic has been prized for its medicinal properties for many years. The compounds allicin and allin are responsible for garlic’s reputation as a triple threat. This plant is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and, when taken in its raw form, it’s especially effective against viruses.
Green Tea:
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains a group of flavonoids called catechins, which appear to inhibit viral infections by blocking the enzymes that allow it to reproduce. Green tea has been known to be effective in inhibiting herpes simplex and the hepatitis B virus.
Liqorice:
Liquorice contains a substance called glycyrrhizin that reduces the replication of viruses and halts their ability to penetrate inside healthy cells. It has is considered effective in the treatment of many viral illnesses including HIV strains and viral hepatitis.
Olive Leaf:
Olive tree (Olea europea) leaves contain elenoic acid and calcium elonate substances that have been identified as powerful inhibitors for a wide range of viruses in laboratory tests, including influenza, herpes, polio viruses. These substances block the production of enzymes that allow viruses to replicate.
Pau D’Arco:
Pau d’arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) is an Amazon tree with healing inner bark that has been used to treat colds, influenza, herpes and viral stomatitis. It contains quinoids that inhibit virus replication, by damaging the DNA and RNA inside the viral protein that would insert itself in a healthy human cell and replicate.
St. John’s Wort:
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is well-known for its ability to treat depression and neuralgia, but it also has potent antiviral chemicals called hypercin and pseudohypericin that proactively fight off viruses. Viruses thrive by imitating existing cells through “cloaking”. These viruses that masquerade as human cells include Herpes, HIV and Hepatitis C.
To proactively fight against a virus, we recommend taking at least two of the supplements in this list, in addition to encapsulated glutathione and nutrients. These will help to boost your system and reduce the likelihood of contracting a virus.
We should all maintain a robust immune system. As always, consult your naturopathic doctor or health care provider for advice.