I am in no way
implying that you throw out your prescriptions and go totally herbal.
This is not intended as medical advice but as a tool to help boost your
immune system and to assist your body in the healing process.
Now, with a recent
diagnosis of Ebola within the United States it is imperative that we are
all proactive in a healthier lifestyle.
Powerful Herbs to Fight Viruses
ALOE
Not only is this one
of the more helpful herbs for fighting viruses, this can also work as an
astringent and has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Taken
internally, it is good for easing the symptoms of AIDS and for digestive
disorders. Use only the pulp from the inside of the succulent leaves of
the aloe plant.
Astragalus, a mighty
member of the bean family, has been shown to boost the immune system and
inhibit certain viruses, such as the Cocksackie B virus. It enjoys a
long history of preventing and treating colds and various other
respiratory-related conditions.
Basil, especially as
an extract or oil, is known to have exceptionally powerful antioxidant
properties that can protect the body from premature aging, common skin
issues, age-related problems and even some types of cancer. The herb
also contains the flavonoids orientin and vicenin, which are plant
pigments that shield your cell structures from oxygen and radiation
damage.
Both fresh basil and
basil oil have strong antibacterial capabilities. In fact, basil has
been shown to stop the growth of many bacteria, even some that had grown
resistant to other antibiotics. Basil can be applied to wounds to help
prevent bacterial infections.
In Ayurvedic
medicine, Holy Basil is used as a tea or a tincture. Among its many
medicinal uses are lowering cholesterol, as an immune booster, and
lowering blood glucose levels
Cayenne pepper's
bright red color signals its high content of beta-carotene or
pro-vitamin A. Just two teaspoons of cayenne pepper provide 47% of the
daily value for vitamin A. Often called the anti-infection vitamin,
vitamin A is essential for healthy epithelial tissues including the
mucous membranes that line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract
and urinary tract and serve as the body's first line of defense against
invading pathogens.
Echinacea is a
classic member of the antiviral herbs. Not only does it fight viral and
bacterial infection, it also stimulates the white blood cells and is
good for the immune system. Use both the leaves and the roots of this
plant.
Black elderberry (Sambucas nigra) is another herbs to keep handy during the cold and flu season. Elderberry has
antiviral activity against influenza viruses and enhances immune
function. A proprietary elderberry extract (Sambucol®) significantly
shortens the severity and duration of influenza.
GARLIC
Garlic (Allium sativum)has
broad activity against a number of organisms and also promotes immune
function. People around the globe have used the bulb as food and
medicine for thousands of years. Four French thieves added to garlic's
fame by staying alive as they either robbed or interred (the story
varies) victims of the plague. Their alleged secret? Internal and
external use of a vinegar made of garlic and other antimicrobial herbs.
This 'vinaigre des quatre voleurs' is still sold in France.
Garlic has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium, as well as species associated with diarrhea (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Clostridium, Klebsiella, Bacillus subtilis).
Happily, though somewhat mysteriously, garlic interferes with
disease-causing bacteria, rather than the "friendly" bacteria such as Lactobacillus that colonize the intestines.
Garlic also tackles fungi (Candida, Cryptococcus, Trichophyton) and parasites such as (Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica,Trypanosomes, Leishmania).
Genuine licorice
root, not that red candy that shares the same name, has been a key
ingredient in most Chinese herbal formulas for more than 3,000 years.
Research indicates that licorice's two primary ingredients-glycyrrhizin
and glycyrrhetinic acid-boost production of interferon. Active
ingredients- hypericin and pseudohypericin, are phytochemicals that
display strong antiviral properties enough to overpower herpes simplex
viruses type 1 and 2, certain flu viruses (influenza A and B), and EBV.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
has scientific backing as an anti-nausea agent. It may offer other
benefits to those stricken with infections diarrhea. Alcohol extracts of
ginger are active against bacteria that infect the intestinal tract (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Helicobacter pylori), skin and other soft tissues (Staphylococcus aureus), and respiratory tract (Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae).
Ginger has antifungal activity against the yeast Candida albicans. It
also discourages intestinal worms. Because studies have shown that heat
deactivates the antibacterial effect, it may be best to consume ginger
raw, or in tincture or capsule form.
Yarrow is one of the
antiviral herbs that is also anti-inflammatory, improves blood clotting
and increases perspiration. Use the entire yarrow plant except for the
roots.
We have now added even more
Certified Organic Herbs @
Mary's Herbal Organix.
These are VERY popular and we expect to sell-out quickly. Orders
available now! Organic Herb orders will ship within 4 business days of
purchase. Orders of 2 or more herb varieties will ship via USPS
Priority Mail.
Important note:
This article is not intended as a substitute for the advise of a health
care professional. Some microbes are incredibly virulent. And some
people are more vulnerable than others. Microbes innocuous in hardier
folk can be lead to life-threatening infections in people with
compromised immunity. Newborn babies are vulnerable because their immune
systems are immature. Elders face declining immune function. In the
face of overwhelming infection, antibiotics can save lives. In other
instances, antibiotic treatment may help prevent complications.
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-Mary