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Build your immune system against viruses
3. Calendula – The flower petals of the calendula plant, which is sometimes called pot marigold, have been used for medicinal purposes since at What are antiviral herbs? Antiviral herbs least the 12th century. This antiviral herb has high inhibit the development of viruses. Many antiviral amounts of flavonoids, which are plant-based antiherbs boost the immune system, which allows the oxidants that protect cells from being damaged by body to attack viral pathogens. This can be even betfree radicals; it also fights viruses, inflammation and ter than attacking specific pathogens, which antiviral bacteria. The dried petals of the plant are used in drugs are designed to do, because pathogens mutate tinctures, ointments and washes to treat infections, over time and become less susceptible to treatment. burns, wounds and to heal cuts quickly. Not only do antiviral herbs fight viral infections, According to the University of Maryland Medical boost the immune system and work as natural Center, ear drops containing calendula are someremedies, but they have a number of other health times used to treat ear infections in children, and benefits, such as cardiovascular, digestive and antiscientific studies have found no side effects. inflammatory support. 4. Garlic – Experiments have shown that garlic – or specific chemical compounds found in garlic – is Top Antiviral Herbs highly effective at killing countless microorganisms Rosie Main responsible for some of the most common and rarest 1. Elderberry – Elderberry has a long, rich infections, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, thrush history of use for medicinal benefits in numerous and herpes. Because of its antiviral properties, garlic can be used to cultures. It fights infections including influenza, herpes, viral infectreat eye infections and as a natural ear infection remedy. tions and bacterial infections. A study published in the Journal of More raw garlic benefits include its ability to reduce the risk of Alternative and Complementary Medicine concluded that eldercancer, control hypertension, boost cardiovascular health, and fight berry can be used as a safe treatment for influenza A and B. This is hair loss. due to its efficacy on all strains of influenza virus that were tested, the To make a garlic oil infusion at home, crush garlic cloves and add clinical results, its low cost and the absence of side effects. them to a carrier oil (like olive oil). Let the mixture sit for about five Most every part of the elderberry can be used – the flowers, bark, hours and then strain the bits of garlic and keep the oil in a jar with roots and leaves are often used for their amazing health benefits. So a lid. You can also swallow a raw clove of garlic; you might need to discover elderberry benefits for your health today. cut it in half if it’s too large. Bite down once to release the allicin, 2. Echinacea – Echinacea has become one of the top-selling then swallow with water like a pill. herbs of all time. That’s because regular use of echinacea is ben5. Astragalus Root – Astragalus root, another powerful antiviral eficial for immune support and overall health. There is considerherb, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, able evidence suggesting that phytochemicals in echinacea have the and its main use is to boost the body’s immune system. Scientific capacity to reduce virus infections and tumors. This powerful herb studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimucontains a compound called echinacein that inhibits bacteria and vilates the immune system, suggesting that it may help prevent the ruses from penetrating healthy cells. This greatly reduces the chances common cold or flu. A 2004 study evaluated the effects of astragalus of contracting any type of infection while consuming echinacea. on herpes simplex virus type 1 and found that the herb has obvious More echinacea benefits include its ability to alleviate pain, reduce inhibiting efficacy. Another study published in the Chinese Mediinflammation, improve skin problems, treat upper respiratory issues, cal Sciences Journal concluded that astragalus is able to inhibit the and improve mental health. growth of coxsackie B virus in mice. Astragalus also has antibacteBy Rosie Main
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