Antiviral Herbs

There are many fantastic antiviral herbs. This is good news for those who want to take better care of their health and combat illness without the use of pharmaceuticals. Here we will talk about the best natural antivirals and their attributes. Some of the best antiviral herbs include oregano, echinacea, garlic, astragalus, schizandra, elderberry, mullein, licorice, and green tea. * Oregano has been used for hundreds of years to fight viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. This is a well known herb for seasoning food, particularly Italian dishes. However, this is a powerful foe against germs. * Echinacea is well known for its ability to boost the immune system. It is said to stimulate white blood cell production, thus helping the body to fight viruses more effectively. This herb is best taken early on when an infection is first suspected for best results. * Garlic is a very powerful antiviral herb that is very effective when used to fight the common cold and flu viruses as well as strep and staph infections. Garlic is wonderfully aromatic and is best consumed fresh, but it is also available in capsule and tablet form for those who want its health benefits without the garlic breath. * Astragalus is another excellent immune strengthener and a very effective antiviral herb for combating the common cold and flu. * Schizandra is one of the lesser known herbal antivirals which has been found to be very successful when treating viral hepatitis. * Elderberry has been used as an herbal remedy against various viral infections for thousands of years. It is beneficial in fighting colds, flus, and upper respiratory infections. Typically, elderberry is most effective in lozenge and syrup form. * Mullein provides antiviral, anti-inflammatory, calming, and expectorant properties, among other benefits. It is an excellent herbal choice for those suffering with congestion. * Licorice is another excellent antiviral herb that is very effective against viruses and bacteria as well as fungal infections. Individuals with hypertension should avoid taking licorice. * Green tea has been found effective in preventing the spread of the flu virus as well as promoting overall good health due to its high levels of antioxidants and catechins ECG and EGCG. Antiviral Essential Oils Some wonderful antiviral essential oils include eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, juniper oil, and lemon balm oil. These are helpful to use along with the above herbs when fighting a viral illness. * Eucalyptus oil contains known antiviral compounds to help speed healing. Add a few drops of oil to a warm bath and breathe in the steam to help ease congestion. Can also be used in massage oil or applied to pulse points. * Tea tree oil is another effective antiviral essential oil and can be applied full strength to exte al areas or gargled in water for sore throat. * Juniper oil is a potent antiviral that has been found effective against the herpes and flu viruses. It can be used in a diffuser, as a massage oil, or in a soothing bath. * Lemon balm oil has many uses, including treatment of cold sores and genital sores caused by the herpes simplex virus and is effective for keeping the virus from spreading. Lemon balm oil can be used topically, in a diffuser, or taken internally.