“Let food be thy medicine” is one of the most famous sayings attributed to the renowned Greek physician Hippocrates. Although food cannot always replace medical treatments or cure diseases, nature provides some of the most powerful disease-fighting antidotes. This includes a variety of potent anti-virals. And being in the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic, this would be a good time to restock your disease prevention arsenal. Many of these natural remedies can boost the immune system and bring quick relief to those suffering.
Ginger
Many people may associate ginger with the cookies their families bake around Christmas time, but ginger is actually a powerful anti-viral. As a spice, ginger can add both flavor and the benefits of anti-viral compounds zingerone, shogaols, and gingerols to drinks and dishes. One study examined the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as the swine flu, and how natural remedies like ginger might assist in the healing process. It found that the compounds in ginger which contain antibiotic enzymes stopped the virus from reproducing in the host. Other studies have found that fresh ginger is much more potent than dried in fighting disease.
Licorice Root
Whether you like licorice candy or not, the plant licorice root can be used in a variety of ways to reap the anti-viral benefits. Licorice root can be made in tea, edible tablets, and liquid extracts. Some of the properties that make Licorice so powerful include its many flavonoids, as well as, powerful compounds like glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid. Multiple studies focusing on these two compounds have found they can protect against viruses such as Hepatitis C, Influenza, and SARS. Those are just two of the many potent anti-viral compounds found in licorice root.
Oil of Oregano
Oil of Oregano is one of my all-time favorite natural remedies. I have been using this for me and my children for several years and it is POWERFUL! Oil of Oregano is not only great for killing viruses, but it is truly one of Nature’s most potent antibiotics. Research has shown that it is also a very powerful anti-fungal. Although Oil of Oregano has an amazing medicinal profile, one specific compound called Carvacrol gets the credit for it’s anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties. Carvacrol is an agent that has been found to protect against human rotavirus and herpes simplex-1. This miraculous herb should be a staple in your medicine cabinet!
Olive Leaf
When eating a fruit, most people do not think about consuming its leaves too. However, the olive leaf is one you may want to consider adding to your diet during flu and cold season. Olive leaf contains a bioactive compound called elenolic acid. Elenolic acid stops viruses from entering the body’s cells and reduces the healing time of viral infections. It has been found effective against influenza A and B, herpes, and the common cold. This amazing leaf also exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-stimulating properties.
Lomatium
This plant from the Parsley family comes to us from the mountains of Sierra-Nevada where it has long been revered by Western Indians to treat and heal many illnesses. According to Dr. Max Barlow co-founder of Barlow Herbal and Master Herbalist, Lomatium was used during the Flu Pandemic of 1917-1918 after they realized that two Indian tribes in the area were free from the respiratory illness of the flu and they had zero deaths from the flu while all the white people were dying. After Lomatium was introduced to some of the patients, they stopped dying. They had discovered a very miraculous compound from the Washoe Indian tribes. Lomatium’s antiviral activity is attributed to its concentration of tetronic acids, and its ability to infiltrate viruses and stop their activity. Lomatium has been found to be potent against influenza strains, herpes, Epstein Barr virus, and Hepatitis. Lomatium can be taken in supplement form, as an extract, or prepared as a tea.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is an herb that belongs to the mint family and according to the Medical Medium, it is a heal-all herb that is a “Gift from God.” It has incredibly powerful antiviral activity due to its array of bioactive compounds. Lemon Balm has been found to inhibit the growth of viruses such strains of influenza and Epstein Barr. Studies have even found creams containing Lemon Balm extract to reduce the time it takes for viral cold sores to heal along with mitigating symptoms. Lemon Balm can also be used in the form of essential oil, tea, lotion, and supplement form.
Oregon Grape
Most people may only identify grapes by “green” or “purple” and have probably never even heard of Oregon Grape. The Oregon Grape is a dark blue grape that belongs to the Berberidaceae plant family. It contains a strong antiviral compound called berberine that is well-known for its ability to fight viruses. In studies, it has been effective in combating influenza strains, HPV, and herpes. Oregon Grape root contains a potent dose of berberine and can be consumed as an extract or tea.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a group of flowering plants belonging to the daisy family. Extracts of some echinacea plants have been found to be strong antiviral agents. The most famous and potent is the Echinacea purpurea flower. Studies have shown it to ward off herpes, rhinoviruses, bird flu, influenzas A and B, and respiratory viruses. To reap the benefits of this glorious flower, echinacea can be made into tea as well as consumed as a tablet or extract.
Elderberry
Berries are well-known for their strong antioxidant and antiviral properties, but Elderberry in particular is incredibly anti-viral and immune-boosting. Elderberry stops viruses from attaching and infecting cells. Studies have demonstrated it to be effective against influenza A and B as well as herpes viruses. With its robust antioxidant profile and heavy punch of vitamin C, Elderberry is also great for boosting the immune system. Elderberry comes in form of syrups, teas, tablets, and gummies. Do not consume raw or unripe elderberry.
Garlic
The healing power of the plant is just as powerful as its pungent odor, to say the least. Garlic has been known to pretty much kill everything…..viruses, bacteria, fungus, and even parasites. Garlic contains organosulfur compounds that ignite a person’s immune system to protect against viral attacks. One of these organosulfur compounds, alliin, can be found in both raw and dried powder. Alliin produces a sulfur-containing component called allicin that inhibits viral infections. In fact, some studies have found that raw fresh garlic can be effective at diminishing viruses like HSV 1 and 2, HPIV 3, and influenza A and B just to name a few.
Honey
Not all honey is created equal, and some types have a higher concentration of antiviral compounds than others. Brands that contain added sugars or ones that are mixed with fillers-syrups should be avoided. All-natural, raw, locally sourced honey is the best and offers a wide range of health benefits. Manuka honey in particular, which is made from the nectar of the manuka tree, is an effective antiviral. This type of honey contains a compound called methylglyoxal. Methylglyoxal, or MGO, has been found to prevent the reproduction of both influenza A and B. Honey is versatile and can be easily added to your diet via teas, oatmeal, and other foods and drinks. However, honey should be consumed in moderation because of its high sugar content.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this blog and any content within therootcausewellness.com website is intended to educate, empower, and inspire readers to make positive choices for their own overall health and wellbeing. I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist and the information contained in this website is my personal opinion based on my education, real-life experience, and research unless otherwise stated. Therefore, It is in no way intended to substitute for professional medical advice from a doctor or licensed health professional. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or medical condition. It is always recommended that you consult with a doctor or licensed medical professional before making any dietary, lifestyle, exercise, medication, or supplement changes. Kathleen Freydl, Certified Health Coach and Owner of the Root Cause Wellness, accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the use or misuse of the information contained in therootcausewellness.com website.