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.
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| Organic Cayenne Powder |
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 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.
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| Organic Ginger Root |
YARROW
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. 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.
DIY Tincture Kits are also available and 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.
Sources
http://www.herbco.com/t-herbs-infection.aspx
http://www.organic-gardening-and-homesteading.com/antiviral-herbs.html
http://www.curejoy.com/content/powerful-herbs-fight-viruses-antibiotics-fail/
http://www.crazyfortea.com/antiviralherbs.html
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