Maintaining a Healthy Immune System and Antiviral Herbs

At this time of the year most people in the northern hemisphere are thinking more about the warmth and sunshine of the coming summer than the colds, flus and other common viruses that tend to attack us in the colder months, but for many unfortunate people, a so-called summer cold may strike at any time, and even flus are not unheard of at this time of year.

Having a healthy diet and lifestyle are the best possible ways to keep your immune system functioning normally (if you are an averagely healthy individual), but even the best defences can become vulnerable when we are feeling tired, rundown or overworked.

Every second of every day, our bodies are being bombarded by potential pathogens (disease-causing organisms or virus particles) that are present upon our skin, in our mouths, inside our bodies, in the air we breathe and the food we eat - in fact almost all around, within and upon us. Thankfully, most pathogens we encounter are not able to attack us - either because they are unable to get to the part of the body where they can cause a problem, or because our immune systems neutralize them before they do any damage or are able to reproduce to dangerous numbers.

The immune system really is an incredible thing. In essence, your immune system 'remembers' encounters with pathogens, so under normal circumstances, any single type of cold or flu virus that you have previously had cannot make you ill again (there are a few exceptions but to cover them would take us well beyond the scope of this article).

Unfortunately, the viruses that cause colds and flus mutate rapidly. This means that their methods of attacking and entering your cells are changing all the time. It is a bit like a continual game of cat and mouse, with your body defeating one pathogen, only to be attacked by a mutated descendant a few weeks or months later. This constant, rapid mutation of viruses is the reason why there will probably never be a single cure for the common cold, and why pharmaceutical companies and countries' medical authorities must take (a very educated and precise) gamble as to which strain of flu will be the dominant one, come the winter season, and spend months producing tonnes of vaccine in the hope of protecting the vulnerable from infection.

For most of us, colds and flus are an inconvenience that we can do without. Being ill makes us feel bad, makes us less productive and of course none of us want to pass on an illness to an elderly, frail or otherwise vulnerable person, for whom a simple cold may become more than an inconvenience.

By maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle we can keep our immune systems operating effectively, and ensure that our bodies have the energy and resources they need to fight any infections that may take hold. We can also take supplements that contain antiviral herbs such as Echinacea and Elderberry extract that help to optimize and support the immune system, as well as acting as antiviral agents.

Flu Defence is a powerful antiviral supplement that contains high strength extracts of Echinacea and Elderberry, plus Vitamin C and zinc, to boost your immune system and help neutralize viruses. To find out more visit antiviral herbs now.

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Strengthen Your Immune System Naturally With Antiviral Herbs

The human immune system is a complex process that guards our health and provides protection from viruses, bacteria, microbes, parasites and toxins. Antiviral herbs support the body's natural ability to stay in healthy balance and strengthen the immune system naturally, which is the first line of defense against illness and disease.

Conventional antibiotics are not an effective defense against viruses, and if used unnecessarily can actually be counter productive.

Traditional medicine has used herbal remedies for centuries to support health and vitality and the benefits of herbs have been confirmed by many clinical research studies. A few of these immune system enhancing herbs are:

Olive leaf extract (Olea europea) is known to provide support for healthy phagocytosis, the function of the immune system in which phagocytes in the bloodstream digest potentially harmful micro-organisms.

African Potato extract has been shown in research to have positive effects on the number of T-cells, which are involved in enhancing immunity.

Buchu supports the body's ability to get rid of harmful toxins through the urinary system.

Peppermint helps strengthen liver function by supporting the body's natural flow of bile. The oils of peppermint are beneficial in supporting a healthy immune system.

Goldenrod strengthens the natural protective ability of the body to fight infection and regulate the production of mucus.

European Mistletoe has been shown in research to support natural immune responses, as well as helping to maintain balanced fluid levels in the body, and strengthen capillary walls.

Hawthorn is highly respected in herbal medicine as a tonic to support healthy circulation. Research studies have demonstrated the ability of hawthorn to assist with heart function.

Wu wei zi (Schizandra sinesis) - Studies show that this Chinese herb can help to support healthy heart, liver, and kidney functions.

Milk-vetch is a Chinese herb which is known to have positive effects on immune system health and functioning.

You are most likely to get frequent bouts of cold, flu, and other minor infections if you have problems with immunity. Antibiotics may indeed be the wonder drugs but they should not be relied upon as a "quick fix.". And, as mentioned earlier, they are not effective against viruses.

Antiviral herbs work to strengthen the immune system so your body can easily and naturally protect itself against whatever you may come up against.

Max Wardlow writes about many different health subjects and manages a website about natural remedies where you can find out more about antiviral herbs.

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Grow Your Own Medical Herb Garden

Today everyone is concerned about health and organic food. That is why herb kits have been very popular. Some question you might ask is: If it is worth the effort to grow your own fresh herb garden? Are fresh herbs truly that much better? One alternative to find out the answer is to make it a try. Many people also want to know which herb garden plants will grow best inside there homes. When you create a windowsill herb garden your plants are all in one place and may beset in easy to carry containers or pots. Organic herb gardening is a wonderful way to add beauty to your landscape or to your kitchen and sun room. With some basic knowledge about herb plants, you can get started to grow your own garden.

Echinacea is a member of the botanical family Asteraceae commonly known as Asters. And it is the plant that has been used by Native Americans for centuries to treat infections. The utilization of Echinacea on wounds, infections, snake bites, insect bites and stings are beyond the miracles of modern medicine. Echinacea has, for a couple of times now, been one of the most extended herbal supplements, and one of the easiest ways to take it is as a cup of tea. Echinacea is also one of the oldest health products and because of its powerful healing properties it is important to have the plant in your garden especially if you are using the herbs as medicine. Echinacea is also an extremely useful anti cancer herb.

If you decide to grow your own garden one suggestion is to plant Chamomile. Chamomile tea is used for insomnia and restlessness. It is also one of the oldest garden herbs.

Plants same as oregano is well suited for a windowsill herb garden because of its ideal size and awesome taste. Often known as a cooking herb, there is much more to oregano when it is used in essential oil. Civilizations have relied up on oregano oil as a therapeutic herb since antiquity. Oregano is known for its antioxidant and anti microbial properties.

Oregano, olive leaf extracts and Astragalus are typically used to support the lymphatic and immune system. Some of the best antiviral herbs include Astragalus, Schizamnia, Oregano, Garlic, Elderberry, Mullein, Licorice, and Green tea. Other herbs that are practical in treating a yeast infection include Barberry, Cinnamon and Olive leaf.

I hope this article encourages you to explore more about herbs and herb gardens, and eventually you will start your own project.

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Antiviral Herbs for Quick and Safe Relief

Antiviral herbs are part of the holistic approach to maintaining health. Contrary to the way over-the-counter drugs like antibiotics work, which targets the elimination of infectious pathogens such as fungi and bacteria, antiviral herbs complement the body's ability to heal itself even from supposedly incurable diseases.

Pharmaceutical drugs are not only unnatural, but they also tend to work against the body. Chemical drugs work independently of the body's natural functions and balances, which explains their long list of side effects. Another risk of using drugs is that viruses can become immune to their effects. In this condition, the next move is usually to take higher doses or use stronger drugs which can pose serious risks to damaging some organs and impairing the overall balance in organ system functions.

While herbs are usually known for their culinary roles, there are some herbs that are established as natural remedies for viral infections. Their natural medicinal properties present excellent alternatives to common antiviral drugs. Unlike chemical drugs, these herbs safely offer a reliable defense against a full spectrum of viruses.

Garlic is perhaps an age old tool for healing. It is also a potent anti-pathogen herb that can fight infectious viruses, bacteria, fungi and other known parasites. In some cases, fresh garlic juice is even more potent than pharmaceutical antiviral drugs as its healing properties can quickly penetrate any part of the body, speed up healing and inhibit infection.

St. John's Wort is touted as a cure-all herb. However, it is mostly known for its antiviral effects. Together with other potent herbs such as garlic and echinacea, it can form a powerful antiviral mix.

Echinacea is an antiviral herb that fights infection by delivering immune stimulating effects. In this sense, it helps double or even quadruple the amount of immune cells and chemicals to reverse sluggish immune system functions and optimize the body's defense against viral infections.

Goldenseal is another antiviral and antibacterial herb that offers milder antiviral action, making it excellent for curing viral infections of sensitive parts of the body.

Other powerful antiviral herbs include oregano, Siberian ginseng, astralagus, peppermint, juniper, elderberry, burdock and licorice. Astralagus is an effective antiviral remedy for viral conditions such as flu and cold. Elderberry offers antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory relief to common colds, flu and upper respiratory tract infection.

Antiviral herbs help overwhelm viruses by interfering with their replication cycle and inhibiting their activities. Usually viruses attach to host cells where they interfere with natural cellular functions which result in infections or disease. The referenced herbs have innate antiviral properties which are mainly designed to offer relief and stimulate immune system functions. In a sense, these herbs offer a naturally adaptable solution in which the body develops a strong defense against viral activities.

In boosting the body's production of antiviral agents such as the infection fighting white blood cells, antiviral herbs can significantly reduce the symptoms of viral infections and diseases. However, this does not necessarily mean that healing herbs alone can resolve viral infections and diseases. Nutritionally rich and well-balanced diet is still necessary in promoting healing and better health.

Want to find out more about Most Natural Remedies, then visit Elaine Stanstad's site on how to choose the best antiviral herbs for your needs.

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Discover Purely Natural Herpes Therapies

Purely natural herpes remedies manage herpes infections in three ways. Making use of combinations of fast and simple at-home therapies, herbal formulations and relaxation strategies; natural treatments for herpes stand in opposition to high-risk prescription as well as over-the-counter medicines in providing asymptomatic relief. Together, these methods of treatment will build robust antibody reaction which will gradually get rid of the infectious virus in the body system.

Properly functioning immune system is essential to dealing with herpes. In this light, purely natural herpes treatments involve using antiviral herbal treatments as preventative and curative steps for virus microbe infections. Echinacea is an herb that lists increased immune system in its well-being claims. Consuming echinacea supplements in herbal tea and tincture form in recommended dosages helps increase your body's natural antiviral mechanisms. Pau d' arco also makes a powerful herpes preventive tea. Additionally, using health supplements that consist of burdock root, licorice and other appetizing root herbs provide you with tasty and healthier options to steadily improve upon herpes warning signs.

Aloe vera, tea tree oil, lemon balm, myrrh, and eucalyptus help make good external remedies for herpes. The simplicity, practicality and convenience of these all-natural herpes therapies are useful in supplying the amino acids, proteins, enzymes and antibodies that could fight infections. The preparations employing these natural remedies for herpes normally use allantoin, aloe vera and sweet almond oil as their soothing foundation.

In some cases, trying to keep the herpes lesions moist suppresses the recovery process. In this light, drying type natural herpes remedies including St. John's Wort or lemon balm tinctures may be utilized covering the open blisters. Take care with handling these types of remedies; dilute them with water to stay away from painful sensations on the skin. In addition to clearing up the afflicted lesions, herbal baths also deliver therapeutic and soothing effects. This can be especially helpful in dealing with genital herpes.

The herpes virus normally resides at the nerve endings at the base of the spinal column. This explains the reason why anxious conditions or even high anxiety conditions can trigger herpes infections. Hence, one way of decreasing outbreaks or improving indications of infection is simply by relaxing this particular area. The adaptogenic result of some herb and food products helps your body deal with high-stress conditions. Herbs and foodstuff like nettle, chamomile, St. John's Wort, skullcap and passionflower deliver powerful nervine adaptogens that can help sustain homeostatic central nervous system mechanisms. This in turn will help your body deal with stress a lot more effectively. Also, getting ample sleep and exercising frequently is beneficial in successfully managing tension. Engaging in yoga and relaxation routines also helps reduce tension levels and results in a genuine feeling of peace.

A diet of vitamin B rich foodstuff like whole grains, seaweeds and nutritional yeast can help boost antiviral activity and deliver detoxification and nourishing health benefits to the human body. Restricting your use of high-acid foods for instance peanuts, chocolate, carbonated drinks, coffee and processed foods can also help keep the pH level in balance. Instead, load up in green and yellow fresh vegetables, legumes, whole grains and high-quality protein for example chicken and fish to promote alkaline condition. Preserving the body's alkaline condition is beneficial in discouraging the development of herpes virus.

These types of therapies for herpes will certainly help you find an option to soothe uncomfortable symptoms and deal with the spread of herpes infections. Additionally they supply effective options on the best way to manage returning herpes. Natural herpes treatments might not supply the very best remedy to herpes nevertheless they give varying degrees of precaution that may substantially minimize the severity of infection and prevent the spread of herpes infection to others.

Need to discover a lot more about Most Natural Remedies, then visit Elaine's web-site on how to select the very best herpes remedy for your needs.

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