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Saturday, February 4, 2012

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=E_Schulstad

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