ANTIVIRAL HERBS:

WHAT IS A VIRUS?

A virus is a small infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of other organisms. Viruses can infect all types of life forms including humans, animals, plants, microorganisms, and bacteria. Viruses are found in almost every ecosystem on Earth, and they are the most abundant type of biological entity. Viruses carry genetic material, reproduce, and evolve through natural selection; however, they lack cell structure that is needed to be considered a living thing.

VIRUSES HAVE A LIFECYCLE:

•The virus enters the host and binds with a cell in the respiratory tract.

•The surface proteins of the virus bind to receptors like a lock and key.

•The virus enters the cell & infects it.

HOW DOES A VIRUS SPREAD?

There are many ways that a virus can spread. In animals, a virus is carried by blood-sucking insects. In humans, viruses are spread by coughing and sneezing, by the fecal–oral route, which is a result of poor sanitation, by person-to-person contact, or by entering the body through food and water. The scary thing about contracting a virus is that antibiotics do not work, and some viruses evade vaccine-induced immune responses and result in chronic infections.

There are currently limited studies on Coronavirus, therefore, we have to use the influenza virus as a reference on the best way to deal with it. The first line of defense should always be regular and thorough hand washing, not touching the face, and social distancing when appropriate.

WHAT ARE ANTIVIRAL HERBS?

Antiviral herbs inhibit the development of viruses. Many of the best antiviral herbs boost the immune system, which allows the body to attack viral pathogens. Antiviral herbs also fight viral infections, work as flu natural remedies, support the cardiovascular and digestive systems, and act as an anti-inflammatory.

Certain phytochemicals found in herbs and essential oils have been shown to disrupt the viral lifecycle at different stages. The virus must have a host to replicate. It can live on surfaces from approximately 3 hours to 3 days depending on the type of surface, but it will eventually die if it doesn’t find a host. Viruses live longer on hard surfaces such as metal and plastic than they do on fabrics and soft surfaces. The virus may also be spread by airborne droplets which have landed and live in the environment waiting to be picked up and transferred to a live host.

Antiviral herbs like astragalus, echinacea, elderberry, garlic, ginger, lemon balm, licorice, Reishi mushrooms, rosehips, pineapple sage, thyme, turkey tail mushrooms, and turmeric have a high concentration of potent plant compounds and are ideal for battling viral infections.

REISHI & ELDERBERRY TEA RECIPE:

This wonderful tea is a staple during the winter months to ward off colds & flu virus. Longer steep time = stronger medicine.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons Reishi mushroom
• 1 tablespoon dried elderberry
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 slice astragalus root
• Local raw honey to taste.

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to a small pot.
• Heat on medium-high until the tea
• reaches a slow, rolling boil.
• Turn the heat down to low.
• simmer for 10–20 minutes
• Turn off heat and strain.
• Add honey to taste.

~~ Ginger Winn