herbal advisor
by Emily Kane, ND, LAc
antiviral herbs Key botanicals for optimum immune health.
T
he best approach to health, always, is to avoid getting sick. In case that sounds sassy, what I mean is that health is a force that requires tending. So making more informed choices now can help restore, and preserve, your precious health. For one thing, make sure that you’re getting adequate sleep, which can increase your resistance to all infections. Less than seven hours of sleep a night over time will inhibit your product of natural killer (NK) cells— potent white blood cells that fight disease. Sleep also allows melatonin to be into the body, which supports immune function and helps control the inflammation in viral infections via its antioxidant properties.
Helpful Herbs
Covid-19 risk and severity. Because it’s pretty bitter raw, you can bake peeled garlic with a bunch of other robust roasting veggies, or pop cloves in the microwave for a few minutes, then peel and enjoy. Cooked garlic can be dipped in a bit of honey for children.
Studies conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic have given us much useful information about preventing and containing viral outbreaks in general. Suppose, for instance, we could kill the More Natural Immune Boosters virus in the nose and throat before it Given the lack of proven therapies became established? Maybe we can. for many viral illnesses, lifestyle and Consider making an antiviral nose and nutritional considerations are espethroat spray using well-established cially vital. Getting outdoors, for herbs that have anti-viral example, is very helpful for a activity: astragalus, licorice, healthy immune response, in Did You elderberry, and eupatorium. part because sun exposure Know? Our bodies have a built-in Mixing one or a few of promotes vitamin D3 natural antiviral mechathese tinctures with a synthesis, another innate nism. It’s called fever. In general, a mild fever for a saline or xylitol spray is a immune enhancer. It is well few days is the perfect solution for burning convenient way to keep documented that patients out a virus. viruses from becoming who were exposed to direct established in your body. Or you sunlight and plenty of fresh air could enjoy steam inhalation with during the 1918 influenza pandemic had antimicrobial essential oils such as much lower rates of infection and less thyme, oregano, or eucalyptus. severity of infection. Garlic is renowned for its antiviral Fruits and vegetables are naturally properties, and has been shown in high in fiber and bioflavonoids. Fiber several international studies to lessen and fermented foods enhance the gut 10
microbiome and improve its overall ability to fight viruses. Flavonoids (natural pigments found in brightly colored produce) reduce inflammation and inhibit the viral enzyme, 3CL protease, which slows viral replication. Other natural antivirals include:
* Propolis, a substance produced by
honeybees to seal gaps in their hives. Along with its high flavonoid content, it also helps viral clearance by increasing apoptosis (death of cells that are sick).
* Astragalus reduces inflammation,
is a proven antiviral, and inhibits production of inflammatory cytokines.
* Berberine, the active constituent
in both goldenseal and Oregon grape root, is toxic to viruses and bacteria. It has been shown to be effective in treating secondary pneumonias that can accompany viral infections.
* Elderberry has been shown to be
effective against many coronaviruses by blocking both viral uptake and the viruses’ ability to infect host cells.
May 2021
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3/25/21 9:35 AM
Natures A
