By Steven Horne, RH (AHG) & Kimberly Balas, ND
When most people think of treating infections, they think of antibiotics. But antibiotics only work against bacterial infections.
Viral Infections
Most common infections, like colds and flu, are viral and antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Most coughs, sinus problems, ear infections, sore throats and other common contagious diseases are viral in nature, it's a waste of time and money to treat them with antibiotics.
Viruses don't just cause colds and flu. Chicken pox, mumps and measles are all acute viral infections. There are also chronic viral infections like herpes and more serious and dangerous viral infections such as smallpox, hepatitis C. Epstein Barr, SARS, AIDS and Ebola.
The reason serious viral infections raise concerns is because modern medicine has very few effective antiviral drugs. Most drugs only relieve the symptoms of viral infections. So, when it comes to viral infections modern medicine focuses its efforts primarily on trying to create immunity to them through vaccines.
Understanding Viruses
It is important to understand that a virus is very different than a bacteria or fungus. A bacteria, fungus or yeast (like Candida albicans) is a single celled organism. It feeds and grows, then divides to reproduce. However, viruses are not cells! They are pieces of DNA or RNA wrapped in a protein coat, having none of the structures or processes that cells have. So, there is some debate about whether viruses are alive or not.
That is because outside of a living cell, a virus is inert. In order to replicate itself, a virus must enter a living cell and hijack cellular mechanisms that make copies of the DNA or RNA. So, a virus has no "life" outside of another cell. It doesn't grow or metabolize nutrients or perform other functions that cellular organisms do. This means you cannot"kill" viruses in the way one can kill a bacteria or fungal cell.
How the Body Deals with Viruses
Your body combats viruses in several ways. First, the innate immune system, found primarily in the membranes of the digestive and respiratory system is designed to destroy foreign material (like viruses) to prevent them from ever entering the body. So, a healthy intestinal and respiratory system forms a protective barrier against most viral infections.
If a virus is able to get past the in innate immune system, then the adaptive immune system takes over. It produces substances called antibodies that attach themselves to a virus and render it inert so it cannot enter cells and disrupt their normal functions.
Natural Antiviral Remedies
Because you cannot "kill" viruses, there are no broad spectrum antiviral drugs or herbs. Herbs that have broad acting activity against viral infections are those that support natural immune function. They boost production of white blood cells and antibodies, strengthen mucus membranes and increase white blood cell activity. This helps the body fight infections of all kinds—viral, bacterial and fungal. This is one way herbal remedies have a huge advantage over pharmaceutical drugs.
Preventing Viral Infections
Prevention should be your first priority, because it's better to not get a viral infection in the first place than it
is to treat one. Basic hygiene, such as washing your hands or covering your mouth when coughing is the first line of defense.
For added protection, Silver Shield Rescue Gel makes a good hand sanitizer. You can also make your disinfectant soap by adding essential oils like eucalyptus, myrrh, sandalwood and thyme or the Essential Shield or Guardian blends to Sunshine Concentrate. Diffusing these essential oils in the air can also help to prevent the spread of airborne viruses.
The second line of defense is good nutrition
Who are lacking in certain nutrients are much more likely to develop a viral infection than people who are well nourished. Nutrients known to help inhibit viral infeccions include vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc and selenium.
One of the reasons people may be more prone to viral infections in the winter is because tehy have lower levels of Vitamin D3. This vitamin is considered number one nutritional deficiency in America. It has been estimated that about 90% of the population is deficient. So, to reduce your susceptibility to viral infections try one or two 4000 IU tablets of Vitamin D3 daily. Many people are so deficient that three or four tablets is better.
One can also take one or two gel caps of Vitamin A&D, which contains 10,000 IU of Vitamin A 400 IU of vitamin D. Vitamin A strengthens the mucus membranes, the primary route viruses enter. If the virus cannot get past the mucus membranes and into the body, you cannot get sick.
The following may be helpful in combating viral infections.
Mixing a drop or two of an antibacterial essential oil into a little black salve makes a good topical application for skin infections.
One can also add essential oils to Silver Shield Gel.
Below is a list of suggested products. Those in bold are key products for the health issue explained on this page.
For details and ordering simply copy a product's name in the search box above or click on the bold name.
Therapies: Aromatherapy
Herbs: Aloe Vera, Astragalus, Capsicum, Echinacea Purpurea, Garlic, St. John's Wort and Yarrow
Herbal Formulas: Capsicum & Garlic with parsley, CC-A, Ultimate Echinacea and VS-C
Herbal Extracts: Olive Leaf and Paw Paw Cell-Reg
Nutrients: Silver Shield, Vitamin A & D, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3
Nutraceuticals: Elderberry D3fense, Immune Stimulator and Solstic Immune
Essential Oils: Guardian, Lemon, Thyme and Wild Oregano
For details and ordering simply copy a product's name in the search box above or click on the bold name.
Therapies: Aromatherapy
Herbs: Aloe Vera, Astragalus, Capsicum, Echinacea Purpurea, Garlic, St. John's Wort and Yarrow
Herbal Formulas: Capsicum & Garlic with parsley, CC-A, Ultimate Echinacea and VS-C
Herbal Extracts: Olive Leaf and Paw Paw Cell-Reg
Nutrients: Silver Shield, Vitamin A & D, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3
Nutraceuticals: Elderberry D3fense, Immune Stimulator and Solstic Immune
Essential Oils: Guardian, Lemon, Thyme and Wild Oregano
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Disclaimer: We do not directly dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of herbs or supplements as a form of treatment for illness. The information found on this Web Site is for educational purposes only and to empower people with knowledge to take care of their own health. We disclaim any liability if the reader uses or prescribes any remedies, natural or otherwise, for him/herself or another. Please consult a licensed health professional should a need be indicated. |
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