Wellness: Six Natural Antivirals

With all of the concern surrounding “The Corona Virus” currently, I thought it would be a great time to share a few things that I have learned over the years.

The primary thing I wish to address is that worry and fear do us absolutely no good at all, but there are a number of proactive measures that we can employ.

Such measures as frequent hand washing, avoidance of large crowds and gatherings, and good sleep habits can be especially prudent during this high risk bubble we find ourselves in now…… Experts seem to think that it will only be about a month or so in duration. We might refer to this as “the high alert month”.

Beyond good hygiene and prevention via avoidance, there are a variety of herbs and botanicals that are known to have powerful anti-viral properties!

1. Elderberry
2. Oregano
3. Thyme
4. Garlic
5. Onions
6. Local Honey

The first one that comes to mind grows wildly and in abundance right here in Florida, it is called elderberry. It is a botanical cousin of the blueberry, and is available for sale in the form of syrup, capsules, chewables, etc. It sure wouldn’t hurt to add some to your diet during this “high alert” time.

The oils of oregano and thyme (the essential oils, that is), are also widely available, and possess powerful immune boosting properties. In addition to, or in place of consuming the essential oils (more highly concentrated medicinal properties), we can consume these herbs whole, either fresh or dried.

Some extra garlic, onions, and a spoonful of local honey each day would also help bolster our immune system, whether we are in “high alert” mode, or just doing the best we can to stay well.

Seem easy enough? I hope so, because complication is one of the greatest human ailments.

Stay positive, stay well, enjoy life! Dr. Bob

Fact Checks from WebMD.

Elderberry: “elderberry are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that may boost your immune system. They can help tame inflammation, lessen stress, and help protect your heart.”

Oregano: “Fresh oregano is a great antibacterial agent. It has phytonutrients (thymol and carvacrol), which fight infections such as staph. It’s loaded with antioxidants that help prevent cell damage, and it’s an excellent source of fiber, vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin E, tryptophan and calcium”

Thyme: “Thyme is thought to have antibacterial, insecticidal, and possibly antifungal properties. People used thyme throughout history for embalming and to protect from the Black Death.”

Fact Check from Cleveland Clinic

Garlic: “Boost immunity… Work as an anti-imflammatory… Improve cardiovascular health… better hair & skin…” and even “treat athlete’s foot”

Fact Check from MedicalNewsToday.com

Onions: “Onions might have positive effects on several different aspects of health.”

Fact Check from Livestrong.com

Local Honey: “Honey has also been found to be especially useful in treating upper respiratory infections. A study at Penn State College of Medicine in 2007 found that a small dose of buckwheat honey was more effective than an over-the-counter cough treatment for children.”

Suggested Products