4 All-Natural Antiviral Remedies

Pathogenic viruses that invade the body cause viral infections. These microbes attach themselves to healthy cells, which triggers an infection. There are thousands of different virus strains that can cause illnesses in human beings.

Unfortunately, viruses have the ability to adapt to its environment, making these microbes more resistant to existing drugs. The best way to fight a viral infection is vaccination. But once infection sets in, you have to take antiviral meds. Apart from taking drugs, you can reinforce treatment by taking all natural remedies proven to kill viruses. These all-natural antiviral remedies include:

1. Garlic

Garlic is so much more than a culinary herb. Garlic contains powerful antibiotic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Garlic is used to treat a wide variety of infections, including common cough, flu, and athlete’s foot. Many studies have been conducted to confirm the amazing health benefits of garlic. Garlic protects the body from pathogenic viruses while strengthening the immune system. It can be taken fresh or in tablet or capsule form. Some studies also claim that the antiviral properties of garlic are so potent, they rival that of over-the-counter drugs.

2. Elderberry

Elderberry is an herb used in folk remedies in Europe and the Mediterranean since 460 BC. This herb is used to strengthen the immune system so the body becomes resistant to common viruses. Elderberry is teeming with antioxidants that protect from viruses, including the herpes simplex virus.

A study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that this herb contains powerful antiviral agents that protect against different strains of influenza virus. A separate study noted that the active ingredient of elderberry – sambucol – protects from various viruses. These viruses include the influenza B, seasonal flu, the avian flu, and H1N1 or swine flu.

3. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil does more than just reduce chest and nasal congestion. It minimizes fatigue and heals common colds and cough. Studies show that eucalyptus oil contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antibiotic agents that strengthen the immune system. Its active compounds – quercetin, hyperoxide, and tannic acid – are proven safe and effective in treating bronchitis, sinusitis, and ear infections. These chemicals also relieve chest congestion while preventing bacteria from thriving in the nasal cavity.

Thanks to its versatility, there are so many ways to take eucalyptus oil and heal viral infections. You can apply the oil topically to the affected area, add a few drops in your bath water, or diluted and taken internally.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains a powerful mix of antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. It helps soothe a sore throat, reduce heartburn, eliminate warts, and speed up recovery from a viral infection. However, to retain the potency of cider vinegar, you have to take it raw, unfiltered and unpasteurized.

Just like eucalyptus oil, there are many ways to use apple cider vinegar to heal viral diseases. You can either take it diluted in a glass of water, apply on the affected area, or added to your bathwater. Apple cider vinegar is especially effective in healing infected wounds and fungi.