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What is a Virus?
A virus is a minute infectious agent consisting of a nucleic acid core with
a protein shell (or capsid) which is often multilayered (covered) with fats.
This capsid shell is an impenetrable obstacle for many herbs and drugs,
including antibiotics, which are therefore no use against viral infections.
Certain herbs can penetrate or break down the capsid and these are the herbs
we refer to as anti-viral herbs.
The Effects of Viruses
Viruses vary greatly in their effect on the body. The common cold, for
example, is an acute, short-lived viral infection which usually produces
mucous in the throat and sinuses. To take an example at the other extreme,
the polio virus can produce serious symptoms and can lead to paralysis.
Viral infections usually manifest symptoms like fever, generalized aches,
chills, fatigue as well as typical symptoms for each specific virus. The
particular strain of flu known as bird flu, avian flu or H5N1 has the
symptoms mentioned above of high fever and fatigue, as well as specifically
attacking the respiratory system and thus the lungs and the oxygenation of
cells.
Of the hundreds of different viruses that may potentially affect humans,
some have the ability to mutate. A specific anti-viral drug may be
successful against a virus for a period of time but, once the virus it is
treating mutates, the drug will no longer be effective.
For example, the flu virus mutates quite quickly, which explains why a ‘flu
shot’ will not necessarily provide any protection. It is made up of
antibodies to the previous year’s flu virus strains - usually from 5 to 10
of the most common ones - and thus may not protect against the current
year’s strains.
The Value of Natural Anti-Virals
Natural anti-virals are particularly valuable as they contain many
constituents which make them effective over a broader range of viruses. Even
leaving aside concerns over bird flu, it is a good idea to include some
antiviral foods and herbs in your diet.
As well as breaking down the virus’ shell anti-viral herbs also have
strongly protective effects on the body. They stimulate the immune system,
specifically increasing macrophages which destroy foreign agents as they
enter the body. Anti- viral herbs also protect the individual cells,
strengthening the cell walls in an anti- oxidant manner thus preventing a
virus from taking hold in the body.
Please remember that in the preparation of herbal medicines, oils, etc. the
quality of the raw material as well as the extraction method used hugely
affects the final product and its efficacy. Cheaper products may be made
with inferior herbs and dubious manufacturing methods. It is a false economy
to buy cheap herbal products.
Natural Products to Help in the Fight Against Viruses
Some readily available foods, specific herbs, homeopathics and essential
oils can help protect you and your family against viruses in general and
bird flu in particular. Andrographis, Astragalus, Echinacea, Garlic, Ginger,
Olive Leaf and St. Johns Wort are all effective anti-viral herbs. Essential
oils such as Cloves and Oregano have anti-viral properties as do foods such
as apples, berries, chillies and seaweed. At my herbal dispensary we have
put together a synergystic blend of ant-viral herbs that we call the Mullum
Herbals Virus Protection Pack. See our website http://
www.mullumherbals.com for more
information.
A Wake-up Call
We can, if we choose, use the threat of bird flu to alert us and inspire us
towards a healthier life-style.
As the virus primarily attacks and breeds in the respiratory system, smokers
would do well to give up their habit (and then try using the ayurvedic Nasya
to help in eliminating harmful residues).
Coffee, sugar, carbonated soft drinks, and most processed foods harm our
immune systems so we could help ourselves by removing them from our diet or
at least reducing excessive intake.
A final word of warning - stress!! Avoid it whenever possible.
© Jacinta McEwan
Jacinta McEwan is a practicing Naturopath & Herbalist. Find more natural
antiviral protection techniques & details of the herbs used in the her Virus
Protection Pack at
http://www.mullumherbals.com/anti_viral_herbal_mix.html
Article Source:
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