Utilizing food and herbs as medicine may be more beneficial than conventional prescription drugs.
Antiviral medications and antiviral herbs are interesting compounds to compare. As we are in the heart of flu season, it seems appropriate to consider the flu virus as an example. Like antiviral herbs, there are also many antiviral medications. Both the timing and type of medication is important and determined on a case by case situation. According to Harvard Medical School, when antiviral medications are taken within 48 hours of flu symptoms, the medication interferes with neuraminidase- the enzyme that promotes spreading of the flu virus. Some of the pharmaceutical options include oseltamivir, zanamivir, and adamantanes. Not only are these names hard to pronounce, and unfamiliar, they are also expensive depending on one's health care situation. Additionally, Harvard Medical School states the recent fire oseltamivir came under due to its ineffectiveness. On top of this, they inform the public about adamantanes and their ability to exclusively target strain A of the flu virus. According to the CDC, in the 2005-2006 flu season, 92% of type A influenza viruses were found to have genetically changed in order to resist pharmaceutical antivirals. Once the medications are taken and the flu subsides, many believe they will promptly return to optimal health. However, according to livestrong.com there is evidence of these medications ability to penetrate the blood brain barrier. This has been shown to cause side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, and concentration issues.
In crossing over to the world of alternative medicine antiviral herbs and food sources are advantageous option to consider. These are easily accessible and even have lasting benefits once flu symptoms subside. Two specific antiviral herbs are elderberry and echinacea. According to Doctor Axe, elderberry works on both strains A and B of the flu virus. It is a low-cost herb and all parts of this plant can be utilized. On the other hand, echinacea contains many phytochemicals that reduce both viruses and tumors. Components of this plant called echinaceins inhibit both bacteria and viruses from crossing into healthy cells. This reduces pain, inflammation, upper respiratory tract infections, and improves mental health. When it comes to herbal antivirals, pathogens have not demonstrated to become immune to herbal treatments. Because, these alternatives are naturally occurring food sources, the pathogens do not adapt and mutate to fight them off. These easily attained herbs and foods, fight viruses while simultaneously boosting the immune system, and cardiovascular system, provide digestive system support, and reduce inflammation. The healing powers of herbs and food sources are available to everyone regardless of their healthcare coverage and can be conveniently purchased online or in stores.
Elderberries, can be purchased: frozen, in syrups, in supplements, and even dried. However, elderberries should not be consumed fresh because of a component called sambungin which may cause adverse reactions when ingested. Echinacea be purchased online in the form of tea, capsules, and more. According to Dr. Axe when echinacea is consumed regularly chances of contracting viruses are significantly reduced. While these herbs sound foreign to some, what may come as a surprise is, most households have at least one antiviral herb sitting right in their kitchen! A simple ingredient like garlic has been known to fight various infections and kill microorganisms.While this is a complicated matter and only a small glimpse of alternative antiviral fixes have been discussed, it is important to be seen by a certified practitioner before self-diagnosing.
Sources
Babcock, Christine. “Antiviral Herbs Boost Immune System & Fight Infection.” Dr. Axe, 9 Oct. 2017, draxe.com/antiviral-herbs/.Gallagher, Ethan. “How Does an Antiviral Drug Work?” LIVESTRONG.COM, Leaf Group, 14 Aug. 2017, www.livestrong.com/article/31295-antiviral-drug-work/.“Mountain Rose Herbs: Elder Berries.” – Mountain Rose Herbs, www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/elder-berries/profile.Publishing, Harvard Health. “Should You Take an Antiviral Drug When You Get the Flu?” Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/should-you-take-an-antiviral-drug-when-you-get-the-flu.
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