What is a Virus?

microscope photograph of 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.
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. It is a good idea to include some antiviral foods and herbs in your diet especially when the changing weather makes you prone to viral infections.
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.

For our specific anti-viral product recommendations click here

Natural Products to Help in the Fight Against Viruses

Some of the readily available foods, herbs, homeopathics and essential oils to help protect you and your family against viruses in general and bird flu in particular are the following:

Antiviral herbs

Andrographis, Astragalus, Cats Claw, Cloves, Echinacea, Elderberries, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon Balm, Licorice, Olive Leaf, Oregano, Shitake and Reishi mushooms, St. Johns Wort.

At Mullum Herbals we have had numerous enquiries about natural virus protection so we have created a potent synergistic blend of anti-viral herbs for our customers. Click for more information about the Mullum Herbals Virus Protection Pack. Part of this pack is a 20 page booklet is packed with valuable suggestions, advice and strategies for improving your resistance to viral attack. Called Natural Virus Protection for You, this booklet is also available as a stand alone downloadable ebook. Click for more information.

Homeopathics

Your constitutional homeopathic remedy provides the best protection. In addition, the way your body manifests symptoms will determine which remedy to use.
Aconite is always useful at the onset, especially of respiratory symptoms.
Others to consider are Belladonna, Ant Tart (Antimonium tartaricum), Ferrum Phos and or Pulsatilla.

Antiviral essential oils

Cloves, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lemon Myrtle, Oregano, Thyme.

Antiviral foods

Aloe Vera, Apples, Berries, Chillies, Cloves, Carrot juice, Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli, Ghee, Onions, Mushrooms, Pears, Seaweed.

Other antivirals

Vitamins A, C and E, Selenium, Zinc, Mycrohydrin, Chawanprash (Ayurvedic herbal jam), , Coconut oil, Green tea, DHEA.

For our specific anti-viral product recommendations click here

A Wake-up Call

We can, if we choose, use the virus season to alert us and inspire us towards a healthier life-style.
As many virus primarily attack and breed 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.

The Mullum Herbals Virus Protection Pack is can be ordered on-line and shipped world-wide. Our ebook Natural Virus Protection For You is available for download. Click for more anti-viral information.