AntiViral Herbs: Botanical Protection Against Viruses
Plants have evolved very good defenses against viruses over the millennia, and we can take advantage of these natural protections against viruses for ourselves.
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Aloe Vera Gel,
Aloe vera
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Tender Perennial succulent :
The leaf juices of the aloe plant have important medicinal uses, making aloe one of the most respected medicinal plants found in many gels, creams and lotions....
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Ashwagandha root,
Withania somnifera
: Ashwaganda, Ajagandha, Indian ginseng, Winter cherry |
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Hardy annual/Tender perennial :
It is often touted as the Indian version of ginseng because, like ginseng, ashwaganda is revered as a non-specific tonic, an adaptogen that is used alone or as an ingredient in compounds designed to target a variety of conditions....
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Astragalus root,
astragalus membranaceus
: Huang qi , yellow leader |
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herbaceous perennial :
Astragalus is especially useful for strengthening the body against viral infections of the respiratory tract and heart. ...
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Balsam of Peru,
Myroxylon pereirae
: Tolu Balsam |
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Tropical Tree :
Balsam of Peru, or Tolu, is used mainly in aromatherapy and perfumery for its vanilla and cinnamon scent. The resinous oil is antiseptic and healing to the skin....
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Bupleurum,
Bupleurum chinense
: chai hu, Chinese thorowax root |
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Perennial herb :
Bupleurum is an important Chinese tonic herb for the liver and circulatory system....
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Carrot, Wild,
Daucus carota L.
: Wild Carrot; Queen Anne's Lace; Bird's-nest |
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Perennial Herb :
Domesticated carrots are not the same species as the wild carrot, commonly know as Queen Annes Lace, whose seed is the part used medicinally...
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Chaga Mushroom,
Inonotus obliquus
: Cinder conk, Birch mushroom |
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Mushroom :
Chaga and the similar reishi mushroom both have a reputation as tonics for longevity and health. These mushrooms show great promise for their anti-viral activities...
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Chamomile,
Matricaria recutita
: Camomile, Chamomilla, German chamomile |
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Annual herb :
Chamomile is an excellent remedy for any emotional disorders that involve stress, anxiety, and tension. The apple-like aroma relaxes and calms and the tea is used home remedies....
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Cinnamon,
Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia
: Cassia Bark, Sweet cinnamon |
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Evergreen Tropical Tree :
Cinnamon is recommended for treating weak digestion, low appetite and stomach upsets. It has powerful antibacterial and
antiviral properties and may help lower blood sugar....
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Cubeb,
Piper cubeba
: Java pepper |
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herb :
A red alternative to black pepper, cubeb is little used in the West. In Tibetan medicine, cubeb (ka ko la in Tibetan) is one of bzang po drug, six fine herbs beneficial to specific organs in the body. ...
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Dong Quai,
Angelica sinensis
: Chinese Angelica, Dang-gui |
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Herbaceous perennial :
Since ancient times, dang-quai has been an important herb for women. For menopausal women it addresses symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings...
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Echinacea,
Echinacea angustifolia
: Purple coneflower |
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Herb :
There are dozens of dozens of biochemical compounds that act in therapeutic synergy in this complex plant that support disease resistance in several ways...
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Elderberry,
Sambucus nigra
: Elderberry |
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tree :
Elderberries are used in syrup for diarrhea, colds and rheumatism. Leaves are used in an ointment that is a folk remedy for bruises, sprains, chilblains and hard-to-cure skin irritations...
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Eucalyptus,
Eucalyptus globulus
: Eucalyptus |
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tree :
Eucalyptus is one of the best known cold and congestion remedies. Eucalyptus oil is also a good pain reliever for sore muscles and arthritis pain....
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Fennel Seed,
Foeniculum vulgare
: Sweet Fennel, Fenkel |
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Fennel seed is a good herbal remedy for coughs, helps in weight loss, and even tempers the effects of hormonal changes in menopause...
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Goldenseal,
Hydrastis canadensis
: Yellow Root |
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Perennial herb :
Goldenseal is a folk medicine staple widely used in many herbal salves and ointments as a contact disinfectant. The root contains berberine and hydrastine...
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Grapefruit,
Citrus paradisi
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Evergreen subtropical tree :
Grapefruit increases circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system, and may help to regulate body weight with regular use. It is also a good source of the antioxidant vitamin C....
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Grapes,
Vitis vinifera
: Grapeseed |
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Grape skins contain the powerful antioxidant compound resveratrol, which has
been shown in studies to protect against the effects of a high fat diet, lowering
cholesterol that could lead to heart disease....
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Juniper Berries,
Juniperus communis
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tree :
Juniper is used as a mild diuretic to treat to treat urinary problems. Juniper detoxifies the system and helps prevent the buildup of uric acid in cases of gout and rheumatoid arthritis....
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Lavender,
Lavandula spp
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Woody Perennial Herb :
Lavender can lift your spirits, help you sleep, relieve pain, kill germs, heal burns and rashes, and help keep annoying insects at bay. Lavender oil is also antibacterial and healing to the skin...
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Lemon,
Citrus limonum
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Fruit Tree :
Lemon is used in herbal medicine to help build immunity against colds, influenza, and other viral infections. Lemon has high vitamin C content, antibacterial and astringent properties...
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Lemon Balm,
Melissa officinalis
: Melissa |
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Perennial herb :
Lemon balm is an aromatic mint with soothing, calming properties. Drink lemon balm tea when nerves, headaches or mild depression are preventing you from getting a good night's sleep...
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Mullein,
Verbascum spp.
: Flannel Leaf, Mullein Dock, Aaron's Rod |
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Biennial :
The ancient reputation that mullein enjoyed in both in Europe and Asia of having
the power to exorcise evil spirits may be attributed to the magic mullein
oil can perform on a ear ache....
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Myrtle,
Myrtus communis
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Evergreen shrub :
In traditional herbal medicine myrtle has been taken internally for urinary infections, digestive problems, bronchial congestion, and dry coughs....
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Niaouli Oil,
Melaleuca quinquenervia
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Much like tea tree in its antiseptic properties, but with a much milder, fruity aroma. ...
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Orange,
Citrus sinensis, Citrus spp.
: Mandarin Orange, Tangerine |
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tree :
Oranges are a healthy source of vitamin C and other nutrients, as well as one of the most versatile aromatherapy oils. Orange peel is used as a zest in cooking and as a tea....
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Oregano,
Origanum vulgare
: Wild Marjoram |
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herb :
Oregano has a very ancient reputation and has been used in both the kitchen and the sickroom since the time of the ancients. Many would be surprised to learn that oregano
is ranked first among the culinary herbs in antioxidant power. Many of the
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Pau d’arco,
Tabebuia spp
: lapacho, taheebo |
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There is a great deal of practical evidence that pau d'arco can be used with success to treat colds, flu, sore throat, and yeast infections....
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Pomegranate,
Punica granatum
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Pomegranates are touted for their heart protective antioxidants today, but ancient Egyptians loved them for their ability to kill tapeworms and other parasites. ...
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Ravensara Oil,
Ravensara aromatica
: ravensare, havozo, hazomanitra |
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tree :
The essential oil is referred to as the oil that heals and is is obtained by steam distillation from the leaf. ...
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Reishi Mushroom,
Ganoderma lucidum
: Ling-zhi, ling chih, ling chi mushroom |
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Fungus :
Reishi, or Ling zhi mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines for thousands of years, who place it in the highest class of tonic medicines, those who benefit the vital life energy or Qi. ...
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Rosemary,
Rosmarinus officinalis
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Woody perennial herb :
Amazing, versatile rosemary is valued by cooks, herbalists, aromatherapists, and gardeners alike. Rosemary oil combats mental fatigue, increasing concentration and memory...
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Sandalwood Oil,
Santalum album
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tree :
Sandalwood oil is one of the few fragrances equally popular among men and women. Its uplifting scent is often used to treat depression....
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Sarsaparilla Root,
Smilax sarsaparilla
: zarzaparrilla |
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perennial trailing vine :
Sarsaparilla makes a good all round tonic, and the spicy, pleasant smelling root is what gave old fashioned root beer its bite and is the part used medicinally....
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Sassafras root,
Sassafras albidum
: Sassafrass, Saloop, ague tree, root beer tree, |
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Tree :
A cup of sassafras root tea has been a traditional spring tonic in the South for hundreds of years, and was part of the home medicine of the early American colonists...
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Tea,
Camellia sinensis
: Green Tea, Black tea |
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Evergreen Shrub :
Black tea, Oolong/Wu long tea and green and white teas are all from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The health benefits of tea are mainly credited to the catechin polyphenols,
particularly epigallocatechin gallate, or (EGCG). Plant
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Tea Tree oil,
Melaleuca alternifolia
: Melaleuca |
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tree :
Tea tree oil is a fast and easy way to treat insect bites and any type of skin fungus. Apply a few drops neat, or use a clean compress to apply to the skin...
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Thyme,
Thymus vulgaris
: Common Thyme, Wild Thyme |
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Woody Perennial Herb :
Thyme is one of the best herbs to use as a cough and cold remedy, addressing all your cold symptoms in a holistic way. Thyme acts to clear the lungs of congestion...
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Tribulus terrestris L,
Tribulus terrestris,
: Burra Gookeroo, Burra Gokhru, puncture vine, |
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Native to India, the role of Tribulus Terrestris in Eastern European folk medicine for muscle strength and sexual potency....
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