Best Herbs for Infection Control and Prevention

The benefits of herbal medicine

Did you know that over 200 viruses can cause infections, including colds, influenza, hepatitis, mononucleosis, and HIV? An increasing number of people opt for annual vaccination against influenza, but vaccination is only effective in 80% of cases, as the virus has the ability to mutate. Fortunately, there are also a lot of powerful antiviral foods and herbal remedies that strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation and help us fight against harmful microorganisms, so let’s dig into the garden of best herbs for infection treatment.

virus

Viruses are still a great puzzle for our official science. In this field, the pharmacy has the least registered medicines. If we would try to indicate the unquestionable effective ones at the same time, we would have even less to say.

The most notorious antiviral medicines, which people literally have been fighting for at the outbreak of the flu some years ago, have proved to be far less effective and far more risky than expected.

Pharmaceuticals as the main weapon against viruses develop vaccines. For their development, they usually use a virus that they weaken to such an extent that it stimulates our body (or body of animals) to recognize it and develop resistance to it.

The strategy of pharmacy is to vaccinate as many people as possible against as many viral diseases as possible. Despite the enormous achievements of science, the idea is highly profitable, but not always as safe and effective as we expect it to be.

And even if everything is ok, the additional problem is that new strains of viruses are discovered and the viruses are constantly mutating and therefore the forms of vaccines that they developed years ago are not necessarily effective today.

new virus strain

Natural antiviral remedies

It is much more surprising that among the best herbs for infection prevention we can find so many antiviral solutions, even those that are potentially active against herpes, HIV, hepatitis, respiratory viruses, and many others.

Even more interesting is that the same herbs work simultaneously against bacteria and yeasts. This cannot be accomplished by any kind of synthetic drugs we know.

What does this antiviral action work for? What plants can do, which can’t be done by humans in laboratories? If it were only for some kind of active ingredient, it would have been recognized, isolated and synthesized already. It’s obviously something more.

Science is in its limited view, which only clings to substances and searches only for chemical agents, succeeded in identifying some substances that work against viruses, but these certainly do not represent a complete mechanism of plant functioning.

If only this isolated substance would be used, viruses (they are more intelligent than we would like to think) would quickly recognize how this works, and they would change their survival strategy in a flash (this is called mutation).

How is it possible that we can enjoy basil, cinnamon, balm, etc. all the time but viruses do not develop resistance to them? Apparently, some plants have their own hidden pitfalls, which can’t be determined solely by the chemical substances found in them.

Selection of 11 best herbs for infection control

Elderberry (Sambucus)


elderflower flowers aka best herbs for infection treatment

  • Elderberry helps to fight many infections, including influenza, herpes, viral and bacterial infections. For this purpose, we can use most parts of the plant: flowers, fruits, roots, and leaves.
  • In traditional medicine, the elderberry was mostly used for the treatment and prevention of colds and flu. Elderberry contains anthocyanin (also E163), which is extremely effective in strengthening the immune system. Anthocyanin is a water-soluble plant pigment that belongs to the group of flavonoids and is crucial in the restoration of cell membranes. In the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States, a number of studies have shown the positive effects of anthocyanin. We know about 250 species of this substance which are also found in raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and other berries.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)


Purple coneflower aka best herbs for infection control

The use of the purple coneflower is beneficial for strengthening the immune system and for the general well-being and health.

  • Proven, the phytochemicals contained in the Purple coneflower reduce viral infections and even tumors.
  • This highly beneficial plant contains echinacea that inhibits bacteria and viruses and prevents them from penetrating healthy cells. It is one of the most commonly used herbs for making preparations against bacteria and viruses. Purple coneflower beverages protect healthy cells against viruses and bacteria, especially from respiratory infections.
  • It is very effective in urinary infections, and clinical studies have shown that it significantly reduces the recovery time when consumed at the same time with antibiotics in upper respiratory infections.
  • It is recommended in the treatment of bacterial sinusitis and bronchitis, which are often a continuation of viral infections.
  • Purple coneflower helps with pain relief, reduces inflammation, helps with skin problems, helps with sinus problems, and clogged nose, and improves our mental health.

English marigold (Calendula officinalis)


marigold aka best herbs for infection treatment

Marigolds flowers have been used for medicinal purposes all the way from the 12th century.

  • This plant, which is excellent in the fight against viruses, contains large amounts of flavonoids, antioxidants that protect cells against damage by free radicals.
  • It also contains anti-inflammatory properties and kills bacteria.
  • It is used to treat burns, cuts and ear infections.

Cranberries (Vaccinium)


Cranberries aka best herbs for infection control

  • The bioactive substances that cranberries contain prevent the invasion of bacteria in the organism.
  • Likewise, cranberries are a rich source of oxidants that act on free radicals in the body. They work against bladder diseases, incontinence, gout, joint rheumatism …
  • And what have recent studies shown? Natural cranberry extract works as an antibiotic to treat infections, without any danger of developing the body’s resistance.

Ginger

ginger

The ginger is successful in combating many diseases, from colds to digestion. You can use it fresh or dried in powder. Ayurvedic medicine has always praised its ability to improve the function of the immune system and it believes that because of ginger’s thermogenic quality, it helps to prevent the loading of toxins in our organs.

  • With it you can successfully overcome nausea – it relieves the sensitive stomach, so experts also advise it during the treatment of cancer.
  • It is also known as a purifier of the lymphatic system as it helps prevent the accumulation of toxins in the body that make us more susceptible to viral, bacterial or fungal infections.
  • Ginger also helps with fatigue, inflammation, diabetes and relieves pain.

Garlic

garlic

Many experts agree that garlic is one of the best natural antibiotics. Some healers even say that with the consumption of garlic we take care of a number of good things for our health, because it is healing, soothing, and has no unpleasant side effects. Nutrition magazine ”The journal of nutrition” recently published an interesting study on how garlic helps in reducing weight.

  • Some studies have shown that allicin, a compound found in garlic, also works well for ulcers, dental and ear infections.
  • Garlic also contains sulfides, which help to lower bad cholesterol and have a beneficial effect on blood and blood circulation.
  • Garlic is also recommended for the treatment of bronchitis, in the case of colds, cough, fever and sore throat.
  • Research has shown that a precise chemical ingredient found in garlic successfully kills innumerable microorganisms, which are responsible for some of the most common, but also for some rare infections, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, and herpes.
  • Because it has an anti-inflammatory effect, garlic can also be used to aid eye or ears inflammation.
  • Raw garlic may help to reduce the risk of cancer, regulate high blood pressure, work useful on cardiovascular health and help to fight hair loss.

Onion

onion

  • Because it contains a lot of vitamin C and antioxidants, it is excellent against influenza and cold, and in reducing cholesterol as well as lowering blood pressure.
  • Among other things, it contains chromium that maintains the level of insulin in the blood, which is particularly important in diabetics.
  • Some studies have shown that onion consumption (several times a week) is associated with a lower risk of bowel cancer.

Propolis
honeycomb

  • Propolis is an effective agent against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. (Bacteria do not develop resistance to the propolis so many believe it is the miraculous discovery of modern times.
  • As a natural antibiotic, it also has the power to destroy bacteria resistant to synthetic antibiotics.
  • It improves the immune system, reduces the side effects of synthetic medicines and is extremely effective against spring fatigue.

Olive tree (Olea europaea)
olive

An Olive leaf extract has been used in many cultures of the century for medical purposes and has been extensively studied in the modern scientific world.

  • Extract from olive leaves is not only effective against pathological microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) but also has many other health benefits.
  • Olive leaves have antiviral properties that are extremely effective in the treatment of common cold and dangerous viruses, including meningitis, tuberculosis, malaria, candida, pneumonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis B, and gonorrhea.
  • Olive leaves may also help with dental problems, ear infections or bladder infections.
  • Olives should also be used in viruses that cause flu and other respiratory diseases.

Oregano
oregano aka best herbs for infection control

  • Natural oils of oregano contain two very powerful ingredients: carvacrol and thymol, which are extremely effective in the fight against bacteria and fungi. Carvacrol inhibits infections, including allergies, tumors, parasites, and inflammations that cause disease.

Cinnamon
cinnamon for tea for menstrual cramps

Among the strong natural antibiotics and antiseptics, we can find numerous spices and one of them is cinnamon.

  • Tasty cinnamon destroys bacteria and viruses, but it also works well in combination with honey.
  • It is an antioxidant that protects the body from harmful free radicals and premature aging.
  • Some studies have shown that it even lowers blood pressure and helps break down fat in the digestive system and lower blood cholesterol.

Indispensable elements in the fight against infectious diseases

Zinc

Zinc is an element that greatly strengthens the immune system. Some even enjoy it as a dietary supplement and call him the king of minerals (the queen is the royal jelly, and the musketeers are calcium and magnesium).

Statistics show that we get sick when the level of zinc drops in the body. This is good to take into account especially in the case of influenza and colds. It is very important to know that vegetarians must consume up to 50% more zinc than omnivores.

Zinc-rich foods are cooked lentils, peas, peanut butter, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, kale, corn, Indian nuts, sunflower seeds…

Vitamin C

Do not forget about vitamin C, which is the most well-known antidote against colds and flu, and its positive effects become even more significant after heavy physical activity (training, hard work).

A study in the US, which tested 11,000 people, has shown that sufficient amounts of vitamin C can reduce the impact of stress on our health by 50%.

How to use the best herbs for infection treatment listed above in order to help persecute viruses from your body?

Now that you know the four biggest fighters against flu and cold, you probably will not find it difficult to build a defensive menu using the best herbs for infection control.

Usually, we consume these herbs in tea, so we put one tablespoon of herbs in boiling water and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. For example, ginger tea is great after dinner. It helps digest and kills viruses.

Extremely powerful best herbs for infection control as a herbal infusion

We can also prepare a herbal infusion that is stronger than tea (for example, Red Tea Detox, which possesses very strong antiviral and antibacterial properties), as it contains a large number of best herbs for infection control.

To prepare the Red Tea Detox infusion:

  • Certain herbs are cooked on low heat for half an hour.
  • Red Tea Detox infusion can be drunk to 7 cups per day – cold or hot.
  • It has amazing beneficial effects on our health and possesses powerful antiviral properties.
red tea is better than green tea before bed

Read Red Tea Detox full review

 

Prepare organic oil with the best herbs for infection treatment

  • Use a half cup of the selected herb and add a cup of coconut or jojoba oil.
  • Let it stand for a few hours.
  • Place it in the sun for 12 hours or cook for 3 hours in the oven at 200 degrees.
  • Then strain and use herbal oil for massage of problem areas.
  • These oils can be also used by spraying 3-5 drops in our apartment.
  • Adding 2-3 drops into a warm bath.
  • 1-2 drops (mixed with other natural skincare oils) using directly on the skin.
  • Massage of feet, abdomen or breast with essential oils helps in the fight against heat or flu symptoms.

Many of the best herbs for infection treatment listed above contain natural essential oils that can be purchased ready-made.

organic oil