Anti-viral protection from nature

For some people, getting a flu shot is a matter of routine, something they do every year without even thinking twice about it. Others are completely against the notion, and still others are on the fence about it, not really sure what the right choice would be. This article is not intended to sway anyone in any particular direction, but rather to provide some alternatives to those who decide not to get their flu shot. If you decide not to go the conventional route, it’s a good idea to at least explore some other approaches to keeping yourself strong and protect yourself against viruses. And there are numerous options to choose from! We here at Willner Chemists have compiled a list of 5 of the best natural anti-viral products in the natural community these days. They can all be taken on a regular basis, and all of them are extremely safe.

The best natural remedies for protection from viruses

1. Agarikon—Still somewhat unknown to the general public, agarikon (fomitopsis officinalis) is a mushroom that’s causing all kinds of excitement in research labs throughout the world. Along with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, agarikon also stands out as being an extremely potent antiviral substance. And while it may seem like a new discovery, agarikon has actually been around since the days of the Ancient Greeks, who referred to it as a panacea. According to Paul Stamets, founder of the Host Defense line of mushroom products, it has antiviral molecules that have never been seen by scientists before. It has been tested against many viruses, including H1N1 and H5N1 flu viruses and HSV1 and HSV 2 herpes viruses. It has also been established that agarikon is not toxic to human cells. This amazing mushroom is even being tested by the US Army and the National Institute of Health as a potential protective agent against bioterrorism.

2. Red Marine Algae—There are actually multiple species of this algae, but the most researched strains are all of the gigartina genus. These algae contain what are known as sulfated polysaccharides, which are complex sugars that contain sulfur. Scientists have been working with these compounds for at least 3 decades now, trying to develop drugs for viruses such as herpes and HIV. So it’s quite exciting to find that there’s a natural source of it that’s readily available, not too expensive, and very safe. Red marine algae has been tested against all sorts of viruses, including all of the herpes viruses, Epstein Barr and influenza. There’s also a sulfated polysaccharide known as fucoidan, which comes from brown algae and has similar benefits to red marine algae.

3. Elderberry—This is a less obscure remedy that many people are already somewhat familiar with. Elderberry (sambucus nigra, sambucus canadensis) has a long history of use for flu symptoms. It seems to work in a number of different ways to help fight off viruses. The most fascinating medicinal aspect of elderberry is its effect on hemagglutinin , which is a protein that is found on the surface of flu viruses. They use these proteins to bind to healthy cells so they can enter them and replicate. Some of elderberry’s constituents neutralize these hemagglutinin proteins so the viruses can’t do any harm to the cells. Elderberries also have been shown to boost certain immune cells so the body can more efficiently fight off invaders.

4. Colostrum—This is such an important substance that it’s literally the first thing we get from our mothers after we’re born. Also known as first milk, colostrum contains a whole host of medicinal properties that are beneficial for people of all ages. It contains a wide variety of growth factors, compounds that regulate cell growth and activity in different ways. Colostrum has been used for years as a natural antiviral and antibiotic. As a preventive agent, colostrum has actually been shown to be more beneficial than the flu vaccine in some studies. Parents who don’t like to vaccinate their children often use colostrum as an alternative to the flu shot as well.

5. Andrographis—Also known as Indian echinacea in some circles, this herb is used more often than true echinacea in Europe and Asia. It is often cited as being the main remedy used in India during the flu pandemic of 1919. Andrographis has been used prophylactically, lowering the incidence of actual occurrence of cold and flu, and also to shorten duration of symptoms in those who are already ill. It is sometimes referred to as “the king of the bitters”, referring to its extremely bitter taste. The compounds responsible for its bitterness are the same ones that give andrographis its medicinal properties, and are known as andrographolides. Andrographis can be taken short term in high doses, a few capsules every 3 or 4 waking hours,  until symptoms are gone.

There are of course many other herbs that can be used for prevention or treatment, but these are 5 of the most powerful. And most of them are pretty reasonably priced as well. If you have more questions about these or any other items, give us a call at Willner Chemists here in Atlanta, Georgia at 404-266-9115.