We're living in an exciting era where we are used to having everything on-demand. Food, entertainment, and health care. Comfy life you would say. But this severely changes when a massive outbreak like the current coronavirus global pandemic gives us a real punch in the face.
Reality suddenly becomes quite different. You can now barely find a can of tuna on previously chock-full supermarket shelves, Purel and face masks become new must- have accessories and essential medicine stocks deplete overnight.
Well, unexplainably, toilet paper does, too.
This may seem funny, but virus outbreaks should not be taken lightly or joke around with. Especially when the new contagious version emerges that we know almost nothing about, let alone have medicines available for thousands of affected people.
Battle against viruses can be a hard one, but still, there's no need for panic. Even if you might be unable to buy your usual dose of anti-influenza vitamins or medicines, few amazing plants serve as all-natural remedies, help you boost immunity and even fight against stubborn germs.
Great Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu once said:
"To not fear the battle, we need to deeply understand our enemy and ourselves".
This is why it is crucial to first understand viruses before choosing the best natural ally to help us win the human vs virus battle.
What are viruses?
They are nature's living dead, occupying the gray space between life and death for millions of years. They can't die, for the same reason, they aren't alive in the first place. Although they contain genetic information like a living being, they can't live independently.
Viruses are addicted to the host's cells to survive and multiply. If there is no host, they will lose their infectious capability sooner or later.
Their motto "Persistence is the key to success" is the reason they keep coming back and can't completely "die-off". Just when you think they're gone, they always find a way to infect someone, somewhere.
How does the virus work?
Viruses are a silent nemesis - as soon as they map their host they begin hijacking healthy cells to reproduce, forcing them to make as many virus copies as possible until the cell eventually dies.
They spare no living things - animals, plants and even bacteria can become infected with the virus. We can't escape them as they are all around us.
The only thing that keeps us safe from these trespassers is our immune system - the complex web of biostructures and processes that protects us against the majority of illnesses.
Sounds too sciency? Imagine that your body is the Kingdom of the North while the immune system is that 700 feet tall Icy Wall that keeps wildlings and other strange creatures away almost always.
Well, almost. Even the strongest walls can crack from time to time. When this happens to our immune system viruses are the first to seize the opportunity and get in.
This is why bolstering our immunity should be the first step in a battle with viruses. Particularly when new varieties like COVID-19 appear and the vaccines are yet to be developed.
But, how do plants help?
Some plants are packed with antiviral features called phytochemicals. They are so effective that even 40% of available medicines contain them!
Phytochemicals from plants help fight not only viruses, but strenghten our immunity by destroying fungus and bacteria, and in some cases even cancer cells.
Today we can't imagine chewing herbs instead of taking vaccine shots or pill, but for hundreds of years, medicinal plants have been the one & only treatment to pneumonia, influenza and cold.
Even The latest news from China show that over 85% of patients recovered from the Coronavirus had received herbal cocktails along with the mainstream antiviral drugs. Skeptics say it's share placebo, but scientists agree that the herb blend has worked magic and helped patients resist the virus and recover much faster.
Plants are so much more than just a fancy cocktail garnish or another spice in a meal. They serve as powerful weaponry versus germs and natural aid when the cure has not yet been discovered.
What are the best antiviral herbs?
Here we're going to mention a few remedial herbs that you can easily find in your local supermarket or grow yourself in UrbiGo connected nano garden all year-round.
Important note: Herbs are not the ultimate and only medicine against all types of viruses. The ultimate cure doesn't exist. But a vehicle towards stronger immunity and wellbeing.
Sweet Basil
This Herbe Royale does not make just a delicious pesto. In one study, scientists have used Basil extracts to see if they have possible antiviral properties against the hepatitis type of viruses. What they found out is that Basil leaves have powerful and potent acids that destroy not just hepatitis, but the broad specter of different viruses.
How to use it?
Treat yourself with invigorating body tonic by pouring hot water over fresh basil leaves or even chewing them raw for a few weeks to get a maximal immunity-boosting effect.
Sage
The recent discoveries show that sage represses the early stage of the viral infective cycle and is used mostly for calming inflammation of the upper respiratory system - mouth and throat. Its extracts could significantly prevent viruses from invading targeted cells in our body. Sage's strong flavor makes it a must-have for treating irritated throat tissue and steam inhalation with a handful of sage leaves can help you calm persistent caught.
How to use it?
There are numerous applications of sage, but one of the best to help you strengthen your immunity is homemade sage tea. Pour hot water over a hand full of sage leaves, inhale it when hot, and drink up to a cup a day for a week. Sage has a very intensive taste because it is full of antioxidants, so prolonged use may cause adverse effects.
Lemon Balm
Since influenza viruses are constantly developing immunity to modern antiviral medicines, scientists are constantly breaking their brains over finding new, advanced treatments. And in many cases, the main solution was nothing else than adding Lemon Balm essential oil to current antivirals.
Sounds so simple and crazy, right? How the hell can essential oil help fight stubborn rascals like viruses?!
Lemon Balm synergy with antivirals like Tamiflu has been tested in various studies which showed that this wondrous plant can prevent the avian virus H9N2 to multiply.
So, why would you care?
H9N2 is a menace of its own - chickens and ducks are not the only target they have. It's also us, humans. This virus can infect us at such a fast rate that it is considered to be the next best candidate for future pandemics! So having lemon balm by the hand may be one of the best things we could actually do.
How to use it?
If you feel under the weather, try drinking hot lemon balm tea. It will bring up a sweat which is good for relieving colds and flu-like symptoms. This herb is a natural tranquilizer while so gentle that is even recommended for small children and babies.
"The world is ill-prepared to respond to a severe influenza pandemic or to any similarly global, sustained and threatening public-health emergency."
WHO - World Health organization
We might be technologically advanced, but there's yet a lot to learn about even the tiniest, simplest, somehow lifeless invaders of our body - viruses. They are mighty wildlings armed with a new set of weaponry against our immune system.
But don't just sit there covered in fear and darkness! Show them what you got and turn around the circumstances in your favor by utilizing these astonishing herbs and help your immunity win the never ending battle.
Additionally:
Practice social distancing and be responsible for yourself and others. Stay healthy. Stay green. Stay at home.
Our thoughts are with all our supporters and friends around the world. Now more than ever we should respect and appreciate nature and use it for good. ❤ ❤ ❤