Herbal Antiviral Medications

There are more than 400 different viruses that are known to cause infections that include common cold, bird flu, AIDS, hepatitis and recently, swine flu. These viral infections are very harmful and leave the body thoroughly shaken, if not destroyed.

For this purpose there are medicines available and still being researched upon and developed that help cure or control such infections. They are called as antiviral drugs, which ought not to be confused with anti-bacterial drugs or the more common antibiotics. In this arena of expertise, a lot of research is still going on to combat harmful diseases like HIV/AIDS, while some research has concluded with good results and have helped in medicating infections like hepatitis and common cold. The researchers have originally concentrated on developing chemicals and drugs that will react against viruses.

But there are a lot of herbs too, that have antiviral characteristics and helps prevent viral infections. They help in boosting the immune system and thereby offer a stronger defense and protection. Current research shows arabinoxylan, a compound derived from Hyphomycetes mycelia mushroom, can be an antiviral agent. Echinacea purpura is also a popular antiviral drug for preventing and reducing the severity of the common cold, though scientific research has not provided full evidence.

Other herbals and immune supporters that are antiviral drugs include astragalus, garlic, Siberian ginseng, coenzyme Q10, DMG (dimethlyglycine), cat's claw , cloves, elderberry, ginger, lemon balm, licorice, olive leaf, oregano, shiitake and reishi mushrooms, St. John's wort, resveratrol, N-acetyl-cysteine, scullcap, green tea, cranberry, propolis and mullein.

These herbs help cure something as simple as common cold to the dangerous hepatitis and pneumonia.

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Herbal Antiviral Medications