8 Natural Antiviral Alternatives

Let me first say that I am not a doctor or any type of medical professional. I am simply passing on information that I have read and studied from several resources. I encourage you to do your own research and due diligence before consuming anything different or unusual, especially for a specific purpose such as medical needs.

When it comes to the flu, typical antiviral medications to treat it would be baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), oseltamivir (Tamiflu), or zanamivir (Relenza).

According to WebMD:

Baloxavir marboxil is taken orally and is approved for use in treatment of children 12 years of age and older.

Oseltamivir, which is taken by mouth, is approved for treating flu in those over 2 weeks of age and preventing flu in people 3 monhs of age and older .

Peramivir, given in one intravenous dose, is approved for people over the age of 2 for treatment only.

Zanamivir is approved for treating flu in people 7 years and older and for preventing flu in people 5 years and older. Relenza is inhaled through the mouth.

WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/qa/which-antiviral-drugs-are-recommended-for-the-flu

These medications are by prescription only and typically only given out when you see a doctor and are confirmed to have the flu. They may also be given to high risk patients even if they don’t have the flu.

So what if you can’t get these medications? Some people simply ‘tough it out’, as is the case with pregnant women who can’t take many synthetic antiviral or antibiotics. Treating symptoms can help us to feel better, quicker. We can also try to be preventative by washing our hands frequently, using hand sanitizer when necessary and being aware of how we spread our germs.

In saying all that, while modern medicine is great, we want to consider all natural alternatives, especially if we can’t or don’t have access to modern medicine.

Here are 8 all natural alternatives:

Olive Leaf

Olive leaf can be used together with mint in warm water to treat flu and common cold.

Ginger

Adding some ginger to tea and food is known to prevent and reduce the time required for common cold to disappear. It also relieves sore throats and chest paints. When mixed with honey, it is a powerful herb to treat flu and reducing sore throat.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is one of the worlds most powerful herbs. It can help to relive common cold symptoms, sore throat, stomach upset and prevent other pathogens such as fungi.

Chili

Chili is used to help manage respiratory tract infections, it’s also used to manage herpes. This is a common spice that can be found in any store and placed on (almost) any type of food.

Garlic

Garlic is used to treat ailments including warts, flu and common cold. Chewing on raw garlic has been known to help some patients with high blood pressure.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is a strong antiviral medicine that can help speed the healing process and prevent irritation of the skin when applied topically.

Licorice Root

Licorice root is used as a tea or drank by itself or mixed with other herbal teas to treat gastric ulcers. It has both antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Elderberry

Roots, leaves, seeds and berries of the elderberry tree are used to treat the common cold and flu. Be cautious of store bought elderberry as it may contain high amounts of sugar.

As I said before, do your due diligence when it comes to using anything new and have a realistic approach as to how long it’ll take to see effects, as well as any possible side effects.

One method of treatment may not work for another, so again, do your own research and due diligence to decide what’s best for you.