Natural versus pharmaceutical antivirals

There are several natural antibiotics and even antivirals. Those we know best are Echinacea, Elderberry and Propolis - the bee's natural protection from infection. Some less well known are Lauric acid (Monolaurin) and L-lysine which is very effective against the herpes family of viruses. Then there is Allicin from garlic which is possibly the most exciting antibacterial as it is capable of conquering fungus, virus and even the killer bacteria MRSA.

Then there are the antioxidants and phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are molecules that are capable of reducing or slowing cell death or the chain reactions that damage the cell. The main antioxidant vitamins and minerals are vitamins A, D and E and the mineral zinc. The best thing is that they are immune enhancers and therefore have both antiviral and antibacterial action. Phytochemicals have been used as drugs for millennia. For example Hippocrates may have prescribed willow tree leaves to reduce a fever instead of aspirin which is its synthetic copy.

In fact Linus Pauling got one of his two Nobel prizes for his research on C-vitamin - the ultimate antiviral. Virus does not thrive in high body levels of C-vitamin. So as we humans don't produce it naturally, we need to eat food or vitamin supplements rich in C-vitamin to raise the level. 

Why we need anything else?

One reason is the existence of penicillin. Natural substances can't be patented and there is no money in them. So once penicillin was discovered research continued in search of other isolated substances that could be patented amongst many of the natural immune enhancers. Another reason is that naturals are now largely unknown by the medical profession who are more equipped to dose pharmaceuticals. But none of this stops natural antivirals or antibiotics from working.

Pharmaceutical antibiotics kill bacteria, they don't affect virus. Pharmacuetical antivirals do affect virus, but they don't get rid of a virus, just slow it down. A virus lives on by taking over your cells - injecting its genetic material into yours and making them produce millions of viruses, each capable of invading other cells.

When it comes to pharmaceuticals, antivirals aren't as effective as antibiotics at controlling infection. There are already indications that seasonal flu viruses aren't responding to Tamiflu which also has some side effects including skin reactions, allergies, suicidal thoughts, confusion and hallucinations.

Prerequisites for health

Have you ever wondered why some people always get sick and others stay healthy? A strong immune defense is the most important prerequisite for health. Around 70% of the immune system is in the gut so what we put in our mouths may effect how well we handle infections, including swine flu. In fact a healthy life style including a healthy diet does a lot to maintain your health. Check out the Yellow-Canaries' top 10 health tips!