Natural Antivirals to Help Keep You Healthy
Viruses! Whether it’s the pesky common cold or something a bit more serious, they are always ready to make their move, causing everything from a stuffy nose to a full-blown illness! One way to stay ahead is to give your body a little extra support with natural antivirals. Adding antiviral foods, herbs, and remedies to your daily routine can help keep your Immune System resilient all year long. You may have many of these in your kitchen already!
Let’s look closer at how viruses impact the body and why natural antiviral remedies should be a staple in every home.
Disclaimer: CBH Energetics does not diagnose but focuses on supporting the body through a bioenergetic and holistic approach. While antiviral herbs, foods, and supplements can promote overall wellness, they should not replace medical treatment when needed. Always consult your healthcare provider for appropriate care.
What’s a Virus, Anyway?
Before we get into natural antivirals, it’s helpful to know what’s going on when a virus enters your body.
Viruses are incredibly tiny—so small they can’t even be seen under a regular microscope! They’re submicroscopic pathogens that need a host (human, plant, animal, or even bacteria) to survive and reproduce. Think of them like uninvited guests that hijack your body’s cells to multiply and spread.
Viruses carry their own genetic material, either DNA or RNA, and spread in various ways—through sneezing, coughing, blood, contaminated food and water, or even insect bites—depending on the virus.
Viruses can be categorized into two main types:
- Transient (Seasonal) Viruses: These short-lived infections, like the flu and common cold, typically resolve with the help of a healthy Immune System and the right support.
- Chronic (Latent) Viruses: Unlike seasonal viruses, chronic viruses can stay dormant in your cells for years and reactivate when your body is under stress. Examples include the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). These viruses can contribute to long-term health issues, including chronic fatigue, autoimmune diseases, and neurological symptoms like brain fog.
How Chronic Viruses Impact Your Body
While natural antivirals can help tackle seasonal bugs, chronic viral infections pose a bigger challenge. These viruses can remain hidden in the body’s cells, reactivating later when triggered by stress, illness, or environmental factors (more on that below). The effects of these viruses extend far beyond just feeling under the weather—they can affect multiple body systems.
1. Immune System Overload
Chronic viral infections can put constant stress on your Immune System. The body is on high alert, fighting off these dormant viruses, which can drain energy and resources. This ongoing battle not only leads to fatigue but can also weaken immune function over time. On a bioresonance report, you may see stress in your Lymph dial and Immune System dial.
2. The Brain & Nervous System
Viruses like EBV can lead to brain fog, memory issues, and mood swings by messing with neurotransmitter balance, affecting cognitive function and emotional health. Most viruses cannot enter the brain due to the protection of the blood-brain barrier, but if that barrier is broken down, a virus may enter. Some viruses can decrease serotonin in the brain.
3. Hormonal Imbalance
A constantly stressed Immune System can impact hormone production, particularly in the adrenal and thyroid glands. This can lead to imbalances in cortisol, thyroid, and sex hormones, contributing to fatigue, mood changes, and weight fluctuations. Again, EBV may be the culprit, along with enterovirus and rubella.
4. Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is a significant player in many chronic viral conditions. This chronic inflammation can increase the risk of autoimmune diseases and worsen symptoms like pain, swelling, and fatigue.
5. Organ Stress
The Pancreas is susceptible to viral stress triggered by the hepatitis group, EBV, CMV, varicella-zoster virus, and HSV. These viruses also can affect the Liver.
What Triggers Chronic Viral Reactivation?
Chronic viruses don’t just wake up on their own—certain stressors can push them out of dormancy and into action. Two major culprits? Mold exposure and Lyme disease.
Mold exposure can weaken immune defenses, making it easier for dormant viruses to reactivate. For instance, studies show that mold spores—particularly from species like Alternaria alternata—can prime the Immune System for an overactive response, worsening respiratory infections and viral symptoms. If you’ve been exposed to mold, your Immune System may struggle to keep chronic viruses like EBV and CMV in check.
If you’re familiar with Lyme disease, you may already know about bacterial co-infections like Babesia and Bartonella. But another often-overlooked piece of the puzzle? Chronic viral infections. Lyme disease can create an ideal environment for viruses such as EBV, CMV, and HSV to reactivate. This adds another layer of complexity to symptoms like fatigue, neurological issues, and muscle pain.
9 Must-Have Natural Antivirals and How to Use Them
Supporting your Immune System naturally doesn’t have to be complicated. Nature offers powerful remedies with impressive antiviral properties—many of which have been used for centuries. Whether you’re looking to fend off seasonal bugs or support long-term wellness, these 9 natural antiviral remedies have you covered in more ways than one.
1. Elderberry
Elderberry isn’t just an immune-supporting berry; it’s also traditionally used to support heart health and promote healthy skin due to its high antioxidant content. Some research suggests that elderberry may help balance blood sugar levels and support metabolic health. Plus, it contains prebiotic fiber that supports gut health—where much of your Immune System lives.
How to use it: Elderberry syrups, tinctures, gummies, teas, and dried berries make it easy to enjoy. Try adding elderberry syrup to sparkling water for a tasty, immune-supporting drink.
2. Garlic
Garlic has been called “nature’s antibiotic” for good reason. Beyond being one of the most potent antiviral foods, it’s known to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, making it a heart-healthy addition to your diet. Garlic’s sulfur compounds also support detoxification, helping your body eliminate toxins that could weaken your defenses.
How to use it: Crush fresh garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes before adding it to meals to activate allicin, its powerful compound. Garlic supplements like Wild Bear Garlic are a great odor-free option.
3. Oregano Oil
Did you know oregano oil has been studied for its potential to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria? It’s also rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Oregano oil, one of the most powerful natural antiviral remedies, contains carvacrol—a compound that may also support gut health by helping balance the microbiome.
How to use it: Take oregano oil in capsules or dilute a few drops in water. For respiratory support, add it to steam inhalation or mix with a carrier oil and apply to the chest.
4. Echinacea
Long before it became a wellness trend, echinacea was a staple in Native American medicine for wound healing and infections. It’s packed with polysaccharides that can help your body naturally produce more white blood cells needed to fight invaders.
How to use it: Enjoy echinacea in teas, tinctures, or capsules, especially at the first sign of feeling run down.
5. Andrographis
Andrographis is not only antiviral but also known for its bitter taste, which stimulates digestion and liver function. In traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, it’s often used to support detox pathways while combating respiratory infections. Some research even suggests it could help modulate inflammation in the body.
How to use it: Andrographis, available in capsule or tincture form, is best taken early when you feel under the weather.
6. Astragalus Root
Astragalus isn’t just an immune supporter—it’s also used in traditional Chinese medicine as an energy and longevity tonic. It’s believed to help protect against oxidative stress, support adrenal health, and even enhance endurance, making it a go-to for anyone needing a natural energy lift.
How to use it: Add dried astragalus root to soups and broths for a wellness-boosting meal, or take it in capsule or tincture form.
Echina Intrinsic is one tincture that incorporates a combination of herbs, including echinacea, Andrographis, and astragalus, for immune support.
7. Vitamin C
While most people think of citrus fruits, some of the highest natural sources of vitamin C include acerola cherries and camu camu berries, which contain up to 60 times more vitamin C than an orange! This nutrient also plays a critical role in collagen production, helping to support skin and joint health.
How to use it: Eat lots of citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), bell peppers, and leafy greens, which are great natural sources. Vitamin C supplements are widely available.
8. Zinc
Beyond its antiviral benefits, zinc is essential for wound healing, hormone production, and brain health. It helps regulate neurotransmitters, which can improve mood and cognitive function during stressful times. Zinc also promotes proper cell regeneration, supporting healthy skin.
How to use it: Eat zinc-rich foods like pumpkin seeds, nuts, and shellfish, or consider zinc lozenges or supplements at the first sign of illness.
9. Manuka Honey
Manuka honey contains unique antibacterial compounds, including methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it stronger antimicrobial properties than regular honey. It’s one of the most versatile natural antiviral remedies, used to help heal wounds, aid digestion, and even support oral health by reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth.
How to use it: Take a spoonful daily for throat soothing, add it to warm teas such as ginger tea (not boiling to preserve nutrients), or use it topically for minor cuts and burns.
Boosting Your Immune System with Additional Support Tips
Incorporating natural antivirals into your routine is a great start, but there are other strategies that can further enhance your Immune System and help reduce viral load:
- Prioritize Gut Health: A healthy gut goes hand in hand with a strong Immune System. Including probiotics and prebiotics in your diet and consuming fiber-rich foods can support your gut microbiome and help regulate immune responses.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress is a significant factor in viral reactivation. Practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and other bioenergetic exercises can help reduce stress and support immune health.
- Sleep & Hydration: Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep and staying hydrated. Both are key for optimal immune function and can help your body fight off infections more effectively.
- Consider Bioenergetic Testing: Functional and bioenergetic testing can help identify specific imbalances in the body’s energy systems, including resonating viruses. The results can guide a personalized balancing regimen, which may include natural antiviral remedies.
Take Charge of Your Immunity Naturally
Supporting your Immune System doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s about building habits that work for you. By incorporating these natural antivirals, along with lifestyle practices that prioritize gut health, stress management, and hydration, you’re taking proactive steps toward a healthier, more resilient body. The power to support your immunity is in your hands, and with a bit of focus, you’ll be well on your way to balanced health.
