I don't mean to alarm anyone, but viral infections are all over the news again. This time, there's not just one, but two. All the more reason to avoid going into panic mode and prepare yourself now to combat them. That's why I keep my household stocked with my favorite antimicrobials, so I'm ready to conquer a viral infection whenever it arrives.
It seems every year there are super viruses that threaten our health. Remember H1N1? Enterovirus? Swine Flu? While we should always take these viruses seriously, I don't believe we should live in constant fear of them either.
This year it's the Chikungunya Virus (pronounced chik-en-gun-ye), and the Zika Virus. Symptoms for Chikungunya include a headache, fever, and joint pain.
The Zika Virus is usually mild for most people but may be the cause of a birth defect called microcephaly in which a baby is born with a smaller head associated with incomplete brain development.
Ways To Conquer A Viral Infection.
When I hear of something that is a threat to my health or the health of my loved ones, I become the mama bear and do one thing. I get prepared.
Since doctors can't help much with viral infections, I believe the key to living in a world with viral threats each year is to be ready. To combat a viral infection, there are a few things you can bring home to have in your arsenal, i.e. your medicine cabinet. These choices work very well against a viral infection and are also excellent choices against bacterial and fungal infections.
I like to call them my Microbial Nuclear Options.
I keep these options on hand at all times. They are inexpensive and last a long time. I use them regularly instead of antibiotics since they are such great alternatives and are powerful. The best part? Since these are natural alternatives, they will never create resistance to any bacteria or virus.
Keep your household stocked with these antimicrobials and you will feel prepared for whatever may come.
7 Potent Weapons Against Viral Infections
1. Colloidal Silver
Colloidal Silver is powerful. It is a natural antibiotic and can disarm any one-celled bacteria, viruses and fungi. It reportedly disables an enzyme that these organisms need for oxygen metabolism. They suffocate without harming human enzymes or any other part of our systems. It results in the destruction of disease-causing organisms without harming us. Colloidal silver never goes bad either. Just keep it in a dark place, and it will last forever.
DIY INSTRUCTIONS: Take 1 or 2 tsp per day to treat an infection. Do not use more than ten days at a time since it can be toxic with prolonged use.
2. Oil of Oregano
Oil of Oregano is another one of nature’s powerful microbial. It works on bacterial infections by breaking through the outer cell membrane of bacteria.
However, studies have also shown that it helps the immune system take action against viruses by causing the outer layer of a virus, called a capsid, to enlarge until it self-destructs.
DIY INSTRUCTIONS: Put 1 – 4 drops of oregano oil in a glass of water or juice once or twice daily. (Caution: Do not take if you are pregnant or nursing)
3. Clarkia
Clarkia is one of my favorite natural antibiotic alternatives. But it also rids you of over 100 other types of parasites including viruses. And according to its creator Hulda Clark, it does this without any side effects and without interfering with any drug you may already be on.
I want to add a word of caution here. It is an extra strong alcohol-based tincture made of three herbs - black walnut green hulls, cloves, and wormwood leaves. Since it is very concentrated, you must dilute it with juice or water before ingesting it.
But don’t fret, you get instructions on how to take it when you purchase the product. It is an outstanding choice if you don’t want to, or can’t use antibiotics.
As a side note, it’s history is rather interesting. A naturopathic doctor named Hulda Clark discovered this old Indian remedy and used it to cure all types of diseases including many cancers.
DIY INSTRUCTIONS: According to the manufacturer's instructions, a standard dosage for Clarkia is to take 10-20 drops 3-5 times per day.
Hydrogen Peroxide is a common household product. Most people are familiar with the one commonly used at home which is a 3% strength.
It's an excellent choice to use for cleaning since it kills microbes on contact. For cleaning, it is a prime choice since it kills pathogens on contact.
It is also an excellent disinfectant for cuts and scrapes.
But there is also a food grade hydrogen peroxide that is used to fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is especially useful against fungal infections.
The food grade hydrogen peroxide is extremely powerful. It is antimicrobial because it floods your system with oxygen. It is a form of oxygen therapy.
However, food grade hydrogen peroxide is very powerful. It could burn its way through your skin if not used properly.
For this reason, I only recommend using this with the assistance of a healthcare practitioner who has experience using it. But knowing this option exists may be helpful in some cases.
DIY INSTRUCTIONS: Seek an experienced health practitioner who works with food grade hydrogen peroxide.
5. Fire Cider
Fire Cider is another of my favorite remedies. It is fermented apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is very powerful in and of itself. Then imagine adding horseradish, garlic, onion, hot peppers, and ginger. What could live in that environment? Nothing!
Fire Cider is even a healthy tonic to take every day too. Just a spoonful may help keep those super bugs away. I know it would keep me far, far away!
6. Garlic
Garlic is legendary as an antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agent. It contains so many powerful compounds but is most famous for its sulfur compounds that not only give it a pungent taste but is effective in treating all types of infections. Crushing a whole garlic clove releases all those antimicrobial agents.
The best way to use it for antiviral properties is to get it into your bloodstream quickly. Putting a clove under the tongue accomplishes this.
However, if that seems too harsh, you can also crush it and put in with olive oil or put some in your favorite juice.
DIY INSTRUCTIONS: Put a clove under the tongue three times a day. You can also crush a garlic clove and put in a glass of orange juice or lemon juice three times a day.
7. Anti-Viral Essential Oils
And finally, my last "must have" in my anti-viral arsenal is a few essential oils. In clinical studies, essential oils have shown to have anti-viral activity. In a comparative study of anti-viral essential oils, tea tree oil was much more efficacious in destroying microbes.
My list of anti-viral essential oils consists of Lemon Balm, peppermint, bergamot, eucalyptus, thyme, rosemary, tea tree, cinnamon, clove, and lavender.
Having these essential oils on hand would also be wise to have in case you suspect a viral infection.
Here is a good recipe for an anti-viral soaking bath: 5 drops bergamot, 2 drops of clove, 4 drops of lavender, and 2 drops of cinnamon.
DIY INSTRUCTIONS: Place a few drops of any of these essential oils in your bath and soak for 20 minutes. You can also place a few drops in any diffuser to strengthen your immune system against a viral infection.
Stock Up And Be Prepared
If you're concerned about a virus possibly invading your home, stock up on some (or all) of these natural alternatives to ward off viral infections. The added benefit? You get an antibacterial too! Keep them on hand so you are prepared the next time you or your family gets sick.
I received no compensation for these recommendations. I just think these are awesome remedies I use all the time!
If you have had experience with these alternatives to treat a viral infection, please share. Knowledge is empowering, and we are all on this healing journey together!
In truth, love, and healing,
Carolyn Harrington
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always consult your physician or a qualified health care provider with questions regarding any medical conditions.
Carolyn Harrington is the author of 'The Art of Healing' blog and founder of Maty's Healthy Products.
Her life took a dramatic turn when her daughter, Maty, was born with severe heart defects, no spleen, and a compromised immune system. She supported her daughter through three heart surgeries (two of them open heart) before the age of five.
Her journey started when she began researching natural ways to help her daughter while at the same time, healing herself from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Her research led to developing a line of all natural products and founding Maty's Healthy Products.
Carolyn is now on a mission to empower others by sharing her knowledge. She began writing her blog, 'The Art of Healing' to help others tap into their innate healing abilities.
She is a certified Holistic Health Practitioner, trained in many aspects of natural healing. She is a medical intuitive and an energy healer. Her preferred modalities include custom homeopathic remedies, Bach Flower Therapy, Total Body Analysis (TBA), TAPPING and various other mind/body therapies.
Carolyn has a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Penn State University.