Infections Archives - Cilantro News

How To Cure Gum Disease Without A Dentist

Pamela Nylander PhD — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 11:32:58 +0000

You will find how to cure gum disease without a dentist in this article.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth.

The mild form of the disease, which is limited to the gums, is called gingivitis^1,2,3.

However, when the disease spreads to deeper tissues, such as connective tissue and bone support, potentially causing bone and tooth loss, it is known as periodontitis^1,2,3.

What causes gum disease?

Dental plaque is a matrix composed of diverse microbes that occurs naturally on the tooth structure^4,5.

In healthy oral conditions, dental plaque and adjacent tissues maintain a delicate balance, establishing a harmonious relationship^4,5.

However, when harmful bacteria prevail, the “healthy” dental plaque becomes “pathogenic,” causing gum disease and dental caries⁴.

The main bacteria causing gum disease are anaerobic bacteria, such as^1,6:

A. actinomycetemcomitans
P. gingivalis
P. intermedia
T. forsythensis

Factors affecting gum disease

Risk factors play a role in an individual’s response to gum infection⁷.

They include^3,7:

Inadequate oral hygiene
Smocking
Alcohol consumption
Diabetes
Heredity, including genetic diseases

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

Symptoms of gum disease are as follows³:

Inflammation
Bleeding during brushing or flossing
Bad breath
Gum pain and tenderness during chewing
Sensitive teeth
Receding gums
Discoloring plaque
Tooth mobility and even tooth loss

Is gum disease reversible?

Gingivitis is reversible^2,3.

By contrast, periodontitis, the form of the disease that results in loss of connective tissue and bone support, is not reversible^2,3.

The treatment below can cure gingivitis and stop the progression of periodontitis.

How to cure gum disease without a dentist

The goal of the treatment is to reduce dental plaque build-up and eliminate the harmful bacteria that make it up.

Here is how to cure gum disease without a dentist³:

Brush and floss your teeth regularly
Quit smoking
Manage diabetes
Rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash

5 Best mouthwashes to cure gum disease without a dentist

Here are the five best antimicrobial mouthwashes to cure gum disease without a dentist:

1. Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a herbaceous plant of the ginger family.

It is the major source of curcumin, a bioactive polyphenol with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties^8,9.

Several studies have reported that curcumin is effective against gum disease⁹.

Moreover, this effect is equivalent to or even higher than commonly used medications, such as chlorhexidine⁹.

How to use turmeric to cure gum disease

Dissolve a teaspoon of turmeric powder in 3.5 oz (100 ml) of distilled water.
Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
Spit out the turmeric mouthwash and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

2. Propolis

Propolis is a resinous substance that bees produce to seal unwanted open spaces in the beehive.

It consists of plant extracts and bee saliva.

Propolis has antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects, among others¹⁰.

Studies have shown that propolis is safe and acts better than standardized treatments for reducing gum disease¹⁰.

How to use propolis to cure gum disease

Swish propolis mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
Spit out the mouthwash and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

3. Neem

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a tropical evergreen tree native to India.

It has extensive antimicrobial activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties¹¹.

A study has revealed that a neem mouthwash reduced gum disease¹².

Besides, it was equally effective as chlorhexidine, a standardized gum disease treatment, with fewer side effects¹².

How to use neem to cure gum disease

Swish neem mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
Spit out the mouthwash and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

4. Coconut oil pulling

Coconut oil pulling is an ancient ayurvedic practice for maintaining oral hygiene^13,14.

It consists in swishing coconut oil around the mouth and then spitting it out¹³.

Virgin coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects^13,15.

A study has reported that coconut oil pulling decreased gum disease starting from day seven¹⁶.

How to use coconut oil pulling to cure gum disease

Swish a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil around your mouth before brushing your teeth for about 20 minutes.
Spit out the coconut oil and rinse your mouth thoroughly with tap water.
It is best not to spit the oil into the sink as it can clog the pipes.

5. Aged garlic extract

Garlic is a bulbous plant that has been used as a spice and in traditional medicine since ancient times^17,18.

It has multiple health benefits, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-protozoal, and antiviral properties¹⁷.

Aged garlic (also known as black garlic) is processed by aging fresh garlic for several weeks at a high temperature¹⁹.

It has a less irritating flavor and a greater antioxidant activity than fresh garlic¹⁹.

A study has shown that aged garlic extract was an effective treatment for preventing or improving gum disease²⁰.

How to use aged garlic to cure gum disease

In this case, the treatment consists of taking tablets instead of swishing a mouthwash.

Take four Kyolic²⁰ tablets (containing each 300 mg of aged garlic extract) in the morning and four in the evening.

When to see your dentist

Gum disease should be treated rapidly as it can lead to systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis²⁰.

See your dentist if you have

Acute tooth pain
Extremely red and swollen gums
Gums that bleed a lot

Your dentist can take X-ray images to determine if the infection has spread to deeper tissues.

He can also redirect you to a dental hygienist, who can mechanically remove your dental plaque.

Summary: How to cure gum disease without a dentist

Gum disease is an inflammation of the tissues that hold your teeth together.

An overabundance of harmful bacteria in dental plaque causes periodontal disease.

Modifiable risk factors, such as lifestyle, and non-modifiable risk factors, like age and genetics, play a role in an individual’s response to gum infection.

Here is how to cure gum disease without a dentist:

Brush and floss your teeth regularly
Quit smoking
Manage diabetes
Rinse your mouth with one of the five mentioned mouthwashes

The post How To Cure Gum Disease Without A Dentist appeared first on Cilantro News.

What Is The Strongest Natural Antibiotic For Tooth Infection?

Pamela Nylander PhD — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 10:09:07 +0000

Find the 10 best home remedies, including the strongest natural antibiotic, for tooth infection in this article.

What is a tooth infection?

A tooth infection (or dental infection) is an infection that originates in the tooth or its supporting structure¹.

Tooth infections usually occur when bacteria invade the dental pulp and spread to surrounding tissues¹.

Dental caries, trauma, or dental procedures commonly cause tooth infections¹.

What are the symptoms of a tooth infection?

The symptoms of a tooth infection include²:

Pain
Fever
Inability to fully open one’s mouth
Swelling
Redness

Which bacteria cause tooth infection?

Dental plaque (a biofilm) contains microorganisms and occurs naturally on the teeth after eating¹.

However, a microorganism imbalance can lead to enamel demineralization and tooth infection¹.

Although most tooth infections involve several types of microbes, the primary cause of dental caries is Streptococcus mutans^1,3.

This bacteria can enter the bloodstream during dental procedures¹.

What are natural antibiotics?

An antibiotic is an agent that kills bacteria or prevents their growth⁴.

We will use the words “natural antibiotics” to designate any herb that has antibacterial effects.

Unlike synthetic antibiotics, natural antibiotics do not cause resistance and toxicity⁵.

They boost your immune system, owing to their rich content of antioxidants⁵.

10 Strongest natural antibiotics for tooth infection

Here are the 10 best home remedies, including the strongest natural antibiotic, for tooth infection:

1. Coconut oil pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient ayurvedic practice for maintaining oral hygiene^6,7.

It consists in swishing virgin coconut oil around the mouth and then spitting it out⁶.

Coconut oil contains lauric acid and monolaurin, two compounds with antimicrobial properties^6,8.

As such, coconut oil has natural antibiotic effects against numerous bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans^6,7.

Studies have shown that coconut oil pulling prevents tooth infection by reducing dental plaque^6,7.

How to practice oil pulling

Swish a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil around the mouth before brushing your teeth for about 20 minutes.
Spit out the coconut oil and wash your mouth thoroughly with tap water.
It is best not to spit the oil into the sink as it can clog the pipes.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is an herbaceous plant native to South Asia.

Its root is one of the strongest natural antibiotics for tooth infection.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a phenolic pigment with strong antibacterial activity⁹.

Curcumin kills multiple bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans^10,11.

How to use turmeric for tooth infection

Dissolve a teaspoon of turmeric powder in 3.5 oz (100 ml) of distilled water.
Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
Spit out the turmeric mouthwash and wash your mouth thoroughly with water.

3. Garlic

Garlic is a plant that grows from a bulb consisting of several cloves.

Humans have cultivated garlic since ancient times for its usage as a food ingredient and in traditional medicine¹².

Garlic cloves are natural antibiotics that can be used for tooth infections.

The antibacterial activity of garlic is attributed to sulfur compounds, such as allicin and ajoenes¹³.

Furthermore, researchers have shown that garlic mouthwash is effective against Streptococcus mutans bacteria¹⁴.

How to use garlic for tooth infection

Grate 1/2 of a peeled garlic clove
Mix it with 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water.
Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
Spit out the garlic mouthwash and wash your mouth thoroughly with water.

4. Thyme

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a Mediterranean herb commonly used as a spice and medicinal herb.

It is well-known for treating conditions associated with winters, such as colds, flues, and other respiratory illnesses.

Thanks to its content of thymol and carvacrol, thyme is one of the strongest natural antibiotics¹⁵.

Moreover, thyme mouthwash kills Streptococcus mutans bacteria involved in tooth infections¹⁶.

How to use thyme for tooth infection

Boil 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water, then remove from heat.
Soak 40 grams (1/2 cup) of thyme leaves in the water for 1 hour.
Remove the leaves using a sieve.
Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.

5. Echinacea

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) is a flowering plant native to North America.

This medicinal herb enhances the immune system by stimulating the production of immune cells¹⁷.

Echinacea also has prominent natural antibiotic properties against various bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans¹⁸.

The main bioactive compounds present in Echinacea angustifolia are alkyl amides and caffeic acid^19,20.

How to use echinacea for tooth infection

Mix 20 drops of Echinacea tincture in 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water.
Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
Spit out the mouthwash and wash your mouth thoroughly with water.

6. Sage

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an evergreen shrub with purple flowers native to the Mediterranean region.

It has a long history as both a culinary and medicinal herb.

Sage has natural antibiotic attributes against numerous bacteria^21,22.

Moreover, sage extract mouthwash reduces Streptococcus mutans dental plaque bacteria²³.

The major bioactive compounds are camphor, thujone, and cineole^24,25.

How to use sage for tooth infection

Boil 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water, then remove from heat.
Soak 40 grams (1/2 cup) of sage leaves in the water for 1 hour.
Remove the leaves using a sieve.
Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.

7. Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a flowering shrub with needle-like leaves native to the Mediterranean region.

It is used in cooking and traditional medicine.

Rosemary has natural antibiotic activity against numerous bacteria²¹.

It also eliminates Streptococcus mutans, the primary cause of tooth infection²⁶.

The antibacterial activity of rosemary is mainly attributed to monoterpenes, such as cineol and camphor²⁷.

How to use rosemary for tooth infection

Boil 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water, then remove from heat.
Soak 40 grams (1/2 cup) of rosemary in the water for 1 hour.
Remove the leaves using a sieve.
Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.

8. Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is an herbaceous plant native to North America.

It has natural antibiotic effects against a variety of bacteria²⁸.

Goldenseal is high in berberine, an alkaloid with antibacterial properties²⁹.

Berberine shows antimicrobial activity against tooth infection-inducing bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans³⁰.

How to use goldenseal for tooth infection

Mix 20 drops of goldenseal tincture in 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water.
Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
Spit out the mouthwash and wash your mouth thoroughly with water.

9. Oregano

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region.

It is a medicinal and culinary herb.

Oregano has natural antibiotic activities against a wide range of bacteria³¹.

In particular, oregano has anti-biofilm and antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans bacteria involved in tooth infection³².

Limonene and myrcene are the most effective constituents of oregano oil³².

How to use oregano for tooth infection

Boil 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water, then remove from heat.
Soak 40 grams (1/2 cup) of oregano in the water for 1 hour.
Remove the leaves using a sieve.
Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.

10. Neem

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a fast-growing tree native to India and Africa.

Different parts of the plant have been used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine for millennia³³.

Neem is also utilized as a natural pesticide and fertilizer³³.

Besides, it has antimicrobial attributes against multiple bacteria³³.

Also, neem has natural antibiotic and anti-biofilm actions against bacteria causing tooth infection, including Streptococcus mutans^33,34.

The most abundant bioactive compound found within neem is azadirachtin, a limonoid³³.

How to use neem for tooth infection

Mix 20 drops of neem seed oil in 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water.
Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
Spit out the mouthwash and wash your mouth thoroughly with water.

What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection?

Goldenseal is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection.

Thanks to its high content of berberine, it prevents bacteria from pumping toxins out of their cells and become resistant^35,36.

How long can a tooth infection go untreated?

Severe tooth infections can lead to complications, such as respiratory distress, difficulty in swallowing, or sepsis¹.

Therefore, it is important to consult a dentist when suffering from a tooth infection.

The natural antibiotics mentioned above are remedies to prevent caries or to be taken while waiting to see your dentist.

Summary: What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection

The primary cause of tooth infections is the bacteria Streptococcus mutans.

Natural antibiotics eliminate bacteria by boosting the immune system.

As such, they do not cause resistance or toxicity.

Here are the 10 strongest natural antibiotics for tooth infection:

Coconut oil
Turmeric
Garlic
Thyme
Echinacea
Sage
Rosemary
Goldenseal
Oregano
Neem

What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection? Goldenseal is the best home remedy for tooth infection.

The post What Is The Strongest Natural Antibiotic For Tooth Infection? appeared first on Cilantro News.

7 Strongest Natural Antibiotics

Pamela Nylander PhD — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 12:41:18 +0000

You will find the 7 strongest natural antibiotics in this article.

What is an antibiotic?

An antibiotic is an agent that kills bacteria or prevents their growth¹.

Microorganisms synthesize this substance as a defense mechanism².

For example, a fungus produces the antibiotic penicillin³.

Besides, synthetic antibiotics are made based on the structure of this substance⁴.

Drawbacks of antibiotics

Antibiotics may cause adverse events, side effects, and antibiotic resistance¹.

Side effects include diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain, and skin rash⁵.

What is a natural antibiotic?

In the medical field, a natural antibiotic is an antibacterial substance produced by a microorganism as opposed to a synthetic antibiotic made artificially⁴.

In this article, we will use the words “natural antibiotic” to designate any plant that has antibacterial effects.

Advantages of natural antibiotics

Medicinal herbs are a good alternative to synthetic antibiotics.

Indeed, plants produce various phytochemicals that are involved in their defense mechanism⁶.

These molecules have beneficial effects on human health, including antioxidant and antimicrobial properties⁶.

They help your body kill bacteria by boosting your immune system⁶.

As such, natural antibiotics do not cause bacterial resistance and toxicity in the digestive system and kidneys⁶.

7 Strongest natural antibiotics

Here are the 7 strongest natural antibiotics.

You can use them orally or topically for bacterial infections, including food poisoning, sore throat, and acne.

1. Thyme

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a flowering plant native to southern Europe.

It is known to relieve a sore throat and cough. Thyme is also a common herb used in Mediterranean cooking.

Studies have shown that thyme essential oil displays activity against numerous bacteria, including^7,8,9,10

Escherichia coli
Listeria monocytogenes
Salmonella species
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus pyogenes

Thyme essential oil is also effective against several antibiotic-resistant strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)^7,9,11.

It is, therefore, one of the strongest natural antibiotics.

2. Sage

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an evergreen shrub with purple flowers native to the Mediterranean region.

Like thyme, sage is used to treat colds and flu during the winter.

Research has reported that sage essential oil and extract is a natural antibiotic against various bacteria, including^12,13,14

Escherichia coli
Salmonella typhi and S. enteritidis
Shigella sonnei and S. flexneri
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus mutans

Sage is amongst the strongest natural antibiotics.

Its antibacterial effects against P. vulgaris, S. flexneri, S. sonnei, S. typhi, and S. aureus is similar to or stronger than synthetic antibiotics¹³.

Moreover, sage is effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria strains¹¹.

3. Oregano

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a flowering plant with opposite leaves native to the Mediterranean region.

It is a popular pizza seasoning herb, owing to its sweet and earthy aroma.

Studies have revealed that oregano essential oil has natural antibiotic properties against bacteria, such as^10,15,16,17

Escherichia coli
Listeria monocytogenes
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Salmonella enterica
Staphylococcus saprophyticus and S. aureus

Moreover, oregano essential oil has antibacterial activity against several multi-drug resistant strains, including MRSA^9,11.

Also, researchers have found that oregano oil reduced a third-degree burn bacterial infection within an hour¹⁷.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a flowering shrub with needle-like leaves native to the Mediterranean region.

It is a medicinal and culinary herb. Rosemary is one of the most suitable herbs for flavoring a ratatouille.

The essential oil and extract of rosemary have natural antibiotic effects against bacteria, such as^12,18,19,20

Escherichia coli
Listeria monocytogenes
Salmonella choleraesuis, S. typhi, and S. enteritidis
Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis
Streptococcus mutans

Besides, rosemary essential oil has antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant strains, including MRSA^21,22.

It is, therefore, amongst the strongest natural antibiotics.

5. Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is an herbaceous plant native to North America.

It is a good source of alkaloids (such as berberine and hydrastine), which makes it beneficial to health²³.

Goldenseal is also a “bitter herb”. Bitter herbs stimulate the production of saliva, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes, optimizing digestion.

The extract of goldenseal has natural antibiotic activity against the following bacteria²⁴:

Escherichia coli
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus sanguis
Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Furthermore, goldenseal has antibacterial properties against several strains of MRSA²⁵.

It reduces the ability of bacteria to pump toxins out of their cells and become resistant^23,25.

6. Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a flowering plant that grows from a bulb. The bulb consists of several odoriferous cloves.

Since ancient times, humans have used garlic cloves as a food flavoring and traditional medicine²⁶.

Studies have reported that garlic has natural antibiotic activity against bacteria, such as²⁷

Escherichia coli
Listeria monocytogenes
Salmonella species
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus species

A study found that garlic is effective against several multi-drug resistant bacterial strains, including MRSA²⁷.

Moreover, sulfur compounds present in garlic show antibiofilm activity²⁷.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant native to South Asia²⁸.

It is used as a spice in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking²⁸.

Besides, it has a very long history of medicinal use, dating back nearly 4000 years²⁸.

Turmeric has natural antibiotic effects against multiple bacteria, including^29,30

Escherichia coli
Pseudomonas aerigunosa
Salmonella typhi
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus faecalis

The antibacterial effect of turmeric compares favorably with standard antibiotics²⁹.

Moreover, turmeric displays antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant strains, including MRSA³¹.

Besides, it has antibiofilm properties, making it one of the strongest natural antibiotics³¹.

What is the strongest natural antibiotic?

The efficacy of natural antibiotics varies according to de type of bacteria studied.

For example, a study reported that thyme had stronger antibacterial properties than oregano against multidrug-resistant E. coli, K. oxytoca, and pneumoniae strains¹¹.

Another study, on the contrary, found that oregano showed a greater antimicrobial effect against S. enteritidis and thyphimurium, S. aureus, MRSA, E. coli, and B. cereus compared to thyme⁹.

In addition, the composition of essential oils depends on several factors, including harvesting season and geographical source⁹.

How to use natural antibiotics

Drink/eat the following mixture or apply it to the wound with a cotton pad.

Tincture

Mix 10 drops of the tincture with water.

Essential oil

Mix 3 drops of the essential oil with a teaspoon of raw honey.

Turmeric powder

Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with water.

Garlic

Crush or grate half a clove of garlic.

Summary: 7 Strongest natural antibiotics

Medicinal herbs are a good alternative to synthetic antibiotics.

They produce phytochemicals that have antimicrobial properties.

Natural antibiotics help your body to eliminate bacteria by boosting your immune system.

As such, they do not cause bacterial resistance and toxicity.

The 7 strongest natural antibiotics are the following:

Thyme
Sage
Oregano
Rosemary
Goldenseal
Garlic
Turmeric

The post 7 Strongest Natural Antibiotics appeared first on Cilantro News.

What Kills Viruses Naturally? Top 5 Herbs

Pamela Nylander PhD — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 08:05:34 +0000

What kills viruses naturally? You will find the top 5 antiviral herbs in this article.

Viral infections

Viruses are the most important cause of infectious disease and mortality worldwide¹.

Since ancient times, herbs have been used as natural remedies for viral infections.

Many herbs contain, namely, active biological substances with antiviral activity.

Top 5 herbs that kill viruses naturally

Here are the top 5 herbs that kill viruses naturally:

1. Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant in the Zingiberaceae family.

Its rhizome is widely used as a spice, especially in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Studies have shown that turmeric kills viruses naturally.

Turmeric contains curcumin

The main bioactive compound of turmeric is curcumin, an antioxidant¹.

It is the yellow pigment in turmeric, which gives curry powder its vibrant color and flavor²^,³.

Laboratory studies have shown that curcumin has antiviral activity against the following viruses:

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV)⁴
Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3)⁵^,⁶
Dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2)⁷
Enterovirus 71 (EV71)⁸
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)⁶
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)⁹
Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2)¹⁰^,¹¹^,¹²
HIV-1²^,¹¹^,¹³^,¹⁴
Human papillomavirus (HPV)¹⁵^,¹⁶
Influenza A virus (IAV)¹⁷^,¹⁸
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)¹⁹
Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)²⁰
Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)⁴
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV)²¹
Zika virus (ZIKV)⁴

2. St. John’s wort

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant in the Hypericaceae family.

It is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced into the United States²².

The name of this herb may have arisen as the flowers bloom around St. John’s Day (June 24)²².

St. John’s wort kills viruses

St. John’s wort is known for its medicinal properties, including its antidepressant, antiviral and antibacterial effects²².

These activities are mainly attributable to hypericin and hyperforin, two phytochemicals²²^,²³.

St. John’s wort or its constituent hypericin has proven effective against many viral diseases, including:

Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2)²⁴
HIV-1²⁵^,²⁶^,²⁷
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV)²⁸
Influenza A virus (IAV)²⁹^,³⁰
Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)³¹

3. Echinacea

Another herb that kills viruses naturally is Echinacea.

Echinacea purpurea is a flowering plant in the sunflower family. It is native to North America.

This medicinal herb is well known for enhancing the immune system by stimulating the production of immune cells³²^,³³.

Furthermore, Echinacea purpurea has antiviral activity against:

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)³⁴^,³⁵^,³⁶
Human papillomavirus (HPV)³⁷
Influenza A virus (IAV)³⁶^,³⁸
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)³⁶
Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)³⁹

4. Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) also has prominent antiviral properties.

It is a perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae family native to Canada and the United States.

Goldenseal contains berberine

Goldenseal is a rich source of isoquinoline alkaloids, including berberine and hydrastine.

Berberine has activity against multiple parasites, including tapeworm, viruses, and candida infection⁴⁰^,⁴¹.

Besides, this compound has remarkable medicinal activities, including antidepressant, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects⁹.

Goldenseal or its constituent berberine kills the following viruses naturally:

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV)⁴²
Dengue virus (DENV)⁴²
Enterovirus (EV71)⁹
Epstein Barr virus (EBV)⁴³
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)⁹^,⁴⁴
Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2)⁹
HIV-1⁹^,⁴⁵
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)⁹
Human papillomavirus (HPV)⁹
Influenza A virus (IAV)⁴⁶
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)⁹
Zika virus (ZIKV)⁴²^,⁴⁷

5. Red marine algae

Red marine algae (Rhodophyta) is a group of algae that grows predominantly in the ocean⁴⁸.

It comprises more than 7000 different species, such as dulse (Palmaria palmata) and Lithothamnion glaciale⁴⁸.

Red algae are a rich source of antioxidants, including polyphenols and red pigments called phycobiliproteins, which give them their red color⁴⁸^,⁴⁹^,⁵⁰.

They are also high in minerals (iodine), vitamins, proteins, fatty acids, and chlorophyll⁵¹^,⁵².

Moreover, polysaccharides, such as carrageenan or fucan, found in red algae possess antiviral attributes⁵².

Red algae kill viruses

Algae have multiple health benefits, including anticancer, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and inflammatory activities⁵¹^,⁵².

Red marine algae have a long history of use as a medicinal herb⁵¹.

They show antiviral activity against the following viruses:

Dengue virus (DENV)⁵²
Hepatitis A virus [HAV]⁵²
Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2)⁵²^,⁵³^,⁵⁴
HIV-1 and HIV-2⁵²
Human papillomavirus (HPV)⁵²
Human rhinovirus (HRV)⁵²
Influenza A and B viruses (IAV, IBV)⁵²^,⁵⁴

Summary: What kills viruses naturally? Top 5 herbs

Viral infections play an important role in human diseases.

Drugs and vaccines have been developed to overcome this problem.

However, there remains a great need for the improvement of these therapies.

What kills viruses naturally? Plants are a rich source of active antiviral agents.

Here are the top 5 antiviral herbs:

Turmeric
St. John’s wort
Echinacea
Goldenseal
Red marine algae

The post What Kills Viruses Naturally? Top 5 Herbs appeared first on Cilantro News.