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Antiviral drugs are a class of medication used specifically for treating viral infections. Like antibiotics for bacteria, specific antivirals are used for specific viruses. Unlike antibiotics, antiviral drugs do not destroy their target pathogen; instead they inhibit their development.
Antiviral drugs are one class of antimicrobials, a larger group which also includes antibiotic, antifungal and antiparasitic drugs. They are relatively harmless to the host, and therefore can be used to treat infections. They should be distinguished from viricides, which are not medication but destroy virus particles outside the body.
Most of the antivirals now available are designed to help deal with HIV, herpes viruses (best known for causing cold sores and genital herpes, but actually causing a wide range of diseases), the hepatitis B and C viruses, which can cause liver cancer, and influenza A and B viruses. Researchers are working to extend the range of antivirals to other families of pathogens. Designing safe and effective antiviral drugs is difficult, because viruses use the host's cells to replicate. This makes it difficult to find targets for the drug that would interfere with the virus without also harming the host organism's cells.
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Cold and flu typically affects 20%-50% of the U.S. population each winter. The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Cold and flu are a highly contagious disease, spreading mostly by direct person-to-person contact. Coughing, sneezing or hand to hand contact will easily pass the virus on. The virus can linger in the air for as long as three hours.
Catching a cold or flu requires exposure to bacteria and viruses and a body with a weak immune system. When our immune system is compromised we are more susceptible to the viruses invading our bodies. The “compromise” can come from stress at work, lack of sleep, or other medical conditions.
There are no known cures for the common cold and flu, you can take one of a variety of medications that may help relieve your symptoms. Or you can take the natural approach. Many plants and healing herbs can be used to soothe symptoms of the cold or flu.
Here are some herbs are used to decrease the severity of colds and flu:
1. Echinacea. Echinacea, or purple coneflower, is ) is the best-researched herb for enhancing immune defenses to help prevent respiratory tract infections. Echinacea stimulates the production of white blood cells and makes your body more capable of attacking viruses and fighting colds, coughs, flu and other respiratory conditions. . The minimum effective amount of Echinacea tincture or juice that is necessary to take is 3 ml three times per day. More (3–5 ml every two hours) is generally better and is safe, even for children. Encapsulated herbs may also be effective, generally 300–600 mg capsules three times per day are used. Recent studies indicate that regular use of Echinacea to prevent colds does not work. Therefore, it is currently recommended to limit use of echinacea to the onset of a cold and to use it for only 7 to 10 days consecutively.
2. Garlic. Garlic contains natural anti-biotic and anti-bacterial properties that can help fend off colds and flu. Chop and peel five garlic cloves. Cover with a half a cup of honey. Mix in a little cayenne pepper or ginger. Let sit for at least an hour. Take one teaspoonful as needed. You can also use garlic in cooking whenever you have a cold. Enjoy some garlic in your soup, or you can take it in capsule form.
3. Ginger. Ginger is generally used to treat an upset stomach, but it also works well with the respiratory system. It fights colds by removing congestion, relieving sinus pain and clearing sore throats. Drink a cup of ginger tea several times (at least 3 times) a day. Ginger contains a dozen antiviral compounds. And it tastes good. To make a tea, Cut off a one-inch piece of the fresh root and peel it. Grate it into a mug and pour one cup of boiling water. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. If you use dried ginger powder use 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger per cup. You can season it with honey if you want.
4. Honey Lemon Tea. If you don’t have any of these herbs lying around in your kitchen, then try making this simple tea. Squeeze the juice out of a lemon into a cup of hot water, and add honey to make it less sour. Both honey and lemon are natural agents in soothing a sore throat. Lemons can also cause you to sweat, which helps lower a fever.
5. Peppermint (Mentha piperita). It is a fragrant herb long used in herbal medicine. Peppermint is a valuable expectorant* in the treatment of bronchitis, colds and flu. It reduces fevers by inducing sweating and cooling the body. It is also a painkiller for headaches and some migraines. It is a soothing decongestant and makes an effective inhalation for clearing blocked sinuses. You can either drink it, or put a few tea bags in your bath water. Don’t use in large amounts if pregnant.
6. Cinnamon. Cinnamon flavors your latte and sweetens your toast, but it’s definitely more than a kitchen spice. It’s been used medicinally for thousands of years in preventing infection and fighting poor circulation. Add small amounts of the powder to food. You can also add the powder or a cinnamon stick to an herbal tea.
7. Goldenseal. Goldenseal: In traditional herbal medicine. Goldenseal is both antiseptic and immune stimulating, increasing blood supply to the spleen. The spleen is the bodies staging area for the fighting cells in your immune system. Goldenseal soothes irritated mucous membranes in the throat, making it useful for those experiencing a sore throat with their cold. Goldenseal root extract, capsules, or tablets are typically taken in amounts of 4–6 grams three times per day. Using Goldenseal powder as a tea or tincture may soothe a sore throat.
8. Ginseng. Ginseng is taken mainly to boost energy, stamina, and fighting respiratory viruses. Ginseng is one of Foster’s stalwart cold and flu remedies. Because products vary in potency, follow manufacturers’ dosage recommendations.
9. Elderberry. It is derived from the dark purple berry or from the white to light-yellow flowers of the black or common elder tree. Elderberry, a relative of the blueberry, has been found to have powerful anti-viral properties. An extract of the black elderberries produces beneficial immune actions and helps fight influenza and other respiratory viruses.
10. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It has many properties that can relieve cold and flu symptoms. It’s an anti-inflammatory, demulcent (soothing to sore throats), antispasmodic (to relax tight coughs) and expectorant (expels respiratory mucus). Almost all clinical studies on licorice have been performed in combination with other herbs. Alone, licorice is used primarily to manage gastric complaint.
11. Cayenne pepper. This hot pepper stimulates the circulation and can help to clear sinuses. Used in small amounts, cayenne pepper helps your immune system. Add small amounts to foods or soups when you’re under the weather.
12. Sage. It is a traditional remedy of long standing for soothing sore throats as it has antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. For an inflamed throat and hoarseness use a hot sage infusion or gargle with a sage, apple cider vinegar and honey mix. In feverish conditions, sage is very cooling. Take as a tea or tincture.
13. Thyme. This common kitchen herb is an expectorant, which means it helps your body to produce a more productive cough. To use, prepare a tea with one cup of the dried herb and one cup hot water. Let it steep for fifteen minutes. Strain out the herb and sweeten with honey if needed.
14. Chamomile tea. The herb, Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has been used in medicine for thousands of years. Chamomile is commonly used to help you relax and sleep. It is also good for stomach problems and fevers. For a cold with congestion, inhale the steam of a chamomile extract or cup of tea. Drowsiness can be a side effect of taking Chamomile. Don’t use if you are allergic to ragweed. Also don’t use in large amounts if you are pregnant (more than two cups a day).
15. Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata). Andrographis is a shrub found throughout India and other Asian countries. Traditionally used to treat upper respiratory infections and sinusitis, Andrographis, based on a recent study, showed a reduction in symptoms of coughs, sore throats, headache and fever. If taken during the winter months on a daily basis, Andrographis may prevent upper respiratory tract infections, according to clinical evidence. Take 400 mg 3 times daily with lots of liquids at mealtimes.
16. Yarrow. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and a hot yarrow tea will promote sweating. Many herbalists consider yarrow to be one of the principle herbal remedies for fever, feverish colds and flu. It is often taken in combination with elderflower and peppermint. Or try adding a strong infusion of yarrow and camomile to a warm bath.
17. Slippery Elm. Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) is a remedy from folk medicine that has long been used to treat sore throats. It is available as a tea or lozenge. It has a pleasant taste, making it easy to give to children, and has no known side effects.
18. Boneset. Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) was used by Native Americans to treat fevers. It can also be used homeopathically. In a recent study, homeopathic doses of boneset effectively decreased cold symptoms. Boneset has been traditionally taken as a tea or tincture. To prepare the tea, add boiling water to 1/4-1/2 teaspoon (1-2 grams) of the herb. Allow it to steep covered for ten to fifteen minutes. Three cups (750 ml) a day may be taken (the tea is fairly bitter).
19. Elder flowers. Elder (Sambucus nigra) has been shown to have antiviral and antibacterial activity, according to recent laboratory studies. Mixed in equal parts with peppermint, Elder flowers help reduce the fevers and aches caused by colds and the flu.
20. Peppermint. Peppermints have been used for hundreds of years to help relieve pain and cure illnesses. Its main active agent, menthol, are effective decongestants. Because menthol thins mucus, it is also a good expectorant, meaning that it helps loosen and breaks up coughs with phlegm. When used properly, peppermint oil can help lessen cold and flu symptoms.
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