Can Herbal Medicine Be Used to Fight the Wuhan Coronavirus? As of today’s date, there is relatively little danger in the United States of being infected with 2019-nCoV. That is UNLESS you have recently traveled to China or have been in close contact with someone who has been exposed. This may, however, change rapidly in the coming weeks. Many Herbs have antiviral properties, and we wanted to include that information so people can make informed choices.
It is everyone’s responsibility to verify information and take charge of their own health. But sometimes it helps to have some research pulled together for you. This is what we are trying to do here.
While research into the Wuhan coronavirus 2019-nCoV is underway, there are as yet no specific treatments for this coronavirus. A vaccine will take months for development, and for safety trials. And currently, diagnostic testing for 2019-nCoV can be conducted only at CDC, although development of a diagnostic lab test is in process.
For the time being, it may be wise to stay on top of the news, travel locally, avoid large crowds, and follow tried and true methods of disease prevention.
These can be found in the box below.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.
- Don’t forget to disinfect doorknobs, telephones, light switches, refrigerator door handles, microwave handles and buttons, and computer keypads, etc.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Keep hand sanitizer in the car for use after you pump gas, pick up fast food, and so on.
At this time, the CDC isn’t recommending widespread use of masks.
But that may also change in the coming weeks. If you are sick, and have to go out, please use a mask. You never know who you may be exposing to germs! Someone with a compromised immune system could be affected far worse than most.
It is also a good idea to wear a mask if you are around someone who is sick. At least have some on hand in the case of a widespread outbreak. This can definitely help and can go in your first aid kit for future use if you don’t need them.
Coronavirus, flu, and other upper respiratory infections can spread through air droplets. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
As you probably know, many plants used in herbal medicine contain antiviral properties.
For example, most of us have heard of Elderberry and perhaps used it for a cold or even flu. But, keep in mind that while a plant can help prevent illness and promote overall wellness, it may not be the entire solution. However, herbal remedies can be powerful when used appropriately! And they have been used successfully for thousands of years.
Furthermore, there is no treatment in conventional medicine developed specifically for the Wuhan coronavirus 2019-nCoV. The antivirals we do have were developed for other viruses. They have not been put to the test against the Wuhan coronavirus. Though they may prove valuable when tried.
I think, in addition to hand-washing and other precautions, the best thing you can do for your family is to make sure they are healthy. Make sure you all are getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, and adding immune support that may include Vitamins and Herbs.
So, what about Elderberry? You have probably seen it in the health aisle at Walmart, Walgreens, etcetera. I love the cough drops.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is perhaps one of the most well-known and respected herbal antivirals. It is known to work well in the treatment of cold and influenza viruses. as well as other upper respiratory infections like sinusitis. It also fights against other viruses such as herpes, shingles, Epstein-Barr and HIV. Elderberry is proven to shorten the duration of colds and flu and to prevent infection. It promotes sweating, which helps to reduce fever. Sweating is also the best way for your body to remove toxins.
Elderberry leaves are an expectorant. So it thins and reduces mucous, enabling the body to get rid of it. It relieves coughs and congestion. And it is immune-enhancing. This is because it contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, bioflavonoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds. Not to mention beta-carotene, iron, potassium, and phytosterols.
But, will Elderberry work against coronavirus 2019-nCoV? Perhaps.
No one can tell you for sure, but its proven antiviral action and immune-stimulating components may be a valuable resource for your family. In addition to Elderberry Syrup, Elderberry is available as lozenges, liquid, capsules, and in teas.
However, according to GreenMedInfo, there are a number of plants that have been scientifically tested against the SARS coronavirus (a related virus) and have been proven to be somewhat effective.
In a later post, we will provide more information on some of those plants.
Please note that our listing antiviral herbs and mentioning natural remedies are not a prescription for and are not an endorsement of, those products. But provided so that you can make better choices for you and your family based on knowledge of these and conventional treatments.
And you can also find some other health tips in our health and fitness category to the left, or click here. I also have a post on my home page with information on the Corona Virus.
This post was written and compiled by L.H.R. ( I may have edited a couple of paragraphs to make it work for this blog, so any errors are entirely mine.)
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