Antiviral Herbs for EBV (Ebstein-Barr Virus)
In November, we wrote a blog about the silent virus behind mono, EBV, or Epstein-Barr Virus. Most people are unaware of the dangers of EBV, as well as the host of diseases and illnesses that it’s a contributing factor to.
As quoted in the blog, “For every human illness, there exists a plant which is the cure.” (Rudolf Steiner). After thoughtful research and consideration, we have found an herbal formula that offers some hope to the EBV dilemma. Herbal AVR.
It should be noted, this is not a sales ad, but rather a formula that we have researched and have every reason to believe in the validity of. Scot has done the leg work, in terms of examining the research, and also has first hand knowledge of using this product. Scot is also an herbalist, so he can verify the ingredients, as well as answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Herbal AVR (Anti-Virus) is a combination of several herbs that work as antivirals in the body. Please read below to find out more about Herbal AVR. The following was taken from the clinic manual for Evergreen Herbs.
Herbal AVR can be used to treat the following:
Viral infections including the common cold, influenza (flu), oral herpes, genital herpes, herpes zoster (shingles), Epstein-Barr virus, viral hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis (mono), chickenpox, viral gastroenteritis, and viral pneumonia
Chronic, unresolved viral infections: chronic unexplained fatigue, continued weight loss, low-grade fever, night sweats and chills, vague body aches and pain
From an Eastern and Western perspective, here are the benefits:
Western Therapeutic Actions
* Antiviral effect to inhibit viral replication
* Virucidal effect to kill viruses
* Immunostimulant to enhance the immune system
Eastern Therapeutic Actions
* Releases wind-heat, clears deficiency heat
* Eliminates toxic heat
* Nourishes yin
* Tonifies qi and enhances the wei (defensive) qi
Viral infections become a problem when the host’s protective immune mechanisms are compromised. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), treating viral infections requires three strategies. First, use herbs to clear wind-heat and toxic heat. Second, tonify qi and enhance the body’s immune system. Third, tonify yin to address symptoms of yin-deficient fire, such as low-grade fever in cases of chronic viral infections.
Herbal HVR contains herbs to clear wind-heat and eliminate toxins, relieve sore throat, fever, and swollen glands, and regulate qi circulation. Many of the herbs also show an excellent antiviral effect. Additionally, they work to strengthen the Spleen and boost the immune system. It all comes together in a balanced formula to address acute and chronic viral infections.
Of course, your lifestyle choices also impact your health. Below are suggestions from Evergreen Herbs to keep in mind to make the most of your health:
Nutrition:
- Always eat breakfast! According to the TCM clock, the most optimal time for the digestive system is in the morning from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid sugar: any and all foods containing sugar such as cake, dessert, candy, chocolate, canned juice, soft drinks, stevia, sugar substitutes, agave, xylitol, and corn syrup.
- Avoid raw or cold food/beverages such as sashimi, sushi, salads, steak tartar, and seared meat. Eat all cooked vegetables and nothing straight from the refrigerator.
- Avoid carbohydrates like white rice or bread as they may damage the Spleen and in turn produce more dampness.
- No seafood, especially shellfish like crabs, oyster, scallops, clams, lobster and shrimp (they enter the yangming Stomach channel). This is especially the case if suffering from skin disorder.
- Avoid fermented foods like cheese or fermented tofu.
- No dairy, including milk, cream, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. Dairy products in general tend to create dampness and therefore should be consumed less. Milk, cheese and other dairy products should be avoided, especially if patients are lactose intolerant.
- Avoid deep-fried or greasy foods. No lamb, beef, goose or duck.
- Most melons (winter melon, watermelon, etc.), nightshades (eggplant, potato, bell and spicy peppers, tomato), bitter melon, seaweed, cucumber, grapefruit, papaya, and pineapple are too cold for the Spleen. Therefore, it’s best to eat sparingly or not at all.
- Avoid the following fruits that are bad for the Spleen because they are cold in nature: plums, citrus, guava, pineapple, papaya, watermelon, honeydew.
- Avoid certain fruits like mango and durian that have heat producing effect, which aggravates the condition.
- Avoid spicy foods and stimulants like coffee, alcohol, and energy drinks.
- Avoid spicy/pungent/aromatic vegetables such as pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, fennel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili pepper, wasabi, and cardamom.
- Avoid foods and drinks with artificial coloring.
- Consume as few meat products as possible. Do not eat processed meats, such as lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages, as they contain nitrites that are associated with inflammation and chronic disease.
- Sleep by 10:00 p.m. In TCM, 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. is when the yin shifts to yang. It is crucial for the body to be at rest during this time for optimal health. There is no better way to restore or enhance the immune system other than resting and sleeping before 10:00 p.m.
- Afternoon naps for about 30 minutes are also recommended.
Another resource that we found is the book Medical Medium, by Anthony William. According to Anthony, there are several foods and herbs with healing properties:
Healing Foods:
*Wild Berries, Celery, Sprouts, Asparagus, Spinach, Cilantro, Parsley, Coconut Oil, Garlic, Ginger, Raspberries, Lettuce, Papayas, Apricots, Pomegranate, Grapefruit, Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Cucumber, Fennel
Herbs and supplements:
*Cat’s Claw, Silver hydrosol, Zinc, B12, Licorice root, lemon balm, Selenium, Red marine algae, L-lysine, Spirulina (Hawaiian), Ester-C, Nettle Leaf, Monolaurin, Elderberry, Red Clover, Star anise, Curcumin
When gathering your grocery list or looking to buy something when you’re ill, consider the above list before reaching for OTC drugs that simply mask the symptoms instead of addressing the underlying issue at hand. If you have any questions about herbs and natural solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Scot; he’s a tremendous resource!
