One has to wonder why India doesn’t fall victim to many viruses at anywhere near the level other countries do. The weather? Sure warmth and saltwater in the air certainly help. But can this really fully explain why the country that BORDERS China, and is MORE densely populated than even the “birth country” of COVID-19, has but .1 (that’s POINT one) cases per million people. Italy, for example, has 292.1 cases per million people. (as of this writing) Things that make you go …. hmm.
Back in 2012, a study confirmed that tumeric (a primary component of curry), effectively stopped the deadly Rift Valley fever virus from multiplying. Further studies published in 2019 again found anti-viral properties in curcumin, a key active ingredient in tumeric, showing it to fight influenza virus, hepatitis C virus, HIV and strains of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas.
Wait … what !? Spices (and herbs!) may be the key in building our innate immunity against not just bacterial infection, but VIRAL? Who’d have thunk it? :) Quite a few very reflective and intelligent people, actually. Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of medicine, said: “Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” He also implied, though not a direct quote – “first, do no harm.” The beauty of using food to prevent and help disease is just that – hardly ever do they cause any harm. Speaking of ancient wisdom, if you are a fan of the Bible, all sorts of fruits, veggies, plants, seeds, and herbs seem to have dominated the original menu. The idea of “leaves for healing” is also referenced there, physically and metaphorically. (herbs are the leafy part of plants).
No, I’m not a vegan personally, though I have zero problem with those who are. I eat meat and have my reasons, sources, and “defenses” for doing so, lol. But you can’t deny the myriad of benefits associated with diets filled with plant-based foods. Mayo Clinic certainly doesn’t, and I wouldn’t exactly call that establishment a “hippie” group :)
All that said, can “natural” stuff really do ANYTHING against things like viruses? Do some digging through the years of research and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the benefits you’ll find against infections that hurt both humans and animals:
- Astragalus fights herpes viruses, hepatitis C, and avian influenza H9.
- Basil fights herpes viruses, hepatitis B, and enterovirus.
- Cinnamon fights HIV, adenovirus, baculovirus, and herpes.
- Dandelion fights hepatitis B, HIV, and influenza.
- Echinacea fights herpes and influenza while boosting other immune responses.
- Fennel fights herpes viruses and respiratory-infection-causing parainfluenza type-3 (PI-3).
- Garlic fights influenza A and B, HIV, HSV-1, viral pneumonia, and rhinovirus.
- Ginger fights avian influenza, RSV, and feline calicivirus (FCV).
- Ginseng fights hepatitis B, norovirus, and coxsackieviruses.
- Lemon Balm fights avian influenza (bird flu), herpes viruses, HIV-1, and enterovirus 71.
- Licorice fights HIV, RSV, herpes viruses, and severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV) (yes, same family)
- Oregano fights murine norovirus (MNV), herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), rotavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- Peppermint fights respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- Rosemary fights herpes viruses, HIV, influenza, and hepatitis.
- Sage fights human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), HSV-1, and Indiana vesiculovirus.
- Sambucus (elderberry) fights upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections.
- Olive Leaf fights influenza, herpes, polio, and coxsackie viruses.
And to come full circle, last but CERTAINLY not least is perhaps the “secret” of India:
Tumeric (curcumin) fights Rift Valley fever virus, influenza virus, hepatitis C virus, HIV, and strains of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas. Warning: it has also proven to significantly reduce gallstones, and even slows degradation of the nervous system in diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.
Now regarding COVID-19 coronavirus. It’s quite possible that none of these will do anything for you. But, I’d be very skeptical of anyone that would dare make such bold blanket statement, especially considering the wealth of evidence amassed regarding the effects of these compounds against other viruses, some of whom inhabit the same family.
What’s the worst case scenario of including these in your diet? You will be much healthier, have a much stronger immune system … and if none of these end up working to ward off specific targeted threats … well you’ll just have to deal with all the terrible side effects of improved blood flow, less pain, heightened energy, reduced inflammation, and improved digestion … among others :)
(*Of course check to see if any of these might interact with any medications you may be on, and be careful if pregnant or nursing).
