The concept of antiviral herbs is not a new one – for centuries, people have been combating disease with plant remedies that were known to improve health. Today, this form of natural medicine is still practiced alongside modern forms of treatment and can prove valuable when there are no pharmaceutical solutions. HPV, with no known cure, is a virus that can be treated with antiviral herbs for improved chances of success.
HPV
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a type of viral infection that can cause genital warts or cervical cancer, among a range of other health problems. There are over 100 different strains of the virus, and it is most commonly sexually transmitted.
In many cases, a person can be infected with HPV but not even know that they have the disease. These asymptomatic infections are still contagious and just as easily transmissible, meaning that care should always be taken. HPV is one of the most common STDs in America, and it is believed that 79 million Americans have some form of the virus.
Antiviral herbs
The term “antiviral herb” is given to any herb that displays the ability to support the body’s natural immune system in preventing illness, and helping to fight any viruses when they do infect the body. Natural health remedies are not always as powerful as pharmaceutical alternatives and in many cases, there is less research to prove their benefits. Despite this, they are still useful. In many communities today, traditional forms of medicine are favored over pharmaceutical options, and herbal remedies offer significant protection and care for a range of health conditions.
The role of antiviral herbs in HPV infection
Currently, there is no pharmaceutical cure for HPV. If an individual gets infected with the virus it is possible to treat the symptoms, but there is no way to rid the body of the virus. The immune system must do that, by developing the right antibodies to fight the virus, and prevent it causing any physical damage. In most cases, HPV infections are gone from the body within 2 years.
Taking antiviral herbs will not cure HPV immediately, but they can provide the body with much-needed support in the event of an infection. Some of the most common herbs that have been found to help support the body in getting rid of an HPV infection include:
- Echinacea
Echinacea is a well-known herb that is used to treat a number of different health conditions after first being used by the Native American Great Plains tribes. Echinacea is useful in fighting off colds, the flu, and viral infections such as tonsillitis and urinary tract infections. It can also be used to treat skin conditions such as warts, which are a symptom of some strains of HPV.
- Astragalus
Astragalus is a herb that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. This herb contains anti-inflammatory properties, as well as boost the immune system in general, making them stronger in order to fight viral infections such as HPV. Astralagus has also been shown to help prevent cancer, which is incredibly important for people who have more severe strains of HPV.
- Camelia Sinensis
Camelia Sinensis is the plant that different types of tea are made from, most notably green tea. Drinking green tea made from this plant is believed to help prevent the growth of potentially cancerous cells in the cervix, reducing the risk of cervical cancer. This herbal remedy has also been found to be successful in treating genital warts when used in the form of a topical cream.
- Goldenseal Root
Goldenseal root is one of the most common medicinal herbs in the United States. This plant has been known to restore the vagina to a healthy balance, reducing the risk of HPV developing significant physical symptoms such as genital warts or cervical cancer. It also helps to generally boost the immune system, helping to fight against viruses by increasing the immune system’s production of immunoglobulin, which helps to reduce the presence of an infection in the body.
- Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract comes from olive tree leaves and contains oleuropein. This is an active ingredient that is known to have a number of general health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help to strengthen the immune system, speeding up the body’s response to a viral infection such as HPV. There is some evidence to show that olive leaf extract can also help to kill cervical cancer cells (apoptosis), preventing cancerous cells from developing and spreading.
Antiviral Herb Supplements
One of the most convenient methods of taking antiviral herbs to help boost the immune system is through supplements. There is a range of different options available, each designed to offer the body specific support, providing the herbal nutrients that may be lacking in the average diet. Taking a supplement that is designed to aid the body in fighting HPV is one of the best ways to ensure the immune system is functioning as well as possible.
Supplements such as Papillex contain astragalus, camellia sinensis, as well as various other nutrients that have been shown to help support the body and help the immune system respond to HPV naturally.
Take antiviral herbs
In many cases an HPV infection will not cause any physical symptoms – many people are not even aware that they are infected. It is because of this that it may be a good idea to incorporate antiviral herbs into a consistent diet, as there are no negative effects of consuming antiviral herbs. Although antiviral herbs should not be considered a preventative measure against HPV, they can definitely help to reduce the risk of experiencing severe problems that arise from the virus. Not only do antiviral herbs help when dealing directly with an HPV infection, but they can generally improve a persons’ health. They help to boost the immune system, preventing viruses and infections, and help to minimize the effects of those that do compromise the body.