Here are some of the ways herbs can help prevent viral infections or reduce their length and severity.

1. Immune System Support: Herbs such as echinacea and astragalus boost your immune system by stimulating production of white blood cells and enhancing immune response.

2. Antiviral Compounds: Many herbs contain natural compounds with anti-viral properties, such as allicin in garlic, which has been shown to inhibit viral replication.

3. Inflammation reduction: Chronic inflammation weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Herbs like turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties. Enjoying these in your diet leads to better health.

4. Antioxidant Effects: Many herbs are rich in antioxidants, and especially green tea and elderberry. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can enhance your ability to fight off infection.

5. Viral attachment inhibition: Some herbs, like licorice, can interfere with the attachment of viruses to host cells and prevent their entry into the cell, helping prevent an infection from taking place.

A bottle of immune herbs is an awfully useful thing to have in the medicine cabinet. Acute immune appointments are available online or on the phone, and herbal blends start at as little as $11 per bottle