What kills viruses naturally?
It’s a great question, and here’s why: Have you ever been to the doctor for an illness and told it’s “viral,” which means there’s nothing that can be done?
Whether it’s a stomach bug or respiratory illness, simply waiting it out can be miserable. What if there was something you could do?
The truth of the matter is that there IS! Have you been searching for an answer to the question, “What kills viruses naturally?” If so, keep reading to get my list of top anti-viral supplements and how to use them when you’re looking for fast relief!
What Kills Viruses Naturally: The Top 8 Supplements You Should Try!
What kills viruses naturally can often be found in supplement form. Here are a few of my favorites along with what the research has to say about them!
Please note that I’m not claiming these supplements are cure-alls. That said, when you purchase a quality supplement, the science shows compelling evidence of the anti-viral properties of those listed below.
1. Vitamin C
Did you know that vitamin C contains anti-viral properties? It’s true! That’s why so many people recommend consuming vitamin C when you have a cold. That’s why, if you’re looking for what kills viruses naturally, you’ll want to start here!
So, how effective is it? Before the use of antibiotics, many doctors used vitamin C to help heal people who were sick with bacterial or viral infections.
In fact, in the 1940s, a doctor named Frederick Klenner published 28 scientific papers in which he shared his methodologies for healing many viral illnesses, including chickenpox, tetanus, mumps, measles, and polio—all through the use of vitamin C therapy. [1, 2]
Additionally, a 2013 meta-analysis reviewed 30 trials involving 11,350 participants and found that the most active participants reduced their risk of getting a cold by 50 percent when they took 200 mg of vitamin C daily. [3]
Moreover, taking that amount of vitamin C daily also reduced cold symptom duration in adults by 8 percent and in children by 14 percent.
While vitamin C should be consumed every day, this study provides enough support of vitamin C’s efficacy against viral infections at a dose of at least 200 mg each day beginning at the onset of cold or flu symptoms.
2. Vitamin D
During the height of the pandemic, if you spent time reading scientific studies for what kills viruses naturally, you would’ve come cross a lot of articles discussing vitamin D.
Here’s why: Numerous studies have shown that depleted levels of vitamin D are linked with an increased likelihood of being hospitalized with COVID-19. [4]
And a review noted that based on many new studies, vitamin D supplementation could reduce the risk of both flu and COVID-19 infections and even deaths! [5] That’s thanks in large part to its anti-viral properties.
The authors of one scientific review article published in 2020 went so far as to recommend the general population supplement with vitamin D3 for a few weeks to rapidly raise their levels of this beneficial vitamin. [6]
While I can’t claim that vitamin D will prevent you from catching COVID or any other virus, the research is clear that staying sufficient in this vitamin is crucial or fighting off viral infections.
3. Zinc
If you’re looking for what kills viruses naturally, zinc is one mineral you don’t want to overlook.
According to a 2010 study, zinc activates your body’s T-cells, which are known to not only stimulate and moderate your immune system but also help attack invaders (such as viruses, bacteria, and even cancerous cells). [7]
Plus, it’s pretty common knowledge that zinc can help relieve cold symptoms, and this is largely thanks to its impact on the immune system.
Researchers found in a 2011 study that using a minimum of 75 mg each day of zinc lozenges reduced cold duration by up to 42 percent! [8]
4. Oil of oregano
When asked what kills viruses naturally, oil of oregano is one of my favorite supplements to recommend.
Here’s why: It’s known to help shorten the duration of viral illnesses such as the common cold and the flu. And it’s also been shown to decrease the severity of symptoms associated with these illnesses.
Interestingly, it may also help in preventing cold and the flu by supporting the health of your immune system. One study showed that oregano oil was able to inhibit different human and animal viruses in vitro. [9]
But that’s not all. It’s also a fantastic supplement to take anytime you’re suffering from a sore throat. Many sore throats are caused by postnasal drip, which is often the result of a viral or bacterial infection upper respiratory infection.
According to a 2011 study, participants with an upper respiratory infection who used a throat spray containing oregano oil combined with other essential oils experienced decreased symptoms within 20 minutes of using the spray. [10]
5. Turmeric
Thanks to an anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric known as curcumin, don’t be surprised to find turmeric as a search result if you’re looking up what kills viruses naturally.
Curcumin is a spice commonly used in Asian cooking that provides some incredible health benefits.
In fact, there are over 6,500 publications that reference the health benefits of curcumin. The research suggests that curcumin contains antioxidant effects and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. As a result, it has the ability to combat arthritis, fight infections (viral and bacterial), protect the liver, prevent cardiovascular plaque deposition, and even fight cancer cells. [11]
In traditional cultures, curcumin has been used to treat numerous ailments, such as digestive concerns, gynecological conditions, infectious disease, skin rashes, neurodegenerative disease, depression, obesity, heart disease, joint pain, and diabetes.
Given these amazing curcumin health benefits, it’s no wonder that curcumin supplements are becoming increasingly more common. Personally, I prefer a whole food turmeric root supplement to make sure I’m getting the cleanest product possible.
I also like to use turmeric in drinks and many dishes, especially in the fall and spring.
6. Quercetin
Quercetin is an antioxidant that’s packed with benefits that can improve your health in many ways—from fighting inflammation to combatting viruses! [12] It’s simply a great way to support your immune system.
According to one study, rats that consumed onion peel water extract supplements (which contains quercetin) experienced a variety of benefits to their immune systems. They had higher levels of immune-related cells and some cytokines. [13]
A strong immune system is so important to protect yourself from bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens—and taking quercetin is an easy way to give yourself an extra boost to stay healthy.
7. Elderberry
We can’t talk about what kills viruses naturally without discussing elderberry.
Studies have shown that elderberry extract not only fights viruses but also bacteria.
In fact, a 2011 study revealed that elderberry extract was effective against both influenza strains A and B, as well as the Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococci and the Gram-negative bacterium Branhamella catarrhalis. [14]
As a result, the researchers concluded that elderberry benefits could extend to fighting both viral and bacterial infections.
Elderberry is available pretty much anywhere and even comes in a syrup form!
8. Adaptogens
Adaptogens are herbs or plants known to help your body adapt to stress—hence, the name. But they’ve also been found to help fight viral infections.
According to a 2020 scientific review, adaptogens not only supported challenged immune systems but also increased resistance to viral infections and inhibited inflammation. [15]
The adaptogens specifically mentioned included: eleutherococcus, glycyrrhiza, rhodiola, and schisandra berry.
These adaptogens can be found in most health food stores and supplement shops.
Supporting Your Health and Fighting Viruses
This time of year, keeping viruses at bay and supporting your immune health is crucial. That’s why I’ve discounted my anti-viral bundle at www.totalhealthapothecary.com. It includes vitamin D, vitamin D, and zinc—all supplements I personally take year-round.
Make sure to check it out and grab your bundle while supplies last!
