Antiviral: an agent that kills a virus or that suppresses its ability to replicate and, hence, inhibits its capability to multiply and reproduce.

There are many antiviral herbs, teas, and foods that have been used as antiviral treatments for thousands of years. Many of these herbs and foods will actually boost immune function rather than just attacking the pathogen.

What are antivirals good for?

A virus is a submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. Viruses can infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea.

Commonly known viral infections:

• Influenza (flu)
• Herpes
• HPV
• HIV

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states more than 200 viruses can cause the common cold.