Antiviral Superstars: Licorice and Elderberry

Licorice 

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a broad-spectrum antiviral. Its root contains constituents, the most important being glycyrrhizin, that prevent a wide range of viruses from replicating. Said plainly, Licorice inhibits viral growth and uptake by a host. Licorice prevents viruses from creating membrane pores through which they can enter cells. It inactivates virus particles and strongly inhibits viral cytokine cascades. It’s especially effective at fighting enveloped viruses, including herpesviruses, poxviruses, hepadnaviruses, coronaviruses, togaviruses, and hepatitis D. Glycrrhozin fights eleven different flaviviruses, including dengue, Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, and yellow fever.

Licorice also inhibits influenza A and B, the viruses that cause influenza (the flu). The amazing Licorice root actually potentiates oseltamavir (Tamiflu), an antiviral medication used to treat influenza. It also potentiates antituberculosis drugs, improving outcomes in treatment. In cases of hepatitis B, licorice modifies intracellular transport and suppresses sialylation of the virus’s surface antigen. It also stimulates the immune system’s defense against viruses. 

NutraTea herbalists include Licorice root in several healing tea blends. As a famous synergizer, licorice should always be formulated with other medicinal herbs. Licorice and Cinnamon helps maintain normal energy levels, blood sugar, and weight, while supporting the nervous system. NutraThroat supports the upper respiratory tract, relying on Licorice’s antiviral, anti-inflammatory effect. NutraBoost is a blend that combats fatigue and promotes mental focus. NutraBone tea improves joint mobility and promotes overall bone health and the body’s natural flexibility, all while reducing pain and swelling and easing discomfort. NutraDefence is a blend crafted to support the immune system. NutraRelax tea eases nerves and muscles, relieves tension, and tackles symptoms such as agitation, mood swings, headaches, and insomnia. 

Choose your Licorice blend and feel it ward off viruses and boost your immune system. Though it is famous for its popularity in the Traditional Chinese Medicine pharmacopeia, Licorice was also used by the Ancient Egyptians. It is a hardy plant once established, and was harvested in the wild originally, before being brought into medicinal gardens over a thousand years ago. 

Elderberry 

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a potent antiviral. Its berries, and less commonly, its flowers, leaves, and bark, contain constituents that inhibit the replication and maturation of viruses. They contain a group of compounds called ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs), which protect Elderberry from plant viruses. We harness these compounds for our own protection from viruses when we drink elderberry tea. Elderberry prevents viral infections when taken preventatively as a prophylactic, and it can also shorten the severity and duration of certain viral infections. The plant’s anthocyanins are anti-microbial. They contain flavonoids that bind to and incapacitate viruses. Elderberry is very strongly active against influenza A and B and animal influenza, binding the influenza viruses and preventing them from infecting host cells. Elderberry is also effective against almost all enveloped viruses, including herpes simplex virus, Staphylococcus aureus (resistant and nonresistant), Streptococcus pyogenes, Helicobacter pylori, E. coli, Shigella, and Salmonella poona. 

NutraTea herbalists formulated two nourishing, immunity-enhancing tea blends with Elderberry. Elderberry and Echinacea is a tea blend that helps boost your immune system while also helping to fight off the common cold and flu. NutraDefence is an immunity tonic tea that harnesses Elderberry’s antiviral powers to protect your health. Enjoy a warm cup of either elderberry blend for daily protection. The family Adoxaceae contains between twenty and thirty varieties of Sambucus, which are all referred to as Elder. Sambucus nigra is the most commonly-used variety for medicine. There is evidence of humans brewing elderberry as an antiviral remedy in Ancient Egypt. Interestingly, its bark makes a beautiful dye, its flowers can be fried as fritters, and you can make a whistle out of the plant’s stems.