The present invention is a novel approach to treating, and even preventing,
upper respiratory infections its related symptoms caused by influenza or other lipid-enveloped viruses infiltration and infection
in vivo, comprising administering as a gargling agent one or more of clove (
plant parts or oil),
black tea (with or without
caffeine), at least one
fatty acid and / or its mono- or di-
glyceride form, such as without limitation, coconut water (milk, cream, oil, etc.),
caprylic acid,
lauric acid (and
glycerol monolaurate),
monolaurin,
myristic acid,
oleic acid,
palmitoleic acid, or
stearic acid, citron, lemon,
lime,
plant acids (
citric acid, etc.),
food grade acids (acetic, lactic, malic, oxalic, benzoic, quinic, tannic, and others and / or their
sodium salts), vinegar (apple cider, white, balsamic, red
wine,
wine, etc.), garlic, gangmei root,
Sambucus nigra (elderberry),
Pelargonium sidoides and or any extract thereof (African
geranium), cranberry or pomegranate juice,
zinc, saponified lipid (
soap), non-toxic detergent, or
vitamin C.