Antiviral herbs are plants that have the ability to fight or prevent viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, herpes, hepatitis, and even COVID-19. They do this by boosting your immune system, inhibiting viral replication, reducing inflammation, and soothing symptoms. Antiviral herbs can be consumed as teas, tinctures, capsules, syrups, or essential oils. However, before using any of these herbs, you should consult your doctor, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications.
In this article, we will introduce you to 15 of the best antiviral herbs and how to use them for optimal health.
1. Oregano
Oregano is a popular herb in the mint family that has impressive medicinal qualities. Its plant compounds, which include carvacrol, offer antiviral properties. Oregano oil and carvacrol have been shown to reduce the activity of several viruses, such as norovirus, herpes simplex virus, rotavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.
To use oregano for viral infections, you can take oregano oil capsules or drops, or inhale oregano essential oil diluted in a carrier oil. You can also add fresh or dried oregano to your dishes for flavor and health benefits.
2. Sage
Sage is another member of the mint family that has a long history of use as a natural remedy for viral infections. The antiviral properties of sage are mostly attributed to compounds called safficinolide and sage one, which are found in the leaves and stems of the plant.
Sage has been shown to fight human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and Indiana vesiculovirus, which infects farm animals.
To use sage for viral infections, you can drink sage tea, gargle with sage infusion, or apply sage essential oil diluted in a carrier oil to the affected area.
3. Basil
Basil is a fragrant herb that belongs to the mint family and has many varieties, such as sweet and holy basil. Basil has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Basil extracts, including compounds like apigenin and ursolic acid, have been shown to inhibit the growth of herpes viruses, hepatitis B, and enterovirus.
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, has been shown to increase immunity, which may help fight viral infections. In a 4-week study in 24 healthy adults, supplementing with 300 mg of holy basil extract significantly increased levels of helper T cells and natural killer cells, both of which are immune cells that help protect and defend your body from viral infections.
To use basil for viral infections, you can drink basil tea, take basil capsules or tinctures, or inhale basil essential oil diluted in carrier oil.
4. Fennel
Fennel is a licorice-flavored plant that has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Fennel extract and fennel essential oil have been shown to exhibit strong antiviral effects against herpes viruses and parainfluenza type-3 (PI-3), which causes respiratory infections in cattle.
To use fennel for viral infections, you can drink fennel tea, take fennel capsules or tinctures, or inhale fennel essential oil diluted in a carrier oil.
5. Garlic
Garlic is a pungent bulb that has been used as a food and medicine for centuries. Garlic has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic contains compounds like allicin, diallyl disulfide, and ajoene, which can kill or inhibit the growth of various viruses, such as the common cold, flu, viral hepatitis, and warts.
To use garlic for viral infections, you can eat raw or cooked garlic, take garlic capsules or extracts, or apply garlic oil diluted in a carrier oil to the affected area.
6. Astragalus
Astragalus is a medicinal plant from Asia that has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. Astragalus root extract has been used to treat viral infections, such as avian influenza, hepatitis, and herpes.
To use astragalus for viral infections, you can drink astragalus tea, take astragalus capsules or tinctures, or apply astragalus cream or gel to the affected area.
7. Lemon balm
Lemon balm is a lemon-scented herb that has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon balm contains compounds like rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and terpenes, which can inhibit the replication of several viruses, such as herpes simplex virus, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus.
To use lemon balm for viral infections, you can drink lemon balm tea, take lemon balm capsules or tinctures, or apply lemon balm cream or oil diluted in a carrier oil to the affected area.
8. Echinacea
Echinacea is a flowering plant that has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Echinacea contains compounds like echinacoside, caffeic acid, and alkylamides, which can stimulate the immune system and fight various viruses, such as the common cold, flu, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
To use echinacea for viral infections, you can drink echinacea tea, take echinacea capsules or tinctures, or apply echinacea cream or oil diluted in a carrier oil to the affected area.
9. Ginger
Ginger is a spicy root that has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger contains compounds like gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone, which can inhibit the growth of several viruses, such as the common cold, flu, hepatitis, and herpes.
To use ginger for viral infections, you can drink ginger tea, take ginger capsules or extracts, or apply ginger oil diluted in a carrier oil to the affected area.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow spice that has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which can modulate the immune system and fight various viruses, such as the common cold, flu, hepatitis, herpes, and HIV.
To use turmeric for viral infections, you can drink turmeric tea, take turmeric capsules or extracts, or apply turmeric paste or oil diluted in a carrier oil to the affected area.
11. Elderberry
Elderberry is a dark purple berry that has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Elderberry contains compounds like anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which can enhance the immune system and fight various viruses, such as the common cold, flu, herpes, and HIV.
To use elderberry for viral infections, you can drink elderberry juice, syrup, or tea, take elderberry capsules or extracts, or apply elderberry cream or oil diluted in a carrier oil to the affected area.
12. Licorice
Licorice is a sweet root that has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Licorice contains compounds like glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, and Glabridin, which can inhibit the growth of several viruses, such as the common cold, flu, hepatitis, herpes, and SARS-CoV-2.
To use licorice for viral infections, you can drink licorice tea, take licorice capsules or extracts, or apply licorice cream or oil diluted in a carrier oil to the affected area. However, you should be careful not to consume too much licorice, as it can cause side effects like high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and water retention.
13. Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant herb that has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thyme contains compounds like thymol, carvacrol, and linalool, which can inhibit the growth of several viruses, such as the common cold, flu, herpes, and respiratory syncytial virus.
To use thyme for viral infections, you can drink thyme tea, take thyme capsules or tinctures, or inhale thyme essential oil diluted in a carrier oil.
14. Peppermint
Peppermint is a minty herb that has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint contains compounds like menthol, menthone, and limonene, which can inhibit the growth of several viruses, such as the common cold, flu, herpes, and respiratory syncytial virus.
To use peppermint for viral infections, you can drink peppermint tea, take peppermint capsules or tinctures, or inhale peppermint essential oil diluted in a carrier oil.
15. Rosemary
Rosemary is a woody herb that has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Rosemary contains compounds like rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, and ursolic acid, which can inhibit the growth of several viruses, such as the common cold, flu, herpes, and respiratory syncytial virus.
To use rosemary for viral infections, you can drink rosemary tea, take rosemary capsules or tinctures, or inhale rosemary essential oil diluted in a carrier oil.
Conclusion: Antiviral Herbs
Antiviral herbs are natural allies that can help you prevent and treat viral infections. They can boost your immune system, inhibit viral replication, reduce inflammation, and soothe symptoms. However, you should always consult your doctor before using any of these herbs, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications. You should also follow the recommended dosage and duration of use, and stop using them if you experience any adverse effects.
FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of antiviral herbs?
A: Antiviral herbs are plants that have the ability to fight or prevent viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, herpes, hepatitis, and even COVID-19. They do this by boosting your immune system, inhibiting viral replication, reducing inflammation, and soothing symptoms. Antiviral herbs can also offer other health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects.
Q: How can I use antiviral herbs for optimal health?
A: Antiviral herbs can be consumed in various forms, such as teas, tinctures, capsules, syrups, or essential oils. However, before using any of these herbs, you should consult your doctor, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications. You should also follow the recommended dosage and duration of use, and stop using them if you experience any adverse effects.
Q: What are some of the best antiviral herbs for viral infections?
A: Some of the best antiviral herbs for viral infections include oregano, sage, basil, fennel, garlic, astragalus, lemon balm, echinacea, ginger, turmeric, elderberry, licorice, thyme, peppermint, and rosemary. These herbs have been shown to exhibit antiviral activity against various viruses, such as the common cold, flu, herpes, hepatitis, and respiratory syncytial virus.
Q: Are there any side effects or interactions of antiviral herbs?
A: Antiviral herbs are generally safe and well-tolerated, but they may cause some side effects or interactions in some people. Some of the common side effects include allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, drowsiness, or skin irritation. Some of the possible interactions include blood thinners, blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, or immunosuppressants. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before using any antiviral herbs, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications.
