Our Favorite Antiviral Herbs

Posted by THT Steph on 16th Mar 2020

Our Favorite Antiviral Herbs

Studies show that it might be a good idea to up your daily intake of herbs to boost your body's own immune system and to fight off virus.  Most herbs have amazing antiviral properties, thanks to their concentration of potent plant compounds.  Many of these properties have been relied on for centuries to help fight cold, flu, and other viruses Here are just a few of our favorites herbs for fighting viruses.

Note: It is important to understand that there is no 'cure' for most viral infections, but rather something that has to run it's course. For those situations, we concentrate on antivirals, and immune boosters to lesson the symptoms and to prevent complications of the illness.

Elderberry

If you are familiar with our blog, you know that we love Elderberry Tincture. Read our article, Why We Love Elderberry Tincture, to find out why and to see the impressive studies that we sited at the time.

A study determined that concentrated elderberry juice suppressed influenza virus replication and stimulated immune system response. (read the study)

What’s more, in a review of 4 studies, elderberry supplements were found to substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections. 

You can find elderberry in:

Echinacea

Echinacea was widely used by the Native Americans for all kinds of illness, including to fight viruses.

E. purpurea (the variety that The Herbal Toad uses) has been found to have immune-boosting effects as well, making it particularly useful for treating viral infections. (read the study)

You can find Echinacea in:

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm has been shown to have antiviral effects against avian influenza (bird flu), herpes viruses, HIV-1, and enterovirus 71, which can cause severe infections in infants and children. (read study 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

You can find Lemon Balm in:

Licorice Root

Glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, and glabridin are just some of the powerful antiviral properties found in licorice root.

Studies demonstrate that licorice root extract is effective against HIV, RSV, herpes viruses, and severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which causes a serious type of pneumonia. (read the studies)

You can find Licorice Root in:

Ginger

Because of the high amount of potent plant compounds, Ginger has been shown to have impressive antiviral activity. demonstrates that ginger extract has antiviral effects against avian influenza, RSV, and feline calicivirus (FCV), which can be compared to human norovirus. (read the study)

Ginger has been shown effective against human respiratory virus. (read the study)

Gingerols and zingerone, found in Ginger, have been found to inhibit viral replication and prevent viruses from entering host cells. (read the study)

You can find Ginger in:

Fennel

According to research, fennel may boost your immune system and decrease inflammation, which also helps fight viral infections. (read the study)

You can find Fennel in:

Dandelion

Dandelion is one of our favorite herbs. While dandelion is thought to be nothing more than a weed by some, research indicates that dandelion may combat a variety of viral related illnesses. (read study 1, 2, 3)

You can find Dandelion in: 

Oregano

Oregano and carvacrol (a constituent in oregano) have also been shown to exhibit antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1); rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhea in infants and children; and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes respiratory infections. (read study 1, 2, 3)

Another study showed that oregano oil reduced the activity of murine norovirus (MNV) within 15 minutes of exposure. (read the study)

You can find Oregano in:

Turmeric

Turmeric is not an herb, but a spice.  It is one of our favorite natural wellness choices for many things, including it's promise in fighting devastating viruses  In a study, curcumin, a major component in the turmeric, stopped the potentially deadly Rift Valley Fever virus from multiplying in infected cells.  

You can find Turmer in:

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Disclosure: Herbal alternatives are not meant to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but should be discussed with your doctor and considered a complimentary modality, especially when pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescribed medication. This information is for general research purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.