10 Antiviral Herbs That Can Boost Immunity and Keep You Healthy

The recent spread of coronavirus shows us how easily and quickly a virus can spread from one person to another. Since viruses infect cells and use cells to replicate itself, it's rather difficult to treat once you're infected with the virus. That being said, we should emphasise on strengthening our immune system. A natural way to regenerate your cells and boost immunity is by using antiviral herbs. Some of the natural herbs will protect you from viruses and reduce viral infection. Here are some of the antiviral herbs that you can use in your home.

Echinacea

Echinacea can boost immunity if you use it on a daily basis. In fact, the phytochemicals present in Echinacea lessens virus infections and medical conditions such as tumours. Echinacea contains a compound called Echinacea, which prevents viruses and bacteria from entering our cells. Thus you are less likely to be prone to any type of infection if you consume Echinacea. Besides reducing virus infection, it also reduces skin problems, inflammation, body pain and respiratory issues. For best results, use both the root and flowering top of Echinacea.

Oregano

Another powerful antiviral herb that belongs to the mint family is Oregano. The essential oil in Oregano is extracted, preserving its compounds. To produce 1 pound of Oregano oil, about 1000 pounds of Oregano need to be distilled. When compared to some antibiotics available these days, Oregano oils have no side effects. Carvacrol and thymol are the two main compounds present in Oregano oil. The compound carvacrol reduces viral infections.

Ginger

Ginger has the power to inhibit virus development and is distinct from other antivirals that merely reduces the length of symptoms. It has both antiviral and antibacterial properties and contains two compounds- Gingerol and Zingerone. Using Ginger prevents you from the common cold, human respiratory syncytial virus, HSV-1, and HSV-2.

The compounds in Ginger, improves your metabolism and insulin, thus reducing the risk of diabetes. Regular consumption of Ginger can also lower the risk of cancer because Ginger has cell-protecting properties.

Garlic

Not only does Garlic fight viruses, but it also fights bacteria, parasites and fungi. The two compounds in Garlic are Allicin and Alliin. Garlic is highly effective against diseases such as pneumonia, herpes, tuberculosis, by killing the microorganisms that cause it. The list doesn't end here- it also kills cancer cells, makes your cardiovascular system healthy, helps treat ear and eye infection and significantly reduces hypertension.

Sage

Sage is a herb belonging to the mint family, which has antiviral properties. Both the stem and leaves of the Sage plant contain the compound Safficinolide, which is highly effective for viral infection. Diterpenes in the leaves of Sage help cure viral infections. Sage has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Sage is effective against Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV-1), Herpes Simplex Virus(HSV-1).

Olive Leaf

Olive leaves have antiviral effects against a range of diseases starting from the common cold, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, meningitis, chronic fatigue symptoms, gonorrhoea, besides being useful for treating urinary tract infections and ear, dental infections. A study conducted by the department of biochemistry at the University school of medicine reveals that the treatment with Olive Leaf Extracts(OLE) reversed the changes caused by Human Immuno Virus(HIV-1). In fact, the various compounds present in the leaves prevent virus replication and destroy the virus.

Licorice

Being used as a Chinese medicine since ages, Licorice has both antiviral and antibacterial properties. Glycyrrhizin in Licorice prevents the entry of the virus to the cells and halts the replication of the virus. Licorice is used for the treatment of HIV, hepatitis C, influenza, gastric ulcers, adrenal fatigue, sore throat, cough, and pain relief. According to Chinese Journal of Virology, its antiviral property is because of the triterpenoid, an active component of Licorice.

Astragalus

A flowering herb, with antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It's been used in Chinese medicine since ages and is renowned for its ability to boost the immune system. Besides being a remedy for common flu and the common cold, Astragalus combats Herpes Simplex Virus(HSV-1), hepatitis C, reduces cortisol, treats wounds and has great inhibiting power. A study conducted reveals that astralgus prevented coxsackie B virus in mice, which was later on published in the Chinese Medical Sciences Journal.

Andrographis

A powerful herb with antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This herb is widely used in America, Africa and Asia. Previously, Andrographis was used to treat malaria and influenza, but nowadays, it's more or less used as an antiviral remedy. The compound content in Andrographis prevents virus development and replication. In 2017, a study was conducted in mice affected with influenza virus. It reveals that andrographolide, a component in andrographis, in combination with a virus entry inhibitor, made notable changes in the mice. The combination reduced the viral load, thus improved the survival rate of the mice. The study was published in 2017, in Microbes and Infection Journal.

Elderberry

Elder trees produce flowers and berries, which contain medicinal properties. Elderberries are used for making elderberry syrup which cures a common cold, and reduces its duration and lessens all the symptoms associated with the common cold. Elderberry is also a great immune booster because of an immunostimulant compound known as Anthocyanidins. Not only does it cure a common cold, but it is also effective against the common flu too. To recover from flu, it's advised to consume 30ml a day for children and 60ml a day for adults. Elderberries have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Elderberries are available as syrup, juice and jams.

From ancient times, people use antiviral herbs to boost the immune system, regenerate cells and fight viral infections naturally. Antiviral herbs are much better since there are limited allopathic treatments that can kill a virus completely. Antiviral herbs attack all viral pathogens, unlike drugs that only attack specific pathogens. You can use teas, capsules, tinctures, essential oils made of the antiviral herbs as mentioned above to make your immune system healthy. For best results, it will be better if you use one or two herbs in a combination that help fight viruses.