Hundreds of viruses are responsible for many types of infections. These viruses replicate inside the living cells of other organisms and can infect humans, animals, plants and microorganisms. They can spread by coughing and sneezing, by the fecal-oral route, by sexual contact, and by exposure to infected blood.
Luckily there are antiviral herbs that can help prevent the development of the virus and can be used to treat infections with no or few side effects. These herbs work by boosting the immune system so that the body would be able to attack viral pathogens.
Oregano
This popular herb contains carvacrol which offers antiviral properties.
Oregano oil and carvacrol have been found 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.
Garlic
Garlic is known worldwide due to its medicinal properties. It was found to be able to treat a wide array of conditions, including viral infections.
In a study involving 23 adults, results revealed that applying garlic extract twice daily can eliminate warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) in all of the participants after 1–2 weeks.
Moreover, experiments have also shown that garlic is highly effective at killing microorganisms that are responsible for some of the most common and rarest infections, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, thrush, and herpes.
Elderberry
Elderberry is known for its ability to fight infections including herpes, influenza, bacterial infections, and viral infections.
It can be used as a safe treatment for influenza A and B, according to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. This effect is mainly attributed to the efficacy of elderberry on all strains of influenza virus that were tested.
Ginger
Ginger has been found to effectively boost the immune system and break down accumulated toxins in the organs. To fight viruses, ginger can be used in its fresh, dry or powdered form.
Peppermint
Peppermint is commonly added to tea extracts and tinctures. It has powerful antiviral qualities and is naturally used to treat viral infections.
Present in its leaves and essential oils are active compounds like rosmarinic acid and menthol which was found to possess antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity.
Echinacea
Echinacea has impressive health-promoting properties. Its leaves flowers, leaves, and roots are used for natural remedies.
According to a study, Echinacea purpurea, in particular, can treat a wide array of conditions, including viral infections.
Moreover, certain varieties of Echinacea, including E. pallida, E. angustifolia, and E. purpurea, are particularly effective at fighting viral infections like herpes and influenza, according to a separate study.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is emerging as a natural remedy that can help with diseases like influenza, hepatitis, HIV, and gastric ulcer. It can be used internally on viral sores such as herpes lesions and can be taken for viral infections.
