Please research and talk to your doctor/naturopath/herbalist before starting any new herb or supplement. These are just some of my favorite herbal antivirals and are not intended to prevent, cure or treat any sickness. Be smart and research everything for yourself!
The world is in an insane time right now with the spreading of COVID19/coronavirus. There is mass panic, hoarding of materials, and so much fear taking over us. People are afraid for their elderly grandparents, which I totally understand because mine are in rough shape to be dealing with this virus as well.
I’d love to introduce you to some of my absolute favorite herbal antivirals. These herbs are powerful, potent medicines and I have used many of them to help fight off colds and flu. They are not specific for COVID19, but they are general antivirals, and I take several of them all winter long to support my immune health.
If you haven’t met these plants before, I’m honored to introduce you!
GINGER
zingiber officinalis
Spicy, spicy ginger! This powerful herb is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. The fresh root (or technically rhizome) is the most potent part of the plant, and cannot be surpassed in it’s effectiveness.
According to Stephen Harrod Buhner, who wrote Herbal Antivirals, “it takes about 30 minutes after drinking the fresh juice as a hot tea for ginger’s compounds to enter the bloodstream; they reach peak concentration in about 60 minutes and then begin to decline.”
Ginger has been shown in many cultures to help treat a wide range of viruses and has been proven quite effective, especially when used at the onset of the illness. It works by actually inhibiting the virus from attaching to the cell.
One of the best things about ginger is that it is incredibly easy to find the fresh root at a local grocery store. This means it is a remedy that is accessible to nearly everyone.
ELDER
sambucus nigra
Elderberry syrup is all the rage these days – and with good reason; Elder is a powerful antiviral. It inhibits viral replication, binds influenza viruses which therefore inhibits them from infecting host cells, and also inhibits maturation of viruses. (Stephen Harrod Buhner talks a lot about this in his book, Herbal Antivirals, which I highly recommend!)
Many people take Elderberry daily during the winter months, as it is a moderate immune stimulant. There have also been several double blind placebo studies in which patients with Influenza were either given elderberry syrup, or a placebo. The symptoms of the patients who received elderberry syrup were relieved an average of 4 days earlier than the placebo group.
A huge benefit of elderberries is that they taste sweet and delicious, so it’s easy to get the compliance of our children to take this herb!
GARLIC
Allium Sativum
Garlic is one of my absolute favorite herbs! I add it to literally every vegetable I saute; we love the flavor. I have used it many times when I feel a cold coming on and it always stops the sickness in it’s tracks.
There are specific chemical compounds found in garlic that make it successful at killing many different microorganisms that cause thrush, pneumonia, herpes, etc.
An easy way to take garlic is to crush a clove on a spoon and pour honey over top of it before swallowing.
LEMON BALM
Melissa Officinalis
Lemon Balm has been proven antiviral, especially against Herpes Simplex Virus. It also is useful in colds or flu due to it’s decongestant properties as well as inducing perspiration to help break a fever.
It’s also a very gentle herb, so it is generally regarded as safe for children.
LICORICE ROOT
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice root is active against a wide range of viruses and inhibits the ability of many of them to enter cells. Stephen Buhner writes, “for other viruses, it is directly virucidal, and for others it stimulates the host immune system specifically to attack the invading virus.”
Licorice is a powerful synergist, which means it is best used in combination with another plant. It should not be used in pregnancy, or for long term use (more than 4-6 weeks). Please research this one before using it, or use it under the care of an herbalist!
ECHINACEA
Echinacea Angustifolia
Echinacea contains a compound called echinacein which actually stops viruses from penetrating healthy cells. It’s also beneficial for immune support and stimulating cell defenses.
It has become quite popular recently due to various studies showing it can cut the duration of cold, as well as lessen your chances of catching a cold altogether.
BONESET
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Boneset is useful for many different viral infections, but was specifically used by indigenous people for fighting Influenza. It is a powerful diaphoretic, which means it makes you sweat, and therefore it can help reduce fevers. A hot tea needs to be taken in order for it help with fevers.
If you drink too much boneset, it can cause nausea. Generally, the cooler the tea is, the less nausea it will cause.
RESOURCES:
Herbal Antivirals, Stephen Harrod Buhner
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