Contents
Phytotherapy came to modern medicine from ancient times. Shamans and healers used herbs to prepare medicines for various diseases, including viral infections.
Plants contain active substances that are able to counteract a variety of viruses. These qualities explain the popularity of herbs among medical practitioners.
It is important to take into account the fact that the properties of various herbs are still insufficiently studied by people. Therefore, it is necessary to use them for medicinal purposes with caution.
We will talk about 15 herbs with impressive antiviral effects.
1 Oregano
Oregano is a popular herbal spice from the mint family. We know oregano as oregano. The medicinal properties of the herb are attributed to active plant compounds. Of the rich composition, carvacrol, known for its bactericidal and antiviral qualities, deserves special attention.
One lab study found that oregano oil, like isolated carvacrol, was able to kill murine norovirus (MNV) in as little as 15 minutes. MNV is the main cause of stomach flu in humans. Norovirus of this type is highly contagious, similar in structure to humans. This similarity makes it possible to use it in laboratory studies, since human norovirus is quite problematic to grow in artificial conditions.
The use of oregano oil and carvacrol has been shown to be highly effective against:
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). [1]
Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea in infants and children.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes acute respiratory infections. [2]
2 Sage
Sage has long been used in folk medicine as an antiviral agent. It is a fragrant herbaceous plant, which can also be called a relative of mint.
The active antiviral effect of sage is explained by the presence of saphicinolide, salvin and chlorogenic acid. Healing compounds are contained in the leaves and stem of the plant.
Laboratory studies have shown that sage is active against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which leads to the development of AIDS. Phyto compounds contained in the leaves of the plant inhibit the activity of HIV, depriving it of the ability to penetrate into target cells. [3]
The antiviral effect of sage has been proven against Indiana vesicular stomatitis virus, which is dangerous to farm animals, as well as herpes simplex virus type 1, which affects humans.
3 Basil
Fragrant basil is divided into several types. All varieties of plants – spicy, sweet, canteens – contain antiviral components.
The chemical composition of basil has been studied in sufficient detail. Apigenin and ursolic acid were found in the leaves of the plant, which successfully fight enterovirus, hepatitis B and herpes viruses. [4]
From the recipes of Ayurveda, it is known about the properties of the Tulasi species – the sacred basil. It got its name due to its ability to maintain human health, increase the protective functions of the body, relieve pain and fight diseases caused by viruses.
A medical experiment was conducted to study the antiviral properties of basil. It involved 24 healthy adults who were offered 4 mg of basil extract daily for 300 weeks. After this time, it was possible to establish that the content of killer cells and T-helper cells, which are the main immune elements of the body that protect against viruses, significantly increased in the blood of the subjects. [5]
4 Fennel
Fennel has long been used as a food spice and medicinal antiviral agent. Some compare its taste to that of licorice, others say it resembles a mixture of dill and mint.
Laboratory studies have proven a pronounced antiviral effect of fennel extract. It has been found to inhibit the activity of parainfluenza type 3 (PI-3) viruses that cause respiratory disease in large farm animals. Fennel essential oil contains trans-anethole, a compound that has a powerful effect against herpes viruses.
[6]
Medical observations made it possible to establish that fennel has an immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory effect, which makes it possible to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of many viral infections. [7]
5 Garlic
At all times, people use garlic as a means of traditional medicine. It helps to cope with the negative symptoms of some somatic diseases, counteracts viral infections.
During one of the experiments, it was possible to prove the activity of garlic against the human papillomavirus. 23 adult participants in the study, suffering from warts, treated the affected skin with garlic extract 2 times a day. A positive effect was observed after 1-2 weeks – the skin was completely cleared. [8]
Earlier studies in the laboratory have established the activity of garlic against influenza A and B viruses, HIV, HSV-1, the causative agents of viral pneumonia and rhinovirus, which is the cause of most cold infections. [9]
The study of the properties of garlic has proven its ability to enhance immunity, stimulate the formation of protective cells that can counteract viral pathogens. [10]
6 Melissa
Melissa used to make tea, known for its many-sided medicinal properties.
Melissa is saturated with essential oils, phyto compounds that have powerful antiviral activity. Laboratory studies have led to the conclusion that it is effective against the avian influenza virus, HIV-1, herpes virus, and enterovirus, which causes severe infectious pathologies in infants and young children. [11], [12], [13]
7 Peppermint
Mint leaves are added to teas, infusions, extracts recommended during the treatment of infections caused by viruses. Natural antiviral components are concentrated in peppermint essential oils. In addition, the leaves of the plant contain rosmarinic acid and menthol, which suppress the symptoms of inflammation and the activity of viral infections.
A laboratory method has shown that peppermint leaf extract is able to suppress the activity of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes severe respiratory diseases. In addition, pronounced anti-inflammatory properties of the plant have been established. [14]
8 Rosemary
Rosemary has gained popularity in cooking as a spice that is combined with almost all products. It is impossible to underestimate its therapeutic value associated with a high content of useful elements, especially oleanolic acid.
Oleanolic acid is an active antiviral agent. The laboratory method has proven its effectiveness against influenza viruses, HIV, herpes, hepatitis.
It should be said separately that rosemary extract is recommended as part of the complex treatment of herpes and hepatitis A, which is destructive to liver cells. [15], [16]
9 Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea is the most famous herbal remedy. It has pronounced medicinal properties, increases the overall tone of the body. For the preparation of natural medicines, almost all parts of the plant are used – flowers, leaves, roots.
The cone-shaped echinacea flowers were first used by Native American Indians. They were added to decoctions to treat a number of diseases, but primarily against viral infections.
In laboratory conditions, the properties of Echinacea pale, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea have been sufficiently studied. All of these species are effective against influenza and herpes viruses. Echinacea purpurea has pronounced immunostimulating properties, which are important in the treatment of viral diseases. [17], [18]
10 Elder
About 25 species are distinguished among elderberry bushes. For medicinal purposes, red and black elderberries are especially widely used. Elixirs are prepared from it, added to the composition of antiviral agents for the treatment of colds, flu.
Laboratory studies have shown that the active elements of concentrated elderberry juice can suppress the reproduction of the influenza virus and strengthen the immune system. [19]
Evaluation of the results of 4 studies, which involved 180 people, showed that the use of elderberry in the treatment of viral infections greatly facilitates the functions of the upper respiratory tract, eliminates inflammation, and makes breathing easier. [20]
11 Licorice
Licorice has been known for its medicinal properties for centuries. It is widely used in modern traditional Chinese medicine. [21]
The composition of licorice is distinguished by a variety of active substances known for antiviral action – glabridin, glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin. Laboratory observations made it possible to establish the ability of licorice extract to suppress HIV, RSV, herpes virus. [22], [23]
A real breakthrough was the discovery of antiviral activity against the coronavirus SARS-CoV, which causes a severe respiratory syndrome with a subsequent complication in the form of serious pneumonia. [24]
12 Astragalus
Astragalus in ancient China was called the “grass of immortality.” Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), a compound with pronounced antiviral and immunostimulating properties, was found in the composition of the flowers of the plant. [25]
Experiments conducted in the laboratory proved that astragalus inhibits the herpes, H9 bird flu and hepatitis C viruses. [26], [27]
Astragalus polysaccharide is able to protect the cells of the central nervous system from herpes infection. [28]
13 Ginger
Natural teas, lozenges, elixirs, lozenges are prepared from ginger, which are recommended for use during seasonal viral infections. Ginger is loaded with potent compounds that have powerful antiviral effects.
The results of laboratory studies have shown that ginger extract inhibits the activity of avian influenza viruses, feline calicivirus, which is similar in structure to human norovirus, and herpes simplex virus. [29], [30], [31]
Zingeron and gingerol, found in ginger, inhibit the ability of viruses to multiply and infect healthy cells in the body.
14 Ginseng
Ginseng root is one of the main elements of traditional Chinese medicine. The most common are Asian and North American varieties. Among the people, ginseng has gained fame as the “root of life”, due to its active protective, immunomodulatory and antiviral properties. [32], [33], [34]
Laboratory studies have shown that Asian red ginseng extract inhibits the activity of RSV, hepatitis A and herpes viruses. Ginsenosides, which are rich in ginseng, are able to resist norovirus, Coxsackie virus, hepatitis B virus. These diseases can cause a serious complication – brain damage in the form of meningoencephalitis. [35]
15 Dandelion
Quite often, dandelions are perceived as a weed that needs to be fought in the garden. Few people know that dandelion is a medicinal plant with antiviral efficacy.
Experiments conducted in the laboratory have shown that dandelion is able to fight the hepatitis B virus, influenza, HIV. [36], [37], [38]
One study found that the active ingredients in dandelion inhibit the replication of the dengue virus that causes dengue fever. The viral disease is characterized by a severe course, fever, bouts of vomiting, muscle pain. [39]
Conclusion
Widely used spices, garden plants have a pronounced activity against numerous viruses that infect the human body.
It is easy to add oregano, basil, sage to everyday dishes, prepare tea with ginger and lemon balm. These simple recommendations will help you deal with viral infections faster.
It should not be forgotten that most of the observations were carried out in the laboratory using concentrated extracts. Perhaps small doses of herbal ingredients will not have a quick pronounced effect.
It is important to remember that herbal extracts, elixirs, tinctures are active products that can cause allergic reactions. Before introducing them into the diet, you should consult with your doctor.
[Video] Dr. Berg – Top 13 Natural Antivirals: