Higher concentrations of peppermint oil reduced viral titers of both herpesviruses by more than 90%. A clearly time-dependent activity could be demonstrated, after 3 h of incubation of herpes simplex virus with peppermint oil an antiviral activity of about 99% could be demonstrated.
Different spices such as clove, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and turmeric are known as immunity boosters along with their antiviral property (Sharma, Gupta, & Prasad, 2017; Shrivastava, 2020; Srivastava, Chaurasia, Khan, Dhand, & Verma, 2020).
Antiviral herbs and antiviral supplements are the most powerful and potent natural antivirals. Effective antiviral herbs include basil, echinacea, elderberry, fennel, oregano, Pau d’arco, peppermint, and St. John’s Wort. Ultimately, the best defense against a virus is a strong immune system!
Table 1
| Virus | Medicinal plant used | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Olive leaf extract (OLE) | Lee-Huang et al. (2003) | |
| Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) | Trichilia glabra L. | Cella et al. (2004) |
| Human adenovirus type 1 | Black soybean extract | Yamai et al. (2003) |
| Dengue virus type-2 (DEN-2) | Azadirachta indica Juss. (Neem) | Parida et al. (2002) |
Load up on water, soups, and warm broths. Adding ginger, pepper, and garlic to your soups will help your body fight the viruses. The allicin present in garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Studies have shown that eating raw garlic every day can boost immunity against the virus.
Peppermint is known to have powerful antiviral qualities and commonly added to teas, extracts, and tinctures meant to naturally treat viral infections. Its leaves and essential oils contain active components, including menthol and rosmarinic acid, which have antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity ( 24 ).
1. Elderberry. Elderberry, or more technically, sambucus, is one of the most popular natural antivirals, and Aviva Romm, M.D., an integrative medicine doctor and a master herbalist, says it’s her “go-to antiviral herb for early signs of the flu.”
Among the properties of rosemary, there are antimicrobial properties such as antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal [87].
The antiviral activity of ACV was tested and promising results were awaited, based on the success of ACV against bacteria and fungi, however, ACV showed no anti-influenza activity at the tested concentrations.
Curcumin, the primary curcuminoid compound found in turmeric spice, has shown broad activity as an antimicrobial agent, limiting the replication of many different fungi, bacteria and viruses.
What herbs can cure infection?
Seven best natural antibiotics
- Garlic. Cultures across the world have long recognized garlic for its preventive and curative powers.
- Honey. Since the time of Aristotle, honey has been used as an ointment that helps wounds to heal and prevents or draws out infection.
- Ginger.
- Echinacea.
- Goldenseal.
- Clove.
- Oregano.
As an herbal supplement, oil of oregano is known for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It contains several potentially healing compounds, such as: carvacrol. thymol.
What leaf can cure infection?
Basil leaf, Basil leaf is a strong microbicide and can destroy a variety of fungi and bacteria [60–62]. Aloe vera, The use of A. vera and its gel is effective in treating infection and remove itching. The nectar of the plant is effective to remove itching caused by the infection in the genitalia [63–66].
The inhibitory effects of antivirals on immune cells may contribute to the immune deterioration observed in patients following prolonged use of the drugs.
Here are 12 tips to help you recover more quickly.
- Stay home. Your body needs time and energy to fight off the flu virus, which means that your daily routine should be put on the backburner.
- Hydrate.
- Sleep as much as possible.
- Ease your breathing.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Add moisture to the air.
- Take OTC medications.
- Try elderberry.
What herb is used for infections and the flu?
The most important antiviral herbs for cold and flu are Thymus vulgaris, honeysuckle flowers, Andrographis, yarrow, peppermint leaf and oil, and Calendula. The most important expectorant herbs for flu and cold are tulsi, snake root, licorice root, clove, slippery elm root, marshmallow osha root, and sage leaf.
3. Traditional foods (plant, animal and fungi species) having antiviral and immune-modulating effects
- 3.1. Nigella sativa. Nigella sativa (N.
- 3.2. Garlic. Allium sativum (A.
- 3.3. Cinnamon.
- 3.4. Licorice root.
- 3.5. Black pepper.
- 3.6. Moringa oleifera.
- 3.7. Yogurt.
- 3.8. Honey.
How do you get rid of a virus in your body?
Antiviral drugs can ease symptoms and shorten how long you are sick with viral infections like the flu and Ebola. They can rid your body of these viruses. Viral infections like HIV, hepatitis and herpes are chronic. Antivirals can’t get rid of the virus, which stays in your body.
If you are at risk for serious COVID-19 and you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 5 days, you may want to consider taking prescription oral antiviral pills. Two treatments are available: Paxlovid™ (Pfizer) and Lagevrio (molnupiravir) (Merck).
There is only one approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). But many medications are being tested. The FDA has approved an antiviral drug called remdesivir (Veklury) to treat COVID-19 in adults and children who are age 12 and older.
Thyme EO and extracts show diverse antiviral activity against such viruses as influenza virus, HSV-1, HSV-2, and HIV-1. In silico studies on the anti-Sars-CoV-2 activity of thymol are also very promising.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.