11 Common Herbs with Antiviral Properties
Ginger is by far not the only herb capable
of warding off colds and other viral infections. In fact, some of the
common herbs and roots you may already have on hand in your garden or
pantry have potent antiviral properties as well. These 11 powerful
herbs, like the humble garlic, aromatic sage, and fresh peppermint, have
stood both the test of time and scientific scrutiny, and are widely
known for their antiviral activity. Learn about their specific benefits
below.
Do keep in mind, however, that taking herbs
is a supplemental method, and not a primary treatment of any condition
unless otherwise advised by your doctor, and you will still need to
adhere to all guidelines and recommendations given by medical
professionals in preventing and treating a specific condition.
1. Fennel
Both the roots and the seeds of the sweet-tasting fennel plant have been
used to reduce inflammation and ease digestive distress for centuries.
Indeed, the roots of the plant contain quite a lot of vitamin C and
other powerful antioxidants, which made researchers believe it may be
beneficial at boosting the immune system.
Some studies, though mostly test tube and animal model studies, have
even shown the potential of the herb to kill specific viruses. For
example, one article showed that the naturally-occurring ingredients of
fennel called rans-anethole was capable of eradicating the herpes virus.
2. Oregano
Oregano is great not only on pizza! In fact, the delicious herb has been
shown to eradicate a multitude of different viruses, such as the herpes
virus (type-1), respiratory syncytial virus, and the rotavirus, which
causes diarrhea and digestive distress in kids.
In addition, one test-tube study also explored the potential of the herb
to kill the murine norovirus, which causes a highly infectious stomach
flu in mice. A virtually identical virus also affects humans and is the
primary cause of stomach flu. Oregano managed to eradicate the virus
just 15 minutes after exposure. It needs pointing out, however, that all
studies mentioned above used oregano oil, the most concentrated form of
the herb.
3. Echinacea
Echinacea flowers sure do look quite beautiful in the garden with their
vibrant petals and peculiar cone-shaped core, but the primary reason
people grow this bright pink flower is for its health benefits.
In fact, many people use echinacea to boost their immunity before the
flu season, a tradition that stems from Native American medicine, as
Native Americans used the flower to treat all kinds of conditions,
including viral infections. Studies support the plant's potential to
treat some viral infections, such as herpes and influenza.
4. Garlic
Garlic is definitely one of the most popular seasonings in the world,
but apart from being quite delicious and essential for some of your
favorite dishes, it's also a very potent herbal remedy. Additionally, it
is one of the most well-studied herbs out there that has well-known
anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.
Furthermore, garlic has been shown to have antiviral properties against
specific viruses, namely influenza A and B, viral pneumonia, rhinovirus
(the cause of the common cold), and even HIV. The most recent research
conducted on 23 humans evidence also suggests that garlic extract can
eradicate warts related to HPV (human papillomavirus) in 2 weeks of use.
This all leads us to one conclusion - never shy away from garlic when
cooking!
5. Sambucus
You've probably heard of elderberries, but few people actually know what
these blackberries are beneficial for. Sambucus, or elderberries, are a
traditional medicinal ingredient that's been used for all sorts of
purposes for centuries, but the scientific evidence proving most of
these uses is limited.
That said, there is one review study in 180 humans that concluded that
black elderberry supplements significantly helped shorten and decrease
the severity of upper respiratory viral infections. The berries were
also shown to boost the immune response in response to the flu in mice.
6. Peppermint
The mint family of plants has one thing in common - virtually all of its
species, be it peppermint, basil, or lemon balm offer a multitude of
health benefits, including ones connected to the treatment of viral
infections. One of the ingredients suggested to be responsible for the
beneficial immune-boosting and antiviral effects is menthol, and
peppermint has the highest concentration of it compared to other members
of the mint family.
Other essential oil components present in peppermint, basil, and lemon
balm have been also known to fight off different viruses causing upper
respiratory infections, enterovirus, and herpes, among others, so make
sure to include plenty of these herbs in your diet, too.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary is another one of those herbs that's widely known for its
antimicrobial and antiviral properties, and rosemary essential oil and
extract, in particular, are present in many concoctions that intend to
treat all sorts of infections. Two ingredients naturally-present in the
herb - Rosmarinic and Oleanolic acid - may be responsible for these
beneficial health effects.
Rosemary extract has been found to kill hepatitis A and herpes, whereas
oleanolic acid has shown the potential of treating herpes, HIV, and
influenza in animal models and in-vitro studies.
8. Sage
Another member of the mint family and a frequent ingredient on many
people's shopping list is sage. This soft-leaved plant has a pleasant
aroma and is commonly added to both meat and vegetable-based dishes.
Though not much research is done to account for the anecdotal use of
sage as an antiviral agent, in vitro studies suggest that safficinolide -
one of the naturally-occurring compounds in sage - can be helpful at
fighting HIV-1.
9. Ginseng
Ginseng needs no introduction, as the herb is a staple item in Chinese
traditional medicine and has enjoyed increasing popularity worldwide in
the past decade or so. While ginseng extract itself has been shown to be
effective at killing hepa
titis A, herpes, and some respiratory viruses,
isolating compounds called ginsenosides and administering them in a
high concentration seems to have an even greater antiviral effect.
One noteworthy virus that succumbs to ginsenosides are coxsackieviruses,
a group of extremely dangerous viruses that can cause
meningoencephalitis - a potentially life-threatening brain infection.
10. Dandelion
You've probably heard that young dandelion leaves can be enjoyed in
salads, but the flowers of the plant are also acommon ingredient in
plant medicine. The plant is very sturdy and so it's commonly considered
a weed, but it shouldn't, as it has many anti-inflammatory and
antimicrobial health effects.
In terms of its antiviral effects, dandelion extract was reported to
kill influenza, hepatitis B, and other viruses. A more recent test-tube
experiment also showed the ability of the extract to stop the spread of
the life-threatening Dengue virus.
11. Licorice
The last, but definitely not the least ingredient on this list is
licorice - no, not the candy but the root that gives the candy its
characteristic smell and flavor. Like ginseng and ginger, licorice root
is a staple in Eastern medicinal practices, but there is also some
interesting research that reveals the antiviral potential of the plant.
In-vitro research reveals that the extract of licorice root is capable
of eradicating HIV, herpes, and even SARS-CoV (the first coronavirus,
not the novel kind the world is currently battling).