Stay Healthy This Winter with These 7 Antiviral Herbs

When you have a sore throat, runny nose, fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, the culprit is likely a viral infection. Unlike bacterial infections, which are caused by bad bacteria, viral infections can’t be treated with antibiotics. Viral infections are caused by viruses, which are smaller than bacteria and a little scarier as well. While bacteria live all over the earth, viruses are parasitic, which means they need tissue or living cells to grow and thrive.

Once a virus enters your body, it takes over the healthy cells and uses them to multiply itself. Some viruses even kill the host cells in the process! Typical examples of viral infections include the common cold, flu, chicken pox, and measles, all of which have no targeted medical treatments. But not to worry, there are some healing herbs that help lessen the severity of the symptoms and even prevent viral infections in the first place. Ultimately, the best defence against viral infections is a healthy immune system, and these seven herbs can be used to give you the boost you need this winter.

Herbs to Prevent and Naturally Kill Viruses

Viruses are crafty little organisms that come in all sorts of shapes and forms, which is why treating them is so tricky. Luckily nature has blessed us with some natural antiviral herbs to help protect our bodies against viruses looking to do harm.

1. Oregano

Oregano is a popular herb in the mint family known for its antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This herb contains a few healing compounds like thymol, carvacrol, and terpinene. Oregano oil has been used for centuries to treat fevers and the respiratory system and has become a popular remedy for cold and flu symptoms.

2. Holy Basil

Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, isn’t like the Thai herb used to flavor a steaming bowl of pho or the sweet basil in your granny’s marinara sauce. Holy basil is native to Southeast Asia and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat an array of ailments. Holy basil supports immune function and increases immunity, which helps fight viral infections. This leafy green is also used as a natural fever reliever (if it rhymes, it must be true!) The Holy basil plant contains cineole, eugenol, and camphene, which work to provide relief from congestion and other respiratory disorder symptoms. To learn more about holy basil, read our blog.

3. Fennel

The fennel plant is green and white with feathery leaves and delicate yellow flowers. Both the bulb and the seeds of this plant have a mild, licorice-like flavor, with the seeds having a slightly more potent taste due to their powerful essential oils. Apart from its use as a fragrant culinary ingredient, fennel seeds have antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Fennel seeds can be used to boost the immune system and decrease inflammation, which are both helpful for combating viral infections.

4. Garlic

This pungent herb has been used for centuries as both food and medicine. Garlic contains powerful compounds that aid the immune system in fighting germs. Garlic cloves contain a compound called alliin, which turns into allicin when crushed or chewed. Allicin has been shown to boost the disease-fighting response of some kinds of white blood cells in the body when they encounter viruses like those responsible for the common cold and flu.

5. Lemon balm

Lemon balm is a lemony herb that is commonly used in seasonings and tea. However, besides its aromatic properties, lemon balm is also celebrated for its medicinal properties. Lemon balm can be used to boost overall immunity and help heal cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

6. Peppermint

Peppermint is another fragrant herb with powerful antiviral properties. This herb is commonly used in teas, tinctures, and extracts meant to naturally treat viral infections. The leaves of the peppermint plant contain active compounds like menthol and rosmarinic acid, which both have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Echinacea

Echinacea is a very popular plant when it comes to herbal medicine due to its impressive healing properties. In fact, echinacea was used by Native Americans to treat various conditions, including viral infections.

Antiviral Tea Recipe

Ingredients (serves one):

1. ∙ 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

   ∙ 2 sprigs fresh oregano

   ∙ 2 sprigs fresh thyme

   ∙ 2 whole fresh sage leaves

   ∙ 1-inch ginger root fresh, chopped

   ∙ 1 tbsp peppermint fresh leaves or 1 teabag

   ∙ 1 tbsp green tea, loose or 1 teabag

   ∙ 1 whole bay leaf (optional)

   ∙ 2 slices orange or lime

   ∙ Honey to serve (optional)

Method:

1. ∙ Place each herb in a strainer.

   ∙ Add your peppermint and green tea (loose or the teabags).

   ∙ Place the tea strainer over a large cup or teapot and add boiling water.

   ∙ Let it steep for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.

2. Strain the tea, and then add your lime or orange slices and honey.

In Summary

There are many other antiviral herbs, including rosemary, sage, elderberry, ginger, and turmeric. You can boost your immune system and reap the benefits of these herbs by incorporating them in your recipes and herbal brews or by concocting some tinctures and infusions!