The 16 Best Antiviral Herbs and Supplements To Boost Your Immune System and Keep You Healthy

Many herbs and supplements are used as medicinal treatments. The best antiviral herbs and supplements to boost immunity include NAC, lemon balm, garlic, and other remedies.

Throughout history, humans have used herbs and supplements to treat various illnesses. Even today, influenza and coronavirus vaccinations are not 100 percent effective, so your immune system can benefit from some help. Let’s explore the best antiviral herbs for optimal health.

Many herbs and supplements have been used as medicinal treatments for years. Some have been therapeutically used to manage coronavirus symptoms.

NAC to astragalus

1. NAC

Your body naturally produces the amino acid N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which becomes the powerful antioxidant glutathione when metabolized. NAC can kill viruses, reduce inflammation, and thin mucus in the lungs. It has also attracted attention as a COVID-19 treatment, with studies showing that NAC can stop the spread of the virus. It may inhibit hyper-inflammation, preventing significant tissue and organ failure.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a part of the mint family and possesses various properties, including antioxidants, antihistamines, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It also relieves muscle spasms and can slow down the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and treat the influenza virus H9N2.

3. Garlic

Allium sativum L. (garlic) has been used for centuries in food and medicine. Garlic can heal viral infections and has been proven effective against the common cold, flu, viral hepatitis, and warts.

4. Astragalus

Astragalus root, a medicinal plant from Asia, is also an antiviral agent. It has been used to treat avian influenza H9.

Licorice to black elderberry

Licorice, also known as "sweet grass," has antibacterial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Its components, such as glycyrrhizin (GL) and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), have been used to treat Hepatitis C and combat MRSA.

6. Zinc

Zinc is essential for proper development and growth. It boosts the immune system and provides effective antiviral protection.

7. Fresh ginger

Ginger is a spice rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. It fights off viruses such as the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV).

8. Black Elderberry

Black elderberry, also known as Sambucus nigra, is a popular medicinal shrub in Europe. It has antioxidant properties and boosts the immune system. It has demonstrated effectiveness against influenza A and B viruses and bacterial lung infections.

Turmeric to oregano

9. Turmeric

Turmeric, a spice and essential component in curry powder, contains curcumin, which kills bacteria and viruses. It can also slow cancer cell growth.

10. Holy Basil

Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) is an herb with antiviral capabilities against herpes simplex virus, HIV/AIDS, flu A subtype H9N2, and Newcastle disease.

11. Reishi Mushroom

Ganoderma lucidum, also known as reishi mushroom, has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. It has antibiotic properties and is more effective against S. aureus and E. coli than some medications. It also demonstrates antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV).

12. Oregano

Oregano, a popular herb, possesses medicinal properties. Its oil can treat wounds, and its main active component has antiviral properties that are effective against murine norovirus (MNV).

QUESTION

Myrrh to artemisia annua

13. Myrrh

Myrrh is a resin or gum obtained from the Commiphora tree. It has been used as a treatment for inflammatory diseases. Myrrh is antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory, and it safely raises white blood cell count during healing.

14. Nicotinamide

Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 found in various foods. It slows down the spread of viruses like polio, HIV, enterovirus, and hepatitis B. It may also decrease inflammation and potentially treat COVID-19.

Echinacea (coneflower), a flower found in North America, has antiviral effects against COVID-19 and aids in preventing respiratory problems caused by coronaviruses. Artemisia annua extract fights COVID-19 and is also effective against HIV.

Discuss new herbs with a healthcare provider

Herbs and supplements have been used for centuries due to their effectiveness, but their efficacy can vary among individuals. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal or supplement regimen, especially if you are already taking prescription drugs, to avoid potential interactions.

Sources:

Acta pharmaceutica Sinica. B: "The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb."

Advances in nutrition: "The Role of Zinc in Antiviral Immunity."

Biochemical Pharmacology: "N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) inhibits virus replication and expression of pro-inflammatory molecules in A549 cells infected with highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A virus."

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: "Amazing Benefits of Myrrh."

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: "Ocimum tenuiflorum as an antiviral agent."

Journal of Ethnopharmacology: "Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines."

Journal of traditional and complementary medicine: "Antiviral natural products and herbal medicines."

Journal of virology: "Oregano Oil and Its Principal Component, Carvacrol, Inhibit HIV-1 Fusion into Target Cells."

Maturitas: "Be well: A potential role for vitamin B in COVID-19."

Mayo Clinic: "Curcumin: Can it slow cancer growth?"

Microorganisms: "Echinacea as a Potential Force against Coronavirus Infections? A Mini-Review of Randomized Controlled Trials in Adults and Children."

Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences: "Antiviral, embryo toxic and cytotoxic activities of Astragalus membranaceus root extracts."

Therapeutics and clinical risk management: "N-Acetylcysteine to Combat COVID-19: An Evidence Review."

Trends in food science & technology: "Antiviral potential of garlic (Allium sativum) and its organosulfur compounds: A systematic update of pre-clinical and clinical data."

Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): "A Medicinal Mushroom." Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011.

Virusdisease: "Antiviral activity of the oseltamivir and Melissa officinalis L. essential oil against avian influenza A virus (H9N2)."