Are you looking for the best antiviral herbs amid the COVID-19 outbreak? You have landed at the right place.
Antiviral herbs show amazing health benefits. They can boost your immunity to fight against viral infections. Especially in this COVID-19 outbreak, people are searching for these immunity-boosting herbs. They can beef up your immunity to prevent the infection. Viruses can replicate and increase their number to make the infection even worse. Fret not! We have a list of the ten antiviral herbs with incredible health benefits. Let’s find out!
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List of 10 Proven Antiviral Herbs That Can Uplift Your Immunity
The below-given list describes ancient herbs with their extraordinary health benefits:
1: Basil
Basil is one of the most potent antiviral herbs that contains compounds like apigenin and ursolic acid. These are effective on herpes, enterovirus, and hepatitis B. Basil has a special place in the ancient Ayurveda. People in India worship basil for providing amazing health benefits. Moreover, it is also known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Above all, basil can help you fight several diseases.
2: Garlic
Garlic is a magical herb that can fight against a wide variety of health conditions. This antiviral herb is effective against several viral infections. The list may include influenza A and B, viral pneumonia, HIV, HSV-1, and rhinovirus. Garlic can stimulate protective immune cells to ease the immune system response. Besides, garlic is nutritious and doesn’t contribute many calories to the body.
Garlic is known for its antioxidant properties, protecting the body from bacterial and viral infections and risk of cancer. This spice can help prevent breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer among others. Here is ginger extract.
Eat garlic the healthiest way by eating it raw. Garlic contains allicin, a compound that helps in reducing blood cholesterol and thinning the blood. However, this compound gets diluted during cooking. So, it is best to eat raw garlic on an empty stomach to benefit from allicin.
3: Ginger
Ginger has a high concentration of power plant components. This ingredient is widely used in various food recipes worldwide. They make it one of the most effective antiviral herbs. It is effective in several infections. The list includes avian influenza, RSV, and feline calicivirus (FCV). Its components like gingerols and zingerone can impede the replication of the viruses. Their rapid growth can damage the host cell. You can use fresh, dried, or powdered ginger or use its juice.
Turmeric, a rhizome like ginger, is available in tea servings. It belongs to the ginger family, commonly used as a kitchen spice. You’ll be amazed with turmeric tea benefits that will make you ask for more. Turmeric tea is an excellent coffee alternative because it doesn’t contain much caffeine that cause jittery.
Here’s how to make ginger turmeric tea:
- Prepare the needed ingredients, including ginger, turmeric, lemon, and honey.
- In a pot or saucepan, add all of the ingredients except the honey.
- Add the filtered water and boil.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture and serve with the honey.
4: Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a lemony plant you can use in teas or as seasonings. You can also use it for its impressive health benefits in fighting viral infections. People harvest it as a source of potent plant compounds and essential oil. Lemon balm can fight viral infections that can show-up in infants. Furthermore, you can also take it as a stress-relieving agent.
You can cook with lemon balm leaves, which make a great alternative for lemon in different food recipes. Lemon balm also adds flavor to soup, seafood, sauces, and vinegars. Add lemon balm to sugar cookie dough and enjoy a delicious lemony tea cookie. You can also toss a few fresh leaves in a bowl of mixed fruit and use it in a vinaigrette for salad marinades. Also, lemon balm makes great herb butter.
5: Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the strongest antiviral herbs. It can help you to fight against viral fever and infections. You can take it as a natural remedy to treat viral infections in the form of tea, tincture, or extract. It has potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory components. These components can fight against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Additionally, it can reduce the levels of inflammatory compounds.
So, how do you take peppermint to gain health benefits? Add peppermint to smoothies, green salads, and desserts. Incorporate peppermint tea in your diet. Peppermint oil can be massaged on affected areas to reduce inflammation.
6: Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the most effective antiviral herbs. You can see in your day-to-day kitchen applications. It has several plant compounds, such as oleanolic acid. They can help you in fighting against herpes viruses, HIV, influenza, and hepatitis. It is also helpful in liver ailments that can take place due to viral infections. Moreover, it is a good cognitive stimulant that can make your memory stronger.
You can make rosemary tea following these steps:
- Boil 10 ounces or 295 milliliters of water.
- Add one teaspoon of rosemary leaves.
- Place the rosemary leaves in a tea infuser.
- Steep for 5 to 10 minutes according to the flavor you like for your tea.
7: Oregano
Oregano is an antiviral herb from the mind family. It has many impressive antiviral and anti-inflammatory abilities. Also, oregano oil and its compounds can reduce murine norovirus activity in lesser time. The virus is very contagious and can give rise to stomach flu in humans. You can take oregano in the form of oil or seasonings. Above all, it is a suitable herb both for your kitchen and medicine cabinet.
8: Licorice
Licorice is one of the most used antiviral herbs in China. It has various traditional and medicinal applications. This herb can work in the cure for viruses such as HIV, RSV, and herpes viruses. Besides, you can use it for severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Coronavirus is a serious type of pneumonia that you need to recover immediately. You can also use licorice to cut down cholesterol. Besides, it can strengthen your digestive system too.
9: Astragalus
Astragalus is a traditional Chinese flower herb. You can use it to boost your immunity against viral attacks. It has a magical compound, Astragalus polysaccharide (APS). The compound helps the herb to beef up its potential in treating viral infections. It can combat hepatitis B, norovirus, and coxsackieviruses. These viruses can cause various life-threatening diseases, including serious brain-infection.
10: Elderberry
Elderberry is the last in the list of the most comforting antiviral herbs. Both the berries and flowers of the herb contain superb anti-oxidant and antiviral powers. Furthermore, you can get ample vitamins from Elderberry. Studies show that it has a direct effect on the flu virus. It obstructs the virus from linking to the host cells and entering them.
If you like this post on antiviral herbs, then we hope you will try these herbs to boost your immunity. To get more from us, stay in the loop.