Importance and Uses of 10 Best Antiviral Herbs

Importance and Uses of 10 Best Antiviral Herbs

Importance of Antiviral Herbs

Ayurvedic natural herbs have been used since ancient times in various forms such as pain relievers and antiviral herbs (herbs that kill viruses) in the treatment of a variety of ailments. Many herbs contain compounds in high concentration, which helps those plants to act effectively as natural antiviral herbs, the dosage amount of which is determined by the doctor.

The knowledge base of effective herbs with antiviral and medicinal properties is vast. This is a huge subject, many herbs are still untouched in it. Researchers are constantly discovering surprising facts and health benefits of many herbs with antiviral properties. Here we are listing 10 most effective and best antiviral herbs.

List of Antiviral Herbs and their Uses

1. Celery

Ajwain, which belongs to the mint family, is known to have a high concentration of the powerful compound “carvacrol” in this herb plant. making it one of the most effective antiviral herbs. Ajwain oil has antiviral effects, which are effective against the following viruses –

 

     MNV and Human Norovirus: Celery begins to inactivate murine norovirus (MNV) within 15 minutes of exposure. MNV is similar to human norovirus which is the primary cause of stomach flu in humans.

 

     Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1)

 

     Rotavirus: It is the cause of diarrhea in infants and children, also cures it.

 

     Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): This causes infection of the respiratory tract. Ajwain has anti-RSV properties, which is why this antiviral herb is used for lungs.

2. Sage Herb

Sage is an aromatic herb that is commonly used to treat viral diseases and infections. Sage has antiviral properties due to a mixture of plant compounds called safisinolides and sage one. This compound is present in the leaves and stem of the herb. These antiviral herbs are effective for herpes zoster. This antiviral herb is effective on the following –

 

     Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1)

 

     Human immunodeficiency virus: Some research has shown that sage herb can fight human immunodeficiency virus type-1, which is the initial cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

 

     Indiana Vesicular Virus: This infects farm animals such as cows, pigs, and horses.

3. Basil

There are different varieties of Tulsi, it is considered sacred by Indians and is also worshiped. It has a sweet and somewhat astringent flavor, which shows its effectiveness in fighting viral infections. This herb contains plant compounds such as ‘apigenin’ and ‘ursolic acid’, which give it potent antiviral properties. Tulsi is very effective in increasing immunity against viruses. In a study, 24 healthy adults were given 300 mg of holy basil (tulsi) extract for 4 weeks. This resulted in a significant increase in helper T-cells and immune cells. These immune cells protect the body from viruses. Many varieties of Tulsi can fight against these diseases-

herpes virus

hepatitis B

enterovirus

4. Fennel

Fennel is an aromatic licorice-flavored herb characterized by the presence of trans-anethole, the main constituent of the essential oil. The presence of these components makes it have antiviral properties. It has strong antiviral properties against the herpes virus. One study found that its extracts have potent properties that are effective in fighting against parainfluenza virus type-3 (PI-3). This parainfluenza virus type-3 causes severe respiratory illness and infection. Animal researchers have also found that fennel is useful in reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system in fighting viral infections in animals. It can fight against these diseases –

– herpes virus

– Parainfluenza virus type-3 (PI-3)

5. Garlic

In India, garlic is a common natural remedy for a wide range of conditions, including viral infections. Powerful compounds like allicin, diallyl trisulfide and ajoene give the garlic plant antiviral properties. It is an effective antiviral herb for HPV disease. According to one study, 23 adults with warts caused by papillomavirus (HPV) were researched. The warts disappeared in all 23 patients within 1 to 2 weeks after garlic extract was applied to the affected areas. While some studies show that garlic The antiviral property of is also effective against HIV, viral pneumonia, rhinovirus, influenza A & B and HSV-1. However, research is still going on in this. In animal studies, garlic was found to be effective in stimulating immune cells, therefore effectively increasing immune response time.

6. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, a lemony plant commonly used as a tea and spice, is known for its medicinal properties. The presence of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in it and especially rosmarinic acid make it an effective antiviral herb. Studies show that it can fight against the following diseases –

avian influenza (bird flu)

herpes zoster virus

Has antiviral effect against HIV-1.

It may also be effective against enterovirus 71, which is the cause of serious infections in infants and children. Research on this is going on.

7. Peppermint

Peppermint is commonly used in the form of teas, extracts and tinctures to treat viral infections. Its antiviral properties come from the compounds menthol and rosmarinic acid present in its leaves and essential oils. Some research suggests that extracts of peppermint leaves also have antiviral properties against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

H3: 8. Rosemary

The rosemary plant contains several compounds, including oleanolic acid, which is why it is used for medical applications. Oleanolic acid shows immunity against herpes virus, HIV, influenza and hepatitis in animals. It has also been shown to have antiviral effects against hepatitis A (which affects the liver).

H3: 9. Echinacea

Echinacea is the most commonly used ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine. It has many impressive properties, which are beneficial for health. Basically its flowers, leaves and roots are used for natural antiviral remedies. Echinacea is a herb in the Purpurea family with cone-shaped flowers. It was used by Native Americans to treat many health ailments including viral infections. Several subsequent studies have shown that certain types of echinacea, including E. pallida, E. angustifolia, and E. purpurea, are highly effective in fighting viral infections such as herpes and influenza. E. purpurea is believed to have immune-boosting properties which makes it very useful for treating viral infections.

10. Sambucus

Sambucus belongs to the family of Adoxaceae plants also known as “elder”. A variety of products are made from elderberry. This includes Sudha and pills. It is effective in treating viral infections like fever and common cold. A study on rats showed that concentrated elderberry juice suppressed the influenza virus and stimulated immune system processes. In addition there have been 4 studies in 180 people where blood berry supplements significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections.

H3: Apart from the above mentioned herbs, there are some more which may be closer to this herb category:

Ginger:

Ginger is used in the form of tea and lozenges. It has potent antiviral properties due to its combination of high concentrations of gingerols and zingerone compounds. This property helps in preventing viral replication. Several test tube studies and some research have shown that ginger has antiviral effects against bird influenza, RSV and feline calici virus.

Ashwagandha:

Ginseng, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is a plant that contains powerful compounds called “ginsenosides”. It has antiviral properties, making it effective against hepatitis B and norovirus. It is effective against brain infections, meningoencephalitis and coxsackievirus. Some test tube studies have also shown its effectiveness against herpes, hepatitis A and RSV.

Dandelion

Dandelion is basically a weed and it is still under research for medicinal properties. Preliminary research suggests that dandelion may act potently against hepatitis B, HIV, and influenza. According to some studies, it is effective in preventing dengue virus as well.

Conclusion:

Common kitchen herbs are ginger, garlic, fennel, basil, sage and celery. All herbs have potent antiviral effects against many viruses, preventing infection in humans. These can be easily consumed to make a natural antiviral food or in the form of a tea. You can also include it in the diet. Insufficient studies and research have been done on animals and at the test tube level, so its dosage and exact effects are still unclear. Consult a physician before choosing any herbal extracts, tinctures or other products as supplements to avoid any side effects.

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