
There’s no need to explain the dread and exhaustion that comes with fighting a virus. Whether it be the common cold or the flu — the nausea, congestion, and other symptoms, can almost be too much to bear.
These symptoms usually result in fleeing to your doctor, in search of a pill, to make it all go away as fast as possible. And while there is definitely a time and place for prescription medications, have you paused for a moment to consider a prescription from nature?
According to the American Medical Association Journal, over 100,000 Americans die in hospitals every year due to side effects from regularly prescribed medications. Throughout America, a huge amount of medication is prescribed on a daily basis. The medical community openly acknowledges that fact that it does not have any cure for several common diseases that affect people.
Most over the counter or prescription medicines have side effects that can range from mild to severe. The reason for this is that most of these pharmaceuticals contain chemicals that have toxic properties as a part of there make up. Who needs this when you are already fighting off a cold or flu?
Unlike prescription medicines, whose list of potential side effects are often longer than their list of benefits, antiviral herbs often have little to no side effects. These herbs can be traced back to as early as Ancient Egypt and China, where they were also used as natural remedies.
Many, like licorice root, are also so effective that they are being considered for use as broad-spectrum, non-prescription antivirals.
By sticking with these antiviral herbs, you can stop viruses in their tracks, boost your immune system, and avoid the chemical toxins found in prescription drugs.

Oregano has the power to “inactivate” the human norovirus within an hour of contact. In addition, Mexican oregano oil has been shown to be effective against viruses like acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1 and human respiratory syncytial virus.
Keep in mind, that while it’s great to cook with oregano, you might need to go the oil route to get the most antiviral benefits.

Not only does it have the ability to boost your immune system by stimulating the production of cells to help fight infections, but it also contains phytochemicals that fight and help reduce infections once they occur.

Today, garlic’s reputation as a potent antimicrobial is well-known. Studies have shown that it has the ability to combat the flu virus, the common head cold virus, HIV, and pneumonia, to name a few.

If you’ve got the flu, reach for some elderberry. It’ll boost your immune system while eradicating the virus.
Elderberry is commonly taken alongside echinacea to boost your immune system, while at the same time eradicating the flu virus.

One study revealed that astragalus root is effective at inhibiting the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), while another showed that it inhibits RNA replication in some virus strains. In simple terms, astragalus root could be your best friend whenever you’re looking to stop a virus from multiplying and getting worse.

It’s main compound, oleuropein, has been shown to inhibit the spreading of viruses by not allowing them to attach to healthy cells. In addition, studies have shown that exposing certain viruses to oleuropein in their early stages reduced their infection potential by 10 to 30 percent.
Other studies have even shown that olive leaf can inhibit certain antiviral effects on HIV by inhibiting replication.

It does this by blocking the attachment of viruses to areas that are commonly infected first, like your airways.
Keep in mind that many of the studies showing ginger’s effectiveness use fresh ginger rather than dried.


Specifically, cat’s claw works to supercharge your immune system, while simultaneously repairing damaged DNA and boosting your virus-fighting white blood cells.
Cat's Claw flower is pictured above but the vine is pictured below - bet you can see how it got its name!

Calendula, aka pot marigold, is more than just a pretty flower. It can heal infections, ulcers and ear infections! Calendula is also recognized as a cleansing herb that helps treat chronic infections and reduces inflammation, as well as helping heal ulcers and eradicate ear infections.
Alternatively, you can purchase pre-packaged teas such as ginger, licorice, elderberry, etc.
Oils - Combine 1 to 2 drops of antiviral essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut oil or jojoba oil), and rub them onto your chest or feet, or add 2 to 3 drops to a warm bath.
Alternatively, you can make an antiviral steam treatment by adding an oil to just-boiled water and inhaling the steam. This method is great for head colds and upper respiratory viruses.
Supplements - If you’re short on time, purchasing these antiviral herbs in supplement form might be your next best option. Many of these can be found in your local health food shop in standalone capsules, or in combination as part of an antiviral blend.
Apart from having a beneficial effect on our health, herbal teas are fragrant, appealing, tasty and relaxing - all very good things!
Check out the graphic below for some of my favorite herbal tea remedies.
And I want to offer a special thanks to my friends over at theindiaspot for this great infographic!
Happy Gardening!!