These 5 Antiviral Herbs Will Keep You Healthy - Part 2
Herbs have been utilized as herbal treatments for a number of viral illnesses from the dawn of time. These 5 plants all have potent antiviral activities.
1. Peppermint
Peppermint is frequently used in teas, extracts, and tinctures designed to treat viral infections naturally because of its potent antiviral properties.
Active ingredients found in its leaves and essential oils include menthol and rosmarinic acid, which have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
In a test-tube investigation, peppermint-leaf extract demonstrated strong antiviral activity against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and markedly reduced levels of inflammatory substances.
2. Dandelion
Despite being traditionally viewed as weeds, dandelions have been researched for their possible antiviral effects among other medical benefits.
Dandelion extract has been shown to be effective against hepatitis B, HIV, and influenza in test tubes.
Additionally, a test-tube research found that dandelion extract prevented the dengue virus, which is spread by mosquitoes and causes dengue fever, from replicating. High fever, vomiting, and muscular discomfort are some of the symptoms brought on by this potentially lethal illness.
3. Rosemary
Due to its various plant constituents, such as oleanolic acid, rosemary is commonly used in cooking but also has medicinal uses.
In experiments on animals and in test tubes, oleanolic acid showed antiviral action against the herpes, HIV, influenza, and hepatitis viruses.
Additionally, research on rosemary extract has shown that it has antiviral properties against the liver-damaging hepatitis A virus and herpes viruses.
4. Licorice
Since ancient times, licorice has been employed in traditional Chinese medicine and other natural therapies.
Several of the active ingredients in licorice, such as glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, and glabridin, have potent antiviral activities.
Licorice root extract has been shown in test-tube tests to be effective against a variety of viruses, including those that cause significant pneumonia such as SARS-CoV, RSV, HIV, and herpes.
5. Astragalus
A flowering plant called astragalus is used frequently in traditional Chinese medicine. It contains Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), which is highly effective at boosting the immune system and fighting viruses.
Astragalus is an effective treatment for hepatitis C, avian influenza H9 virus, and herpes viruses, according to test-tube and animal research.
Additionally, research in test tubes indicates that APS may shield human astrocyte cells, the most prevalent type of cell in the central nervous system, from herpes infection.
