Common kitchen herbs, such as basil, sage, and oregano, have antiviral effects against numerous viruses that cause infections in humans. However, research supporting their effectiveness is limited.
Since ancient times, herbs have been used as natural treatments for various illnesses, including viral infections.
Due to their concentration of potent plant compounds, many herbs help fight viruses and are favored by practitioners of natural medicine.
At the same time, the benefits of some herbs are only supported by limited research, so you should take them with a grain of salt. If you have an infection, it’s important to speak with a doctor so you can receive medical treatment.
Here are 15 herbs with powerful antiviral activity.
Oregano is a popular herb in the mint family known for its impressive medicinal qualities. Its plant compounds, including carvacrol, offer antiviral properties.
Oregano oil
Also a member of the mint family, sage is an aromatic herb that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat viral infections.
The antiviral properties of sage are mostly attributed to compounds called safficinolide and sage one, which are found in the leaves and stem of the plant.
Research shows that it may slow down or prevent the growth of new bacteria, and help with pain relief.
Many types of basil, including the sweet and holy varieties, may fight certain viral infections.
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, has been shown to increase immunity, which may help fight viral infections, as well as reducing symptoms from lung infections like pneumonia.
Fennel is a licorice-flavored plant that may fight certain viruses.
Trans-anethole, the main component of fennel essential oil, has demonstrated antiviral effects against herpes viruses.
Fennel may also boost your immune system and decrease inflammation, which may likewise help combat viral infections.
Garlic is a popular natural remedy for a wide array of conditions, including viral infections.
Lemongrass is a lemony plant that’s commonly used in teas and seasonings. It’s also celebrated for its medicinal qualities.
Lemongrass extract is a concentrated source of potent essential oils and plant compounds that have antiviral activity.
Research has shown that it has antiviral effects against avian influenza (bird flu), herpes viruses, HIV-1, and enterovirus 71.
Peppermint is known to have powerful antiviral qualities and commonly added to teas, extracts, and tinctures meant to naturally treat viral infections.
Its leaves and essential oils contain active components, including menthol and rosmarinic acid, which have antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity that may help to reduce symptoms cause by respiratory viruses, such as flu and RSV.
Rosemary is frequently used in cooking but likewise has therapeutic applications due to its numerous plant compounds, including oleanolic acid.
Oleanolic acid has displayed antiviral activity against herpes viruses, HIV, influenza, and hepatitis in several studies.
Echinacea is one of the most popularly used ingredients in herbal medicine due to its impressive health-promoting properties. Many parts of the plant, including its flowers, leaves, and roots, are used for natural remedies.
Several studies suggest that certain varieties of echinacea, including E. pallida, E. angustifolia, and E. purpurea, are particularly effective at fighting viral infections like herpes and influenza.
Notably, E. purpurea is thought to have immune-boosting effects as well, making it particularly useful for treating viral infections.
Sambucus is a species of plant also called elder.
Elderberries are made into a variety of products, such as elixirs and pills, that are used to naturally treat viral infections like the flu and common cold.
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Licorice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and other natural practices for centuries.
Glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, and glabridin are just some of the active substances in licorice that have antiviral properties.
It may help to reduce symptoms from severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which causes a serious type of pneumonia.
Astragalus is a flowering herb popular in traditional Chinese medicine. It boasts Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), which has significant immune-enhancing and antiviral qualities.
Studies show that astragalus may help combat herpes viruses, hepatitis C, and the avian influenza H9 virus.
Ginger products, such as elixirs, teas, and lozenges, are popular natural remedies — and for good reason. Ginger has been shown to have impressive antiviral activity thanks to its high concentration of potent plant compounds.
Research shows that ginger may be helpful in treating and preventing colds and reducing inflammation caused by viral infections. It can be even more beneficial when paired with garlic.
Ginseng, which can be found in Korean and American varieties, is the root of plants in the Panax family. Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, it has been shown to be particularly effective at fighting viruses.
A 2024 study found that Korean ginseng extract has exhibited significant effects against RSV, herpes viruses, and hepatitis B.
Dandelions are widely regarded as weeds but have been studied for multiple medicinal properties, including potential antiviral effects.
A 2024 review found that the plant may help to protect against disease and strengthen the immune system. The review authors also noted that dandelion may help suppress DNA responsible for hepatitis B and C.
Herbs have been used as natural remedies since ancient times.
Common kitchen herbs, such as basil, sage, and oregano, as well as lesser-known herbs like astragalus and sambucus, have powerful antiviral effects against numerous viruses that cause infections in humans.
It’s easy to add these powerful herbs to your diet by using them in your favorite recipes or making them into teas.
However, keep in mind that most research has been conducted in test tubes and animals using concentrated extracts. Therefore, it’s unclear whether small doses of these herbs would have the same effects.
If you decide to supplement with extracts, tinctures, or other herbal products, connect with a healthcare professional to ensure safe usage.