Best Antiviral Herbs

A selection of antiviral herbs stocked in the kitchen or medicine cabinet is a wise thing to do as cold and flu season approaches. But which ones should you keep on hand? Or which ones should you take before you even catch a cold or flu virus?

It is no good to run to the doctor's office when you have a cold to get an antibiotic. Colds and flu are caused by viruses not bacteria. An antibiotic will not do anything to kill the virus that is making you sick. If, while you are ill, you come down with a secondary bacterial infection, then an antibiotic is in order and only then is it helpful.

Many herbs can serve to build up your natural immunity to virus infection so you are less likely to come down with a viral infection in the first place.

Some herbs should not be taken over long periods of time because they do have some unwanted side effects. Echinacea should not be taken for more than eight weeks at a time because of the risk of liver problems and there is evidence that a person's immunity actually may go down after taking this herb for weeks or months.

Another antiviral herb that can cause problems is licorice. Even eating licorice candy can cause high blood pressure to go even higher. Taking licorice root for just a week can cause the body to be depleted of potassium, causing edema, and resulting in high blood pressure.

A number of antiviral herbs can cause unwanted interactions with other medications. Some of these herbs should definately not be taken by pregnant women. In many cases it is just not known what the effect of an herb may be on an unborn fetus.

Now with the warnings out of the way, what are the best antiviral herbs? All of these herbs may help in getting over a viral infection faster. Their actual direct impact on virus infection however is small. Their main effectiveness is enabling the body's natural ability to deal with a virus.

Garlic
Garlic is easy to incorporate into the diet. Whether you use fresh garlic or garlic powder in cooking, you will get its antiviral benefit. Plus if you just don't want to go around smelling like garlic all the time, you can get odorless garlic capsules. Garlic also has antibacterial properties so it can help protect secondary infections when you have a cold or the flu. For more information see Health Benefits of Garlic.

Ginger
Ginger is another antiviral herb that is easy to include in the diet. Think gingerbread, ginger snaps, ginger ale, and ginger tea. Lots of savory dishes use ginger as an ingredient. My favorite cold zapper is a pot of Ginger Root Tea. Read more about the Health Benefits of Ginger.

Elderberry
Although Elderberry has some side effects and some people should not use it, it will help build immunity and many people swear that drinking Elderberry Tea has helped them get over their colds. Only the flowers are used for tea. The berries are used to make jams, syrups, desserts, wine, and for flavoring of soft drinks. You will find more information at Benefits of Elderberry.

Green Tea
Green tea has many health benefits and if it helps you increase your immunity to colds and flu, then why not drink a few cups a day. It does contain caffeine though so you don't want to over do it. Three to four cups of green tea a day are considered safe. Preganant women probably should drink less. If you just don't like the taste of green tea, take green tea capsules instead. Find out more about the many health Benefits of Green Tea.

Cat's Claw
Use powdered Cat's Claw to make an antiviral tea or take it in capsule form and it is believed that it stimulates white blood cells to fight infection. It is an antibiotic as well and an antiviral. For more information read Benefits of Cat's Claw.

Chamomile
Chamomile is another herb that makes a good cup of tea. It has long been used for relaxation and as a sleep aid for people with insomnia but it also has antiviral and antibiotic properties. It is considered safe but if you are allergic to ragweed you might also be allergic to Chamomile. For more benefits read Benefits of Chamomile.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon isn't just a nice spice to add to pies, cookies, and buns. It has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can relieve the pain of a migraine headache and arthritis. It is also excellent for relieving the symptoms of the common cold and flu. If you are thinking about all the calories you would consume if you ate a cinnamon roll every day, don't worry. Cinnamon also boosts metabolism of carbohydrates. Read all about Cinnamon Health Benefits.

Olive Leaf
A list of important antiviral herbs cannot leave out olive leaf. Olive leaf actually prevents a virus from reproducing and increasing. It is effective for many different kinds of viruses such as those that cause colds, flu, shingles, fever sores, and chicken pox. Learn more about Olive Leaf Health Benefits.