The flu and cold season is nearby. You may want to consider taking steps to arm your immune system now. There are herbs that we routinely use with antiviral qualities. Before pharmaceutical companies, people used herbal and plant medicine to treat many illnesses and infections. Most of these herbs you can grow in containers or pots. The feature photo is basil growing in my kitchen, I used a broken bowl.

Sweet and holy basil has been shown to fight certain viral infections. Extract from sweet basil is effective against herpes viruses, hepatitis B, and enterovirus. 300 mg of holy basil extract increases levels of helper T cells and natural killer cells. Both are immune cells that protect and defend against viral infections.

Another natural remedy that I use almost daily is garlic. In a study of 23 people with warts caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), garlic extract was applied twice daily to the warts. In one to 2 weeks the warts were eliminated. Like basil, garlic stimulates protective immune cells.

I enjoy a cup of peppermint tea with honey and lemon. The leaves of the peppermint plant and the oil contain active compounds, including menthol and rosmarinic acid which have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. I frequently use rosemary in cooking, but it can also be used therapeutically. One of its healing compounds is oleanolic acid. It has been proven to be effective in treating herpes, HIV, flu, and hepatitis.

I have used echinacea for years to combat colds. Multiple parts of the plant, including its flowers, leaves, and roots have been used in natural medicine. You can purchase Echinacea leaves from a natural health store, to make tea it has been proven effective in fighting viral infections like herpes, and flu.

I haven’t had a cold or flu for years, but I can testify to these next two herbs I want to introduce. They are ginger and ginseng, and the roots of both have a high concentration of potent antiviral properties. They are effective against flu, herpes, and hepatitis A. An effective tea can be made by putting about an inch of the roots in water for 20 minutes. When cool enough drink it as tea, you may add honey and lemon. Drink 2-3 times a day for active cold or flu.

As a child, I recall going outside to pick dandelions. My Grandma used them to make dandelion tea, good for what ails ya, lol. Most people consider it to be a pesky weed, however, it has multiple medicinal properties which include antivirals. Dandelion may fight against hepatitis B, HIV, and flu.

Sambucus is a family of plants also known as elder. Elderberries have been made into numerous products used to treat flu and colds. Elderberry supplements reduce upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections.

In conclusion, it’s time to prepare for the winter viruses. Use the above herbs and plants to prevent colds and cases of flu. Try your hand at growing your herbs. Please note, do not place the seeds or plants in direct sunlight as they will burn up. Use these natural remedies instead of over-the-counter medication.

Please note, that if you are taking any medication, please check with your pharmacist to be sure there are no adverse interactions between your medication and herbs.

Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Blessings💖