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 a variety of illnesses and infections. Many of these herbs you can grow in containers or pots. The feature photo is of 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 was effective against herpes viruses, hepatitis B, and enterovirus. 300 mg of holy basil extract increased levels of helper T cells as well as 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 be used therapeutically as well. One of its healing compounds is oleanolic acid. It has been proved to be effective in treating herpes, HIV, flu, and hepatitis.

I have used echinacea for years to combat an oncoming cold. Multiple parts of the plant, including its flowers, leaves, and roots have been used in natural medicine. I make tea from leaves I buy at the health food store. Echinacea has been proven to be 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, the roots of both have a high concentration of potent antiviral properties. They are effective against flu, herpes, and hepatitis A. An effective tea is to about an inch of the roots in water for 20 minutes. When cool enough drink 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 was preparing to make dandelion tea, good for what ails Ya, lol. However, that pesky weed has multiple medicinal properties which include antivirals. Dandelion may put up a 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, they will burn up. Use some of these natural remedies, one thing is for sure, they have no side effects.

One last thing, if you are taking any medication, please check with your pharmacist to make sure there are no side effects from herbs.

Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Blessings💖