Why Choose Herbal Antivirals?
Herbal antivirals don’t just fight pathogens—they work with your body to bolster its natural defenses. Many herbs possess compounds that interfere with viral replication, disrupt the integrity of viral membranes, or enhance immune system function. This synergy allows herbal remedies to address not only the virus itself but also the collateral damage viruses often cause within the body. Many also provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating benefits. For example:
- Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis):Rich in baicalin and baicalein, Chinese Skullcap been shown to inhibit viral replication and reduce inflammation. It is particularly effective in supporting respiratory health.
- Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra):Licorice soothes mucous membranes, eases sorethroats, inhibits viral attachment, and modulates immune responses.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale):A warming herb with strong antiviral activity, ginger supports circulation, eases digestive discomfort, and reduces inflammation, especially gastrointestinal viruses.
- Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa):An immune-modulating herb, it supports recovery in chronic infections while addressing inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea):Echinacea enhances white blood cell activity, shortens the duration of infections, and bolsters overall immune resilience.
- Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum):This herb supports vascular and immune health while reducing neuroinflammation.
- Monolaurin:Monolaurin disrupts the lipid envelopes of viruses, preventing them from binding to host cells and replicating effectively.
Considerations for using herbs for antiviral treatment
Consistent Dosing
Herbal compounds metabolize quickly and require repeated use throughout the day.
Rotate Herbs
For chronic viral conditions or long-term prophylaxis, rotating herbs prevents the body from building tolerance and ensures long-term efficacy.
Move the Lymph
When dealing with an active virus, it’s important to keep the lymphatic system flowing smoothly. The lymph system helps the body efficiently process and eliminate the cellular debris created by the immune system as it fights off the infection. This means less strain on the body and a quicker recovery. You can pair an anti-viral with a lymph mover, like cleavers. Or, make sure you are taking other actions, like dry brushing, to get the lymph moving.
Viruses Active Against
- Herpesviruses
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
- Influenza
Bacteria Active Against
- H.pylori
- coli
- Salmonella
- Staph
- Lyme
How Cat’s Claw Fights Viruses
- Inhibits Viral Replication
Active compounds, particularly oxindole alkaloids, disrupt the replication cycle of viruses, curtailing their ability to spread and cause further infection. - Blocks Viral Entry and Binding
Inhibit viruses from attaching to and entering host cells, serving as a first line of defense. - Reduces Inflammation
Cat’s Claw suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines and pathways, which can be overactive during viral infections, preventing excessive immune reactions and tissue damage. - Boosts Immune Surveillance
It enhances the activity of white blood cells, including macrophages and natural killer cells, strengthening the body’s ability to detect and eliminate viruses.
Additional Benefits of Cat’s Claw
- Gut Health Support: By reducing inflammation in the gut lining, Cat’s Claw aids in restoring gut integrity, which is crucial for overall immune function.
- Antioxidant Power: Neutralizes free radicals generated during viral infections, protecting cells from oxidative stress.
- Joint and Tissue Repair: Its anti-inflammatory properties are widely used for alleviating joint pain and promoting tissue healing.
- Anti-inflammatory Power:This herb reduces systemic inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines while boosting antioxidant activity, helping to counteract the damaging effects of chronic inflammation.
One of the most used herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. Its known for its ability to fight infections, reduce inflammation, and support overall health. Now, with modern science we know the compounds in Chinese Skullcap that give it medicinal properties namely baicalin and wogonin.
* not to be confused with Scutellaria lateriflora.
How It Works:
- Inhibits Viral Replication: Prevents viruses from multiplying and spreading within the body.
- Blocks Viral Attachment: Stops viruses from binding to host cells, halting the infection process before it gains a foothold.
- Regulates Immune Function: Supports helps regulate the body’s innate immune responseby modulating cytokine production during a viral attack, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections without triggering excessive inflammation.
Antiviral Active Against
- Influenza
- Coronaviruses
- RSV
- Enteroviruses (Coxsackie (HFM), respiratory infections)
- Herpesviruses
- Epstein-Barr
- Croup
- Common cold
Antimicrobial Active Against
- Mycoplasma
- Lyme
- Staph
- Strep
- H-pylori
Chinese Skullcap is one of the most well used herbs for Mycoplasma.
Additional Benefits Beyond Antiviral Support
Chinese skullcap doesn’t just stop at fighting viruses—it also provides critical support to the body during illness:
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation throughout the body, particularly in the respiratory system, helping with bronchitis, viral pneumonia, or sinusitis.
- Antioxidant Protection: Defends cells from oxidative stress caused by viruses or chronic inflammation.
- Liver Support: Promotes detoxification and helps protect liver function, which can be overburdened during infection.
- Antimicrobial: Inhibits bacterial replication, disrupts biofilm structures, targets intracellular bacteria, and supports a balanced immune response.
- Neuroprotective: In his book Herbal Antivirals, Stephen Buhner (brilliant scientist/herbalist) says Chinese Skullcap “is extremely specific for reducing inflammation in the brain, reducing the cytokine cascades imitate by viral or other microbial agents in the CNS, and alleviating CNS impacts of those microbes.”
Viruses Active Against
- Influenza
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
- Rhinovirus
- Epstein-Barr Virus
- Coronaviruses
Bacteria Active Against
- Streptococcus species
- Staphylococcus aureus
How Echinacea Fights Viruses
- Inhibits Viral Replication:
Active compounds, such as alkamides and echinacosides, interfere with the replication cycle of viruses, reducing their ability to multiply and spread within the body. - Enhances Immune Activation:
Echinacea increases the activity of white blood cells, including NK cells and macrophages, to identify and destroy viruses more effectively. - Reduces Inflammation:
The herb modulates inflammatory responses by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, preventing tissue damage while supporting recovery from infections. - Supports Detoxification Pathways:
By stimulating lymphatic circulation, Echinacea aids in the removal of cellular waste and toxins, which is critical during illness.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a powerful immunomodulator, enhancing the body’s immune defenses by stimulating white blood cells such as T lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells. Its immune-boosting properties make it a valuable ally in both preventing and managing infections. Additionally, Echinacea supports the lymphatic system, promoting detoxification and the efficient removal of toxins from the body.
How Echinacea Fights Viruses
- Inhibits Viral Replication:
Active compounds, such as alkamides and echinacosides, interfere with the replication cycle of viruses, reducing their ability to multiply and spread within the body. - Enhances Immune Activation:
Echinacea increases the activity of white blood cells, including NK cells and macrophages, to identify and destroy viruses more effectively. - Reduces Inflammation:
The herb modulates inflammatory responses by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, preventing tissue damage while supporting recovery from infections. - Supports Detoxification Pathways:
By stimulating lymphatic circulation, Echinacea aids in the removal of cellular waste and toxins, which is critical during illness.
Additional Benefits of Echinacea
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Echinacea contains potent compounds that reduce systemic inflammation, helping to mitigate the effects of chronic inflammation and support overall immune health. - Antimicrobial Activity:
Echinacea’s antimicrobial properties extend to bacteria and fungi, with compounds like echinacoside showing activity against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. This makes it especially effective in addressing skin and respiratory infections. - Immune Resilience:
Regular use of Echinacea, especially at the first signs of illness, can strengthen the body’s overall ability to ward off infections and shorten the duration of colds and flu.
Different species of Echinacea
There are multiple species of Echinacea but you will usually see Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea. Echinacea angustifolia is not as widely available but is far more potent than purpurea. Look for those containing E. angustifolia, but E. purpurea remains a good option if angustifolia is unavailable.
A narrow spectrum antiviral but good in its range. Primarily used to prevent and treat influenza, and other respiratory infections. For a lot of people if you use the herb right at the beginning of a flu infection, it will greatly reduce the severity of symptoms.
It inhibits viral replication, binds influenza viruses thus inhibiting them from infecting host cells, directly virucidal, inhibits maturation of viruses
Viruses Active Against
Influenza & other respiratory viral infections
Herpes simplex
Bacteria Active Against
Strep
H. Pylori
Mycoplasma
Very effective for influenza but must be taken at the onset of symptoms or prophylactically. If you take elderberry beginning right two days into the flu, it can cause cause a cytokine storm and exacerbate symptoms
Ginger’s Antiviral Mechanisms
Compounds like gingerols and shogaols interfere with the ability of viruses to replicate, slowing the spread of infection in the body. Ginger disrupts the ability of viruses to bind to host cells, preventing them from establishing infections. Ginger helps regulate innate immunity by balancing cytokine production during a viral attack, preventing excessive inflammation.
Viruses Targeted
Influenza
RSV
Herpesviruses
Enteroviruses
Bacteria Active Against
CMV
H. Pylori
Influenenza
Rhinoviruses
Staph
Additional Benefits Beyond Antiviral Support
- Respiratory Support:
Ginger soothes mucous membranes, reduces inflammation, and acts as a natural expectorant, helping clear congestion in the lungs and airways. - Gut Health and Immune Modulation:
As much of the immune system resides in the gut, ginger supports digestion and gut microbiota. - Liver Support:
Ginger encourages detoxification and supports liver function, which helps process the byproducts of viral infections. - Neuroprotective Action:
Reduces inflammation in the brain, making it particularly helpful in viral infections that involve neurological symptoms, such as PANS/PANDAS flares or viral meningitis
A mainstay in TCM for centuries, it’s active against a wide range of viruses through multiple mechanisms. Modern research confirms that licorice’s active compounds, particularly glycyrrhizin and liquiritigenin, play significant roles in halting viral infections while providing additional support for the immune system, inflammation, and detoxification pathways.
Viruses Active Against
Influenza
Coronaviruses
RSV
Herpesviruses
Enteroviruses
Croup
Bacteria Active Against
H. Pylori
Salmonella
Staph
Strep
How Licorice Fights Viruses
- Inhibits Viral Replication:
Glycyrrhizin interferes with the ability of viruses to replicate, slowing down the infection and giving the immune system time to respond. - Blocks Viral Entry and Attachment:
Licorice compounds disrupt the binding of viruses to host cells, preventing them from establishing infections. - Modulates the Immune Response:
Licorice helps the body identify and fight infections more effectively. It calms overactive inflammatory responses, which are common in severe viral illnesses or autoimmune-related. - Anti-inflammatory Effects:
By reducing systemic inflammation, licorice provides relief from respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms often associated with viral infections.
Additional Benefits of Licorice
- Liver Support: Promotes detoxification and protects liver cells from damage caused by toxins and infections.
- Soothes Mucous Membranes: Licorice’s demulcent properties coat and protect irritated tissues in the respiratory and digestive tracts, providing relief from symptoms like cough and sore throat.
- Adrenal Support: Licorice helps regulate cortisol levels, supporting the body’s stress response and immune system.
Safety note. Licorice is not to be used long-term, more in acute infections, and usually combined with other herbs. Licorice is a synergist, meaning it potentiates the efficacy of other herbs.
Japanese knotweed has a long history of medicinal use in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (Hu Zhang) and modern herbalism, where it is known for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. It is frequently used for chronic infections, especially those involving neurological symptoms or autoimmune conditions.
Viruses Active Against:
Coronaviruses
Herpesviruses
Enteroviruses
Epstein-Barr
CMV
Influenza
Bacteria Active Against
Bartonella
Mycoplasma
How Japanese Knotweed Fights Viruses
- Inhibits Viral Replication:
Japanese knotweed’s compounds, especially resveratrol, interfere with the replication of viruses, reducing their ability to multiply and spread. - Crosses the Mucosal Barrier:
This herb easily crosses mucosal barriers, allowing it to reach deeper tissues where viral infections often persist, such as in the respiratory system, gut, and nervous system. - Modulates Immune Response:
Japanese knotweed helps normalize the immune response, especially in cases where chronic viral infections trigger autoimmune-like reactions (e.g., PANS/PANDAS, Lyme, or lupus). It prevents the immune system from becoming overactive, reducing harmful inflammation while still supporting the body’s ability to fight off infections. - Reduces Cytokine Cascades:
Viral infections often cause cytokine storms, which can damage tissues and worsen symptoms. Japanese knotweed suppresses excessive cytokine production, calming the immune system and protecting the body from further harm. - Enhances Antioxidant Activity:
Japanese knotweed increases the body’s antioxidant defenses when needed, protecting cells from oxidative stress caused by both viral infections and inflammation. - Neuroprotective Effects:
This herb’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier makes it highly effective in protecting the brain and central nervous system (CNS) from viral or inflammatory damage.
Additional Benefits
- Brain and CNS Protection:
- Japanese knotweed is strongly neuroprotective, meaning it protects brain cells from damage caused by viruses, inflammation, or toxins.
- It reduces low-level chronic inflammation in the brain, which is common in conditions like Lyme disease, PANS/PANDAS, and viral meningitis.
- Stimulates microcirculation in the brain, improving nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues.
- Protection Against Endotoxin Damage:
- Chronic infections often produce endotoxins, which can trigger inflammation and tissue damage. Japanese knotweed protects the body from these harmful byproducts, reducing the toxic burden on organs like the liver and brain.
- Supports Autoimmune Balance:
- For individuals with conditions where autoimmune reactions are triggered by viral infections (PANS/PANDAS or lupus), Japanese knotweed helps regulate the immune system, reducing the likelihood of overactivation.
- Anti-Inflammatory Power:
- Its anti-inflammatory properties are particularly effective in the brain, nervous system, and joints, where chronic inflammation can cause debilitating symptoms.
Antiviral Supplements
Zinc
Zinc has been found to be incredibly supportive in the treatment of viruses, including influenza. It inhibits the replication of many viruses, including COVID. Zinc also boosts the production and function of white blood cells to combat infection. It can significantly reduce the duration of the common cold.
Vitamin D
It modulates both the innate and adaptive immune systems, ensuring the body can effectively respond to viral threats without overreacting. Research has shown that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels can reduce the risk of respiratory infections, including influenza. Studies have also shown better outcomes and less severe infections in COVID patients who had optimal Vitamin D levels.
Monolaurin
Monolaurin, a compound derived from lauric acid (found in coconut oil), is a natural antiviral. It works by disrupting the lipid envelopes of certain viruses, effectively neutralizing their ability to infect host cells. Monolaurin can be used in place of an herbal antiviral.
- Breaks down the protective coating of enveloped viruses, such as influenza, herpes, and Epstein-Barr.
- Supports gut health, which is integral to overall immune function.
- Reduces the viral load in chronic infections, giving the immune system a better chance to recover.
For a greater breakdown on Infections, see Root Causes & Triggers.