Antiviral Herb Plants

Antivirals are medicines that help fight viruses like the flu and cold. These can be either modern medicine that a doctor prescribes or alternative medicines, usually in the form of herbs. Herbal antivirals can be taken without prescription and will either help prevent viruses or will work to reduce the duration of a cold or flu.

Garlic

• For over 5,000 years garlic has been used as a spice and a medicinal herb. The bulb is the part of the garlic used. It has a compound called allicin that is released when crushed. The University of Michigan Health System's website states that garlic has been found to have antiviral properties, as well as antifungal and antibiotic activity. However, it is recommended to supplement modern medicine.

  One or two raw garlic cloves can be eaten a day. Or a supplement that has 5,000 to 6,000 mcg of allicin can be taken. Side effects can include heartburn and flatulence.

Elder

• Elder, or elderberry, is a tree that has berries that are pressed for juice and used medicinally. This herb has not had a lot of scientific studies done on it but, according to information on the University of Arkansas' website, it has historically been used for the common cold. The flavanoids are believed to have antivirals. The berries also contain Vitamin C, which is useful in maintaining health and antioxidants.

  The elderberries can be prepared into a broth, syrup, tea, wine or other infusion. They should always be cooked, as raw berries are difficult to digest.

Echinacea

• Echinacea is an herb native to North America. It has been used by Native Americans for around 400 years to fight infections and treat wounds. According to the herb's profile on the University of Maryland's website, echinacea is used to boost immunity, relieve pain, prevent reoccurring herpes infections and fight other infections.

  Three species of echinacea are available and tablets, capsules, tinctures and other extracts may contain one type or a combination of all three.

  A 150-pound adult can take one to two grams of dried root in a tea, three times a day for seven to 10 days when cold symptoms start. If you buy prepared capsules follow the instructions on the label or consult your doctor.

Astragalus

• Astragalus is a Chinese herb with a history dating back thousands of years. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant properties. It is used to fight infections, prevent colds, boost the immune system and help the body heal itself after radiation, chemotherapy and other invasive treatments.

  This perennial plant is 2 feet high. The root is used for herbal preparations. It can be prepared in capsules, as a tincture, topically and in Asian countries it can be given as an injection. Doses can range from 1 to 25 grams a day. Buy a standardized supplement and follow the package instructions.

Siberian Ginseng

• Siberian ginseng is a distant relative of other forms of ginseng and has been used in Russia to fight colds and boost the immune system. Russian studies have shown that Siberian Ginseng reduces the duration of colds and influenza. In the same studies it has also shown to be a more effective antiviral than some prescription medications like amantadine.

  The dried root can be taken in tea or capsules. Doses range from 500 to 3,000 mg a day.