Natural helpers against viral infections

Supporting our body’s natural defences is one of the most important tasks in the “viral age”. We have a list of natural remedies that not only positively affect the functioning of immunity, but even have direct antiviral effects.

Unfortunately, we cannot say whether some of them also work to suppress coronaviruses – of course, there has not been enough research on this yet – but for those agents that work against a wider range of viruses, there is at least some hope. In addition, many of the following agents have a number of other beneficial effects on a range of processes in the body, which may ultimately affect how well our bodies are able to fight off infection and how much damage it eventually does.

Ginger

It is a very effective natural immunity booster, which also has a direct effect against certain groups of viruses. It interferes with the processes affecting the replication (multiplication) of viruses and their ability to penetrate host cells.

Ginger has been shown to be effective against influenza, RSV (Respiratory Syncitial Virus), FCV and norovirus. Ginger is also a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent, so that its consumption has a positive effect on the condition of virtually the whole organism.

However, the popular form of its use – ginger tea – unfortunately does not have a very high efficacy, because it lacks the substances that are formed when ginger is boiled (for example, 6-shoagol). Therefore, it is advisable to boil the ginger for at least five minutes or to choose a dietary supplement with a high content of 6-shogaol and other active substances.

Curcumin

Also, the dye from turmeric root positively affects the entire immune system due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and epigenetic effects. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the gut microbiome.

In addition, however, curcumin has been observed to have very broad antiviral effects against a very wide range of viruses – for example, influenza, hepatitis, Herpes Simplex 2, arboviruses (e.g. Zika virus), HPV (papillomavirus) and even HIV. Its antibacterial and antifungal effects are also very broad.

Baikal pine cone

Another popular Chinese medicine herb contains a substance called wogonin, which has significant epigenetic effects. Its anticancer activity is the best studied, but it also has antiviral properties.

For example, it is effective against influenza A and B viruses – it suppresses cell signalling processes that are crucial for their replication. Some research has even shown that rosehips can be effective against the viruses that cause dengue fever. Another of the substances in pine cones, baicalein, has also been described as effective against HIV.

Resveratrol

Red wine dye has also been shown to have broad antiviral activity. For example, it acts against influenza viruses, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes viruses of the first and second type, rhinovirus (which causes e.g. rhinitis), HIV, RSV, cytomegalovirus and others.

Resveratol also supports the functioning of immunity, has anti-inflammatory effects and has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.

Rosemary

This popular Mediterranean herb is effective against viruses such as influenza, hepatitis A and even HIV.

Astralagus

The herb widely used in Chinese medicine has the Czech name kozinec blanitý. It acts as an adaptogen, which in the current stressful situation is certainly not a bad thing, strengthens immunity and also acts against many types of viruses – for example, herpes viruses (the causative agents of cold sores), hepatitis C or bird flu virus.

Oregano

Another popular spice (the Czech name is dobromysl) also contains some antiviral substances. For example, they are effective against rotavirus, which causes severe diarrhoea in young children, norovirus and RSV, which causes respiratory infections.