Echinacea is one of the most powerful natural antivirals against human viruses. It contains a compound called echinacein that inhibits bacteria and viruses from penetrating healthy cells.

This greatly reduces the chances of contracting any type of infection while consuming echinacea. Some more echinacea benefits include its ability to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, improve skin problems, treat upper respiratory issues and improve mental health.

The antiviral herbomineral shilajit also appears to help reduce pain and inflammation. Elderberry has powerful immune-boosting, antiviral properties. Several studies conclude that elderberry may help to shorten the duration of cold symptoms.

Elderberry is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. It also contains an immunostimulant compound called anthocyanidins. Some of the most popular forms are elderberry syrup, gummies and juice. Andrographis is one of the most popular medicinal plants that has been used for centuries in America, Asia and Africa.

It possesses powerful compounds that have antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Traditionally, andrographis was used for influenza and malaria. Today, researchers have explored andrographis as a potent antiviral remedy.

It has been deemed a miraculous compound for restraining virus replication and virus development. A study published in Microbes and Infection found that when andrographolide the active ingredient in andrographis was given to mice with the influenza virus, along with a virus entry inhibitor, the combination increased survival rate, diminished lung pathology, decreased the virus load, and reduced inflammatory cytokines.

Andrographis is available in capsule and tincture forms, and it can be found online or in most health food stores. Experiments have shown that garlic — or specific chemical compounds found in garlic — is highly effective at killing countless microorganisms responsible for some of the most common and rarest infections, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, thrush and herpes.

Not only is it one of the best antiviral herbs for herpes, but its properties also help to treat eye infections and it works as a natural ear infection remedy. Some more raw garlic benefits include its ability to reduce the risk of cancer, control hypertension, boost cardiovascular health and fight hair loss.

To make a garlic oil infusion at home, crush garlic cloves and add them to a carrier oil like olive oil. Let the mixture sit for about five hours, and then strain the bits of garlic and keep the oil in a jar with a lid.

This infusion can also be used as an antiviral herb for cold sores when used topically. Bite down once to release the allicin ; then swallow with water like a pill. Scientific studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help remedy the common cold or flu.

A study evaluated the effects of astragalus on herpes simplex virus type 1 and found that the herb has obvious inhibiting efficacy.

Another study published in the Chinese Medical Sciences Journal concluded that astragalus is able to inhibit the growth of coxsackie B virus in mice. Not only does it work as a natural viral infection treatment, but astragalus also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is used on the skin for wound care.

Turkey tail mushroom is well-known for its ability to stimulate immune function. It contains polysaccharides that have immune-boosting power when consumed. When researchers evaluated the immune-modulating effects of turkey tail, they found that it was able to increase antiviral cytokines and had modest effects on growth factors.

Research also suggests that turkey tail is effective against an oral strain of the human papillomavirus HPV. When it was used in combination with reishi during the 2-month treatment period, the mushrooms improved results in 88 percent of patients.

The most common ways to use turkey tail is in capsule, powder or tea form. Medicinal mushrooms are rising in popularity and can be found easily in your local health food store.

It helps to bring the body back to homeostasis and regulate immune function. Reishi contains two powerful compounds, polysaccharides and triterpenes, which are known for their ability to enhance the immune response and reduce inflammation.

Studies highlight the antiviral effects of turkey tail compounds that are able to block the absorption of virus to the cells. You can easily find reishi and other medicinal mushrooms in capsule and powder forms in your local health food store. Licorice root is emerging as a prominent player in the search for treatment and prevention for diseases like hepatitis C, HIV and influenza.

The Chinese Journal of Virology published a review that confirms the antiviral activity of licorice root due to its triterpenoid content. The olive leaf has antiviral properties, giving it the ability to treat the common cold and dangerous viruses, including candida symptoms , meningitis, pneumonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis B, malaria, gonorrhea and tuberculosis; it also treats dental, ear and urinary tract infections and is a natural treatment for shingles.

Research shows that olive leaf extracts effectively fight against a number of disease-causing microbes, including some viruses that cause influenza and other respiratory infections.

In fact, the olive leaf is so beneficial to our health that treatment with olive leaf extracts reversed many HIV-1 infection-associated changes in a study done at the New York University School of Medicine.

Oregano is a powerful antiviral agent. Medicinal grade oregano is distilled to extract the essential oil and preserve its healing compounds; in fact, it takes over 1, pounds of wild oregano to produce just 1 pound of oregano oil!

Oregano oil benefits are proving to be superior to some antibiotics, without the harmful side effects. Sage is an essential ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Traditional herbalists value sage for its ability to help fight infections and improve a number of ailments.

Research illustrates that sage has antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies show that the diterpenes in sage help to fight viral infections.

One of the best ways to use sage is by drinking sage tea. It has soothing and healing properties, and can be made at home with fresh sage leaves or bought ready-to-serve at your local health food store. Related: Top 20 Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and How to Use Them.

Teas are a great way to get the antiviral benefits of herbs every day. Steep one tablespoon of herbs in hot water for 5—10 minutes. Herbal infusions are stronger than teas because they require a larger quantity of herbs.

To make your own herbal infusion, steep a cup of antiviral herbs in water for about 7 hours. Keep the infusion in an air-tight jar, and drink it cold or heated. An infused oil is when you heat the herb in a carrier oil for several hours.

Oregano oil is highly abrasive on the skin. Make sure to mix it with a thicker carrier oil if you are using it as a chest rub. Excellent choices for carrier oils include coconut oil and olive oil. Be sure to add in some lemon balm for the scent of citrus fruits and an extra dose of antiviral properties!

The sea-based superfood spirulina is one of the most versatile antiviral foods. You can add spirulina powder to a variety of superfood smoothies. If you never thought about doing so, it might be time to reconsider. One study looked at the effects of spirulina on three predominant types of influenza 9.

Considerable evidence suggests that after one hour, the blue algae inhibited virus replication. Many of the antiviral benefits of spirulina are attributed to its high levels of cyanovirin-N.

This protein has shown promise in slowing down the progression of HIV to AIDS This plant-based food is also a great source of Vitamin E. Vitamin E not only helps fight off free radicals but it helps convert our food to energy. So, by consuming Vitamin E, we can cut down the inflammatory-causing fat tissues that might cause an adverse immune response.

This preventative measure makes our body less susceptible to viral replication. If you give a shiitake about your health, you should give shiitake mushrooms a try. In fact, shittake mushrooms are so popular that many health food stores sell it in organic teas!

Shiitake mushrooms are teeming with beta-glucans. These are sugars that have antiviral capabilities. In fact, hospitals administer beta-glucans via an IV to prevent infection post-surgery One study on the antiviral benefits of shiitake mushrooms found that these foods had a positive impact on the immune system.

Researchers stated that compounds in shiitake mushrooms increased secretory immunoglobulin A sIgA in the body They noted that this action improved gut motility, which would help with many gastro problems. sIgA is an antibody.

It plays a significant role in protecting the cell membrane. As we mentioned, viruses like to use the cells as hosts so they can carry out their agenda. Eating antiviral foods rich in sIgA can help prevent that attack. We are big proponents of drinking tea in a healthy gut diet plan.

Green tea is one of the many reasons why tea time is always on our agenda. Our tasty brew is enriched with catechins.

In particular, green tea has an abundance of epigallocatechin gallate EGCG. Furthermore, EGCG and ECG inhibited the activity of viral RNA ribonucleic acid , which suppressed virus propagation Suffice to say, if you are showing some symptoms of the flu, get the tea flowing.

Add some star anise to your green tea. If not, try the next item on our list of top antiviral foods. Elderberries are finally getting the credit they deserve in the world of flu prevention. These things got more Vitamin C than the ever-popular orange! Compounds in this superfruit bind onto the little spikes found on virus proteins.

As a result, these viruses are unable to leech onto healthy cells and overtake the system. One study administered treatment to 60 influenza patients Half received elderberry syrup, while the other group had a placebo.

Those who consumed elderberry felt better on an average of four days sooner than their counterparts. It should be noted that elderberries are one of the best foods for flu and preventative measures against viral attacks.

In fact, many Vitamin C supplements contain elderberry. However, if you have COVID, Dr. Weil suggests to stop using this immune booster. He noted that cases of the coronavirus may experience an adverse immune response from elderberry. One of the best antiviral foods is probiotics.

Probiotics in yogurt help set up our gut to be the first line of defense against viral infection. Many healthy adults start their day off right with a yummy yogurt bowl. For extra gut-healing power, make sure you get yogurt fortified with Vitamin D. May people have low levels of Vitamin D3, which is essential for many metabolic functions that support our immune system.

Speaking of, add in some berries for free radical protection. Lastly, top off with protein-rich sunflower seeds to build healthy cells throughout the GI tract. Learn if these gut bacteria and other beneficial strains live in your gut.

Get your gut tested today! So many antiviral foods, so little time? The most challenging aspect of switching up your diet habits is knowing where to begin. We provide targeted insights into your dietary choices.

By testing your gut biome, we get a snapshot on everything causing your system an immune response. Based on the results, we can determine your risk of developing autoimmunity and how well your metabolism functions.

To better your chances of a healthy score, we offer you recommendations on foods you should eat, and which ones to avoid.

Combine these insights with our recipes full of antiviral foods, and your immune system will be strong enough to take-on flu season head-on!

How Viruses Invade Cells. Biophysical journal, 5 , — Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 4 1 , 1— National Library of Medicine, , www. Shikimic acid: review of its analytical, isolation, and purification techniques from plant and microbial sources.

Zinc works best if you start it at the first sign of symptoms. Doctors are taking a closer look at zinc for COVID, too. Zinc supplements come in lozenge, pill or liquid form. com recommends taking a lozenge containing 13 mg to 23 mg zinc every two hours throughout the day for no more than a week if you have a cold.

Those without symptoms may not get any benefit. Too much zinc can have the opposite effect and blunt your immune response and can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea and headache.

The National Institutes of Health sets the daily maximum limit at 40 mg day, unless being advised to take more under medical supervision. Thousands of different chemicals known as polyphenols are found naturally in plants, including most fruits and vegetables as well as coffee beans, cocoa, nuts, green tea and extra virgin olive oil.

One polyphenol — quercetin — proved especially effective against infections similar to COVID Quercetin seems to work by preventing viruses from entering cells. A clinical trial of quercetin is underway in China. In human research, polyphenols from green tea and blueberries helped prevent viral respiratory infections in athletes.

You can buy polyphenol supplements or specific types, such as quercetin, but Dr. Cooperman at Consumerlab. The new coronavirus causes low potassium levels because it blocks an enzyme called ACE2 that regulates blood pressure by balancing potassium and sodium.

Potassium loss can be especially severe in COVID patients with heart disease or high blood pressure. Experts recommend getting potassium from food instead of supplements, which could be dangerous for certain groups of people, including but not limited to those with kidney or heart disease and those who take particular blood pressure medications.

It also contains an immunostimulant compound called anthocyanidins. Some of the most popular forms are elderberry syrup, gummies and juice. Andrographis is one of the most popular medicinal plants that has been used for centuries in America, Asia and Africa.

It possesses powerful compounds that have antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Traditionally, andrographis was used for influenza and malaria. Today, researchers have explored andrographis as a potent antiviral remedy. It has been deemed a miraculous compound for restraining virus replication and virus development.

A study published in Microbes and Infection found that when andrographolide the active ingredient in andrographis was given to mice with the influenza virus, along with a virus entry inhibitor, the combination increased survival rate, diminished lung pathology, decreased the virus load, and reduced inflammatory cytokines.

Andrographis is available in capsule and tincture forms, and it can be found online or in most health food stores. Experiments have shown that garlic — or specific chemical compounds found in garlic — is highly effective at killing countless microorganisms responsible for some of the most common and rarest infections, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, thrush and herpes.

Not only is it one of the best antiviral herbs for herpes, but its properties also help to treat eye infections and it works as a natural ear infection remedy. Some more raw garlic benefits include its ability to reduce the risk of cancer, control hypertension, boost cardiovascular health and fight hair loss.

To make a garlic oil infusion at home, crush garlic cloves and add them to a carrier oil like olive oil. Let the mixture sit for about five hours, and then strain the bits of garlic and keep the oil in a jar with a lid.

This infusion can also be used as an antiviral herb for cold sores when used topically. Bite down once to release the allicin ; then swallow with water like a pill.

Scientific studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help remedy the common cold or flu.

A study evaluated the effects of astragalus on herpes simplex virus type 1 and found that the herb has obvious inhibiting efficacy.

Another study published in the Chinese Medical Sciences Journal concluded that astragalus is able to inhibit the growth of coxsackie B virus in mice. Not only does it work as a natural viral infection treatment, but astragalus also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is used on the skin for wound care.

Turkey tail mushroom is well-known for its ability to stimulate immune function. It contains polysaccharides that have immune-boosting power when consumed. When researchers evaluated the immune-modulating effects of turkey tail, they found that it was able to increase antiviral cytokines and had modest effects on growth factors.

Research also suggests that turkey tail is effective against an oral strain of the human papillomavirus HPV. When it was used in combination with reishi during the 2-month treatment period, the mushrooms improved results in 88 percent of patients.

The most common ways to use turkey tail is in capsule, powder or tea form. Medicinal mushrooms are rising in popularity and can be found easily in your local health food store.

It helps to bring the body back to homeostasis and regulate immune function. Reishi contains two powerful compounds, polysaccharides and triterpenes, which are known for their ability to enhance the immune response and reduce inflammation.

Studies highlight the antiviral effects of turkey tail compounds that are able to block the absorption of virus to the cells. You can easily find reishi and other medicinal mushrooms in capsule and powder forms in your local health food store.

Licorice root is emerging as a prominent player in the search for treatment and prevention for diseases like hepatitis C, HIV and influenza. The Chinese Journal of Virology published a review that confirms the antiviral activity of licorice root due to its triterpenoid content.

The olive leaf has antiviral properties, giving it the ability to treat the common cold and dangerous viruses, including candida symptoms , meningitis, pneumonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis B, malaria, gonorrhea and tuberculosis; it also treats dental, ear and urinary tract infections and is a natural treatment for shingles.

Research shows that olive leaf extracts effectively fight against a number of disease-causing microbes, including some viruses that cause influenza and other respiratory infections.

In fact, the olive leaf is so beneficial to our health that treatment with olive leaf extracts reversed many HIV-1 infection-associated changes in a study done at the New York University School of Medicine.

Oregano is a powerful antiviral agent. Medicinal grade oregano is distilled to extract the essential oil and preserve its healing compounds; in fact, it takes over 1, pounds of wild oregano to produce just 1 pound of oregano oil! Oregano oil benefits are proving to be superior to some antibiotics, without the harmful side effects.

Sage is an essential ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Story from Wellness. Last Updated September 26, , PM. What you eat has a significant impact on your energy, your sleep , your mood — the list goes on and on.

And certain foods may fortify your immune system too, helping it fight off viruses and bacteria that could make you sick. To be clear, just eating the right diet won't make you immune to viruses.

You should still stick with the latest recommendations from health authorities. But during sick season, we need all the help we can get, and it's true that certain foods have been shown to protect your health and have antiviral properties.