Antiviral Herbs & Essential Oils

There are currently no studies on Coronavirus; therefore, we have to use the influenza virus as a reference on the best way to deal with it. The first line of defense should always be regular and thorough hand washing, not touching the face, and social distancing when appropriate.

The Lifecycle of Viruses

• The virus enters the host and binds with a cell in the respiratory tract.
• The surface proteins of the virus bind to receptors like a lock and key.
• The virus enters the cell & infects it.

Certain phytochemicals found in herbs and essential oils have been shown to disrupt the viral lifecycle at different stages. The virus must have a host to replicate. It can live on surfaces from approximately 3 hours to 3 days depending on the type of surface, but it will eventually die without a host. Viruses live longer on hard surfaces such as metal and plastic than they do on fabrics and soft surfaces. The virus may also be spread by airborne droplets which have landed and live in the environment waiting to be picked up and transferred to a live host.

Elderberry as a Potent Antiviral

Studies show that elderberry has a potent antiviral effect against viruses. It inhibits the early stages of an infection by blocking the viral attachment and entry into the host cells.

The phytochemicals found in elderberries are effective at stopping the virus from infecting the cells and inhibiting viral growth after cells are already infected, making it an excellent antiviral herb that both blocks the viral cycle at several stages and inhibits the viral infection overall.

Antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal herbs and essential oils like elderberry, basil, bergamot, chamomile, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, tea tree, and thyme are ideal for purifying the air. If a diffuser is not available, stove top potpourri is an excellent substitute.

Use these diffuser blends to combat airborne germs and prevent the spread of a virus:

• 3 drops lemongrass + 2 drops tea tree + 1 drop basil.
• 5 drops tea tree + 2 drops lemongrass + 4 drops clove.
• 1 drop cinnamon + 5 drops sweet orange + 4 drops ginger.
• 2 drops eucalyptus + 2 drops thyme + 7 drops lemon.
• 2 drops cinnamon + 2 drops carrot + 4 drops eucalyptus + 4 drops rosemary.
• 10 drops clove + 9 drops lemon + 5 drops cinnamon + 4 drops eucalyptus.

Or use these stovetop potpourri blends instead:

• Fresh lemongrass + 2 drops tea tree + fresh sweet basil leaves.
• 5 drops tea tree + fresh lemongrass + whole cloves.
•  2 cinnamon stick + fresh orange slices + fresh ginger root.
• 2 drops eucalyptus + fresh thyme sprigs + fresh lemon slices.
•  2 cinnamon sticks + 2 drops carrot + 4 drops eucalyptus +fresh rosemary spikes.
•  Whole cloves + fresh lemon slices + 2 cinnamon sticks + 4 drops eucalyptus.

~~ Ginger Winn 

Memphis Herb Society Medicinal Disclaimer: In accordance with FDA and other government entity rules: the information and products you may learn about in regard to herbal wellness as a result of your association with MHS are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You, and you alone, are legally responsible for any and all decisions you make regarding the health of yourself, your family and your friends and even your pets. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have learned as a result of your association with MHS. Reliance on any information provided by the Memphis Herb Society, members teaching or writing for MHS or guests speaking at the invitation of MHS, is used solely at your own risk.  (Used by permission of The Western Reserve Herb Blog)