Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is adaptogenic, contains antiviral properties, helps to boost your immune system, and supports the adrenal glands. Studies show that ashwagandha works explicitly to reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is a natural hormone released by the adrenal glands in the event of stress. Some cortisol is healthy, but when stress is ongoing, cortisol can begin to damage your body.
Ashwagandha may be beneficial in easing symptoms of nervousness, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Hypothyroidism, Restless Leg Syndrome, and muscle pain.
It's best to take ashwagandha in the evening before bedtime. Don't use ashwagandha root while pregnant because it may cause miscarriage. Don't use ashwagandha if you have problems metabolizing excess iron. Also, don't use ashwagandha with other sedatives, including other herbs that are known to cuase sleepiness.
One way to use ashwagandha is to infuse a teaspoon of dried herb in one cup of very warm milk that contains cocoa nibs. You can add raw honey to sweeten things up.
Astragalus
Astragalus (astragalus membranaceus) is a preventative that helps boost your immune system and support your adrenal glands (and may lower cortisol levels). Most agree astragalus is not an immune stimulant. Meaning it's acceptable to use if you have an autoimmune disorder, but always check with your doctor before taking astragalus. Astragalus helps build white blood cells and restore the immune system after using immunosuppressants. Astragalus is also a tonic to the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, intestines, and lymph system. It may also help against hay fever, toxins, joint pain, sugar imbalances, and cold and flu viruses. It contains antiviral properties that work against HSV-1 and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).
Side effects include rash, runny nose, and upset stomach, but these are uncommon. Astragalus closes pores a bit and could worsen certain infections and fevers. Because of this, never take this herb with an acute infection. It may also enhance the potency of Interferon (a drug). Astragalus is often used alongside steroid and Cancer treatments to reduce their toxicity. However, your doctor should supervise. If you sweat easily, don't use astragalus in herbal blends or not at all. Astragalus may interact with medications that suppress the immune system or with organ transplants.
For tea, add one tablespoon of dried, chopped astragalus to one cup of boiling water and steep for ten minutes before straining and drinking. Add one tablespoon to eight ounces of water in a covered pot, simmer for twenty minutes, and strain to make a decoction. Don't boil. You can add the decoction to broths, soups, and stews. A typical dose is 9-30 grams daily.
Catnip
Catnip (nepeta catariais), the same "nip" cats love, is an antiviral and suggested for anyone sensitive to stress or suffering from frequent stress-related symptoms. Catnip is included in the mint family and is excellent for calming the body, relieving stomach upset and all-over body aches and pain, and reducing fever. Catnip is safe to drink every day without taking a break. Don't use catnip during pregnancy or along with sedatives or medications for sleep, anxiety, or depression. Catnip is perfect for clearing digestive gases and can be taken as tea daily (2-3 cups daily)
Elderberry
Elderberry is immune-boosting and antiviral. Elderberry juices and syrups treat headaches, the common flu, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), infections (especially respiratory), inflammation, nerve pain, and dental pain. You can use it to support heart health, as a diuretic, and as a laxative. Elderberry is rich in antiviral anthocyanins, which give plants their black, dark purple, or blue color and are known to help against cold sores and genital herpes. But before you run out and chop off branches, you must understand many parts of the plant are poisonous.
Never eat the berries uncooked directly from the plant, and never use branches, bark, or leaves in cooking or juicing. Use only flowers and berries from the American or European Elderberry. Other types of elders may be more toxic. Also, the plant contains substances called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide. However, store-bought (commercial) preparations and home-cooked berries don't contain cyanide. The seeds contain small amounts of lectin, which can cause stomach upset in those sensitive to it, so it's best to strain your berries well when making juices and syrups. If you are under 18, pregnant, or nursing, you shouldn't use elderberry.
Echinacea
Echinacea (echinacea angustifolia) can boost the immune system when used with other antiviral herbs. Echinacea is an immunostimulant with some antimicrobial properties and is high in antioxidants. While echinacea has some ability to boost the immune system, it has no direct effect against viruses on its own. Additionally, echinacea is a periodic supplement, and you should cycle it. Some individuals have used echinacea for up to eight weeks at a time. However, I suggest using it only for a typical cold or flu period (7-14 days) and then taking a two-week break.
When using echinacea, be sure to add iron-rich foods to your diet. Don't give echinacea to children under 12. Children are more sensitive to echinacea. Roughly 7% of children develop a rash, which could be an allergic reaction. Some echinacea products are tainted with arsenic, lead, or selenium, so purchase wisely. While selenium can be helpful in combating herpes too much could pose a problem.
Avoid echinacea if you have an autoimmune disorder, Leukemia, Lupus, Leukosis, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), AIDS, Tuberculosis, or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Echinacea can lower your white blood cell count when taken for long periods. We need white blood cells to fight infection. It can also interfere with certain drugs. Echinacea can worsen autoimmune conditions. Overuse can cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and more frequent and severe infections.
Holy Basil
Holy Basil (ocimum sanctumis) is immune-boosting and is also antiviral. It's one of my favorites as far as flavor goes. It is called tulsi and contains compounds like apigenin and ursolic acid, which help fight against the Herpes Simplex Virus, Hepatitis B, and Enterovirus. Holy basil boosts immunity by increasing helper T and killer cells to defend against viral infection. When taken in capsule form, take 100-200 mg once daily. Although taking too much of this herb is difficult, it may not be suitable for pregnant women, those with diabetes, or those who have blood-thinning concerns or are on medications like Coumadin (Warfarin). You can make holy basil tea by adding one teaspoon of dried herb to 2 cups of boiling water. Steep for 5-10 minutes and sip.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (melissa officinalis) is slightly sedating but not in a supressive kind of way. It calms the nerves so you can think straight. Lemon balm helps calm anxiety, insomnia, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), nervous disorders, high blood pressure, fever, shortness of breath (caused by stress) and, perhaps, Hypothyroidism. It's the go-to antiviral for combating the herpes virus and it also inhibits the growth of bacteria. Some say lemon balm may affect the thyroid negatively. However, there's no agreement on this. Still, avoid consuming lemon balm if you have a thyroid disorder until you've spoken with your doctor.
High-quality lemon balm is known to reduce cortisol levels. Lemon balm also calms the muscles of the intestinal lining and helps to calm the nervous stomach and symptoms of IBS. It is anti-parasitic, reduces inflammation from pathogens, and conserves the body's vitamin B-12. Diluted lemon balm essential oil can help to relieve toothache (but try not to swallow much of it). Generally speaking, when consumed as a tea, there is little risk. However, capsules, powder, and tinctures warrant precautions due to higher dosage intake.
Children under 12, including babies, can have diluted lemon balm tea. Taking lemon balm capsules, powders, and tinctures while pregnant may interfere with fetal development or cause miscarriage (or both). However, it can be used in topical solutions while pregnant, and drinking lemon balm tea (within moderation) is safe when pregnant and breastfeeding. Avoid regular use of lemon balm if you have Glaucoma, a swollen prostate, or are having surgery. Don't take lemon balm with sedatives, glaucoma medications, thyroid medications, barbiturates, or drugs that affect serotonin.
For maintenance, take 300 mg of lemon balm twice daily or take a single 600 mg dose once per day during periods of exacerbated stress or as directed on your product label.
Licorice Root
Licorice Root (glycyrrhiza glabra) is antiviral and helps heal colds, flu (including SARS Coronavirus), sore throats, bronchitis, and muscular spasms. It is anti-everything and reduces the healing time and pain. However, it is not to be used fresh. The active substance in licorice root is glycyrrhizin, which can cause water retention and high blood pressure. You can use licorice root as a wash for HSv-1 and HSV-2. It may also reduce testosterone levels in men and women.
Only use licorice root for up to four weeks. Also, avoid using licorice root if you have a history of Cancer in your family, ovarian cysts, are pregnant, have diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, Hepatitis, bile problems, or respiratory mucous or obesity issues. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root, which has fewer side effects and doesn't contribute to high blood pressure, can be obtained. Never give licorice root to children.
So you know, this herb is horribly sweet, so it's often used in combination with other herbs when making tea and other medicinals taken by mouth. Use only ¼ teaspoon of licorice root powder to 8 ounces of boiled water. Steep for 5-10 minutes, strain, and sip up to 3 cups daily, but not every day.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola(rhodiola rosea) is a stimulating adaptogen that combats insomnia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Depression, and emotional instability. It helps relax the body while improving cognitive function by reducing cortisol and increasing serotonin, GABA, and other essential brain neurotransmitters. Some studies show rhodiola to be an immune tonic that fights against bladder tumors. It enhances heart health and helps to balance blood sugar levels. Other studies show that rhodiola can block cell-to-cell infection in HSV-1 and HSV-2. There doesn't appear to be much risk in taking rhodiola, but it may cause drowsiness if you combine it with benzodiazepines, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. However, don't take rhodiola if you are pregnant or nursing or have an autoimmune disease.
Saint John's Wort
Saint John's Wort (hypericum perforatum) is an antiviral and antidepressant that helps fight herpes viruses, influenza, and depression (caused by insomnia or fear). It treats Tetanus and is a pain reliever and nerve regenerator. It may help ease postherpetic neuralgia. St. John's Wort can be used topically (a drop or two of essential oil on skin) or by mouth (supplements or tea). Taken as tea, you can drink up to four (8-ounce) cups daily. Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris, also known as Heal All) also blocks the replication of the Herpes Simplex Virus in lab studies (test tubes). There are cautions when you're taking medications and during pregnancy.
Saint John's Wort can lead to photosensitivity when taken for many months. Don't take Saint John's Wort with antidepressant or antianxiety medications, or you may experience panic attacks after you stop taking your medication. Don't use Saint John's Wort if you are severely depressed, pregnant, have AIDS, or are planning surgery (it may interfere with the anesthesia). Saint John's Wort also interferes with immunosuppressants associated with organ transplants.
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