There are many supplements that are sold as antivirals due to their antioxidant content. Antioxidants are a powerful way to boost your immune system and fight off infections.
However, we’re going to focus on four herbal antiviral supplements that have more than just immune-system-boosting benefits but also directly combat viral infections.
The herbs that I want to highlight specifically in this article are:
- Chaga Mushroom
- Schisandra
- Lingzhi (Reishi Mushroom)
- Olive Leaf Extract
Each of these herbs, in addition to being potent immune system boosters, have specific chemical properties that help prevent and combat viral infections. One of the specific benefits that cause people to turn to herbs over modern medicine is their ability to cure infections, not to mention their innate ability to treat the person holistically with little or no side effects.
In many cases, these herbs will bring a rapid and noticeable benefit to individuals; perhaps in some ways completely unexpected.
In exceptional cases, practitioners of alternative holistic and herbal medicine have been able to fight infections with remarkable results; some of the viruses even become dormant indefinitely.
Now let’s get into which four antiviral herbal supplements might be most effective for you, why they work so well and where you can buy them at a great value.
Contents
Schisandra
Schizandra is the first herb I am going to highlight because it is probably the single herb that has the most overall benefits when it comes to preventing viral infection and combating viruses that have a long term effect.
Schizandra is one of the single most antioxidant rich berries in the world. It also cleanses the liver, the blood, all five elements in Chinese medicine, as well as all 12 meridians.
In Ayurveda, Schizandra would be seen as able to balance all seven Chakras from the root to the crown bringing balance to your whole system.
In my opinion, this is the queen of all antiviral herbs. Schizandra brings balance to your entire body; it helps boost the immune system, has an incredible antioxidant content and naturally cleanses the liver – an organ critical to the immune system.
In addition to that, it is an antiviral supplement that will combat the viruses in your bloodstream directly.
Quite simple, Schizandra has the most overall antiviral content of any herbal substance that I know.
Chaga Mushroom
Chaga mushroom is a powerful antioxidant mushroom.
In addition to its overall immune boosting benefits it also has three chemicals that can directly combat viral infections. Those chemicals are:
- Saponins
- Triterpenes
- Betulinic Acid
Chaga mushroom is a tonic I personally believe in and that I know is an excellent choice when fighting off a short-lived virus like a seasonal cold.
For more long-term viral infections like HSV or HPV, I would still stick with Schizandra for its overall health benefits long-term benefits to the liver.
Lingzhi (Reishi Mushrooms)
Lingzhi or more commonly known as Reishi mushrooms are a powerful antiviral superfood.
If I were taking two herbs in tandem, I would go for Schizandra combined with Lingzhi.
Reishi mushroom gives your body overall adaptability and specifically combats viruses, boost your overall immunity, health and your body’s ability to heal.
In the same way that Schizandra is one of the most powerful balancers (balance being the primary root of health), Lingzhi is a potent healer. The two of these herbs together will allow your body to heal, adapt and balance in any context.
Olive Leaf Extract
Little wonder that extract of Olive Leaf has fabulous health benefits.
After all, the Bible calls it “the tree of life.”
One reason it might be called that is the fact that the olive tree (Olea europaea) produces a phenolic acid substance called oleuropein in abundance within in its leaves as well as in the olive fruit itself.
What are the benefits of oleuropein?
They are many and varied!
Oleuropein and its metabolite, hydroxytyrosol, have powerful antioxidant activity, which might be responsible for some of olive oil’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and disease-fighting activities. – NCBI
Some of the best reading I’ve found on how olive leaf extract works specifically as an antiviral, read this article. It details how it breaks up and interrupts virus production and replication. We’re talking nasty virus like herpes, HPV, HIV, VHSV and a host of others. It’s also been shown to be efficient as an antimicrobial.
Here are many scholarly articles on the antiviral activity of Olive Leaf extract.
Honorable mentions:
You can add these herbs to the list of antivirals. Many of them just need more studies and trials to determine just how effective they are against viruses like pneumonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, malaria, hepatitis B, candida symptoms, meningitis, pneumonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis B, gonorrhea and tuberculosis.
Astragalus Root, Licorice Root, Oregano, Elderberry, Calendula, Ginger, Echinacea, Garlic, Cat’s Claw
Conclusion
I hope that my experience will help you find the right antiviral supplements to experiment with when it comes to fighting any form of viral infection with natural, alternative medicine. I really like the following video as well that details the best 7 antiviral herbs for naturally boosting the immune system.
I invite you to comment below and let me know what specific condition you are researching antiviral herbal treatments for and whether it’s for yourself, family or friends. I would be happy to assist you personally with any knowledge I have.
![African Bird Pepper: Top Health Benefits [Latest Research]](https://urbol.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/il_fullxfull.749775217_euyj-323x214.jpg)
Dear Nick,
I’m so glad I found your website and especially the top anti-virals.
For 25 years the doctors here in the UK didnt test my blood for blood disorders
I had to pay a private specialist,that was 8 years ago.Ive got complications
Nerves are dying off in my feet.I read that Schizandra can take oxygen to my extremeties
My mate and I caught the most horrendous flu type virus germ.Please advise what to take to kill it quick?
Schizandra is great to prevent viruses but not actually very effective in attacking them when they are in full swing. I would probably recommend overdosing on Chaga to combat an active virus.
Dear Trevor:
I just came across your comment from 2016 and hope this reaches you regarding the diabetic neuropathy. Two products that I have seen remarkable results with friends are: Blood Glucose Success by Solgar and Neuroplenish. The Solgar formula helps regulate the blood glucose with a combination of nutraceuticals and the Neuroplenish is designed to help regenerate nerves with Alpha Lipoic Acid and Benfotiamine. You will need to address the blood disorders for a complete remission, but the Neuroplenish will help with the pain and nerve restoration. All of the ingredients in these formulas have individually been clinically tested for effectiveness and safety in medical journals. Amazon.com carries both formulas and I believe they ship worldwide. Although I am not giving medical advise, this is for educational purposes. Please review the websites and information, contact your health practitioner and start the authentic healing process.
Thank soo much for all these. I’ve been suffering from HPV being since last year.
Did you hpv go away?
Great article.
I’m researching for CAE in goats. Thanks for your article x
So would a cup a schizandra tea everyday be your recommendation for someone with hsv2
I have had trouble with hypothyroidism, low blood sugar, fatigue, hair loss, weight gain… I recently read Epstein-Barr was the culprit for most thyroid issues. I want to try antiviral supplements. What would you suggest?
Sho-Saiko-To Japanese herbal formula for hepatitis
> Here’s the formula:
>
> Bupleuri Radix 6.0
> Pinelliae Tuber 6.0
> Scutellariae Radix 3.0
> Zizyphi Fructus 3.0
> Ginseng Radix 3.0
> Glycyrrhizae Radix 2.0
> Ginger Radix 1.0
In your experience – WOULD this actually handle his Hepatitis C?
On further enquiry – it seems that the Hepatitis C was acquired during a
blood transfusion in Guam in 1991.
This is NOT my area of expertise.
However – as with many Americans – my concern is that he was looking for
a “Magic Pill” that will cure it instantly. It seems that he is aware
that lifestyle and diet will play a part and has modified both..
Has anyone on this list SUCCESSFULLY handled Hepatitis C so that the
person leads an active lifestyle?
I very much appreciate your help on this…………..Sincerely
Penny Khaled
Root of bupleurum and pinellia, whatever they are – exotics to me.
root of Scutellaria
fruit of jujube
roots of ginseng, licorice and ginger
Nothing in there for the liver, unless the bupleurum and pinellia do that.
Also, interferon is a common western treatment for hep C, there have been
many problems with interferon interaction with Chai Hu/Bupleuri Radix
bob
I have some experience helping people with HCV and getting them back to a
self reliant lifestyle. There is a complicated program but I will give the
relevant herbal portion.
Immune Modulator
Astragalus membranaceus, Bupleurum falcatum, Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma
applanatum, Lentinus edodes, Glycerrhiza glabra, Eleutherococcus senticosis,
Inonotus obliquus,
Trametes versicolor.
Some of the herbs are decocted overnight then the marc is put into alcohol
while the water fraction is being reduced. Tinctures, alcohol extracts and
water decoction is mixed to make a concentrated tincture with a low alcohol
percentage and a 12-16 week shelf life. This is not just an immune stimulant
but helps bring harmony between the immune and endocrine systems. It is a
modulator. If the patient is taking cortical steroids they will be
potentiated. Reduce slowly the synthetic steroids. There may be some
problems if the patient is taking IL-2 injections.
They have so many side effects. I usually recommend they consider quitting
the IL-2 for an 8 week period to prove the herbal remedies.
HCV -Antiviral formula
Silybum (Carduus) marianum,Bupleurum falcatum, Picrorrhiza kurroa, Panax
notoginseng,
Mahonia aquifolium, Curcuma longa, Glycerrhiza glabra, Taraxacum off. rad.
This will address the virus, the inflammation, the toxic waste removal and
the restoration of normal tissue. It is made in a similar fashion.
The two formulae are combined and taken daily. Blood work is required to
monitor the viral load and hepatic enzymes. Stephan Harrod Buhner’s book
provides a good dietary regimen. I also recommend they drink 30-60 mL of
aloe vera JUICE of whole leaf at bedtime. Start with 5mL and work up to 60mL
without inducing severe diarrhoea.
You will notice a repeat of Glycerrhiza and Bupleurum in the formulae. The
dosing will vary of each compound being used at any one time. They both can
be taken for long term use and not form tolerances or significant side
effects.
It’s a Kampo formulation, and I would rather talk to a TCM or Kampo
practitioner other than mixing it by yourself. However, I do have a recipe in
my Kampo book. I will try to post it soon, but remind me if you don’t see it
within next day or so.
Sorry I do not have experience with this. I am not a TCM practioner. However,
the Kampo book I looked up mentions that Sho Saiko To is used for following
symptoms:
“Various types of fever; chlonic digestive problems; chlonic liver function
problems; and body function improvement.”
Bupherum is apparently used in many TCM formulae (e.g., Shoh Saiko Toh Kakikyo
Sekkoh, Dai Saiko Toh, Dai Saiko Toh Daioh, Sai Kan Toh, Saiko MKeishi Toh,
etc.)
Supposedly, Bupherum does that. The book (Shouyaku Gaku, 5th Edition, Hirokaya
Shoten) says that the crude saponic/saponin fraction has following properties:
anxyolitic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, cholesterol lowering, cell membrane
protective, hepatic protein synthesis promoting, etc. A Google search should
turn up something, I think.
Hideka
bupleurum is the same as chai hu and pinellia is ban xia, ban xia is good
for cough/nausea some fluid in the lungs. But should not be used longterm or
fresh do to toxicity. Not my first choice unless alot of dampness. Chai hu/
bupleurum is a wonderful herb for the liver but should NOT be taken if he
is using the western treatment of interferon, otherwise it is great.
bob
Has anyone on this list SUCCESSFULLY handled Hepatitis C so that the
> > person leads an active lifestyle?
I used a combintion of Milk Thistle, Burdock Root, Schizandra Berries &
Dandelion Root & leaves ~as an adjunct~ to standard practice treatment. It
was the third time the guy had a “flare up”. He’s been well for 5 years
now. Haven’t been the sole caretaker for this one yet, though.
Check out Stephen Buhner’s Herbs for Hepatitis C & the Liver. He had Hep C,
and the book documents what he did for his.
If someone’s got chronic sinus problems, Yerba Mansa tincture can’t be beat. For seasonal allergies, combine Ox Eye Diasy, Goldenrod & Ragweed, perhaps in a bit of Red Clover/Nettle tea. Throat colds, Echinacea, Osha, or Calamus Root. Something for coughs & bronchiis if thats what you get… Mullein & Plantain is nice for dry coughs, Angelica for wet, dank coughing.
Everybody should have some Powdered Slippery Elm on hand for digestive inflammation/irritation… and, of course, a tea or tincture blend of whatever alteratives you or your family needs to keep your metabolism & immune system happy.
My top ten most healing herbs.
1.) Dried Calamus Root to chew for just about everything
2.) Echinacea fresh root tincture for colds
3.) Fennel or Chamomile for the belly
4.) Black Cohosh fresh root tincture for aches of all sorts
5.) Solomon’s Seal fresh root tincture for joint injuries & broken Bones
6.) Fever tea (Yarrow/Elder flower/Wild Bergamot)
7.) Slippery Elm Powder for the belly
8.) Yerba Mansa for Sinusitis
9.) Catnip for nausea… and the cats…
9 1/2.) Wood Betony for headaches & head tension
10.) Mullein for coughs and glandular swellings