Natural Antiviral Medicines

Natural antiviral medicines work by preventing the replication of viruses and limiting their damaging effects on the body. Interest in natural antiviral medicines has been increasing since the FDA issued a warning about potentially serious side effects associated with taking the prescription antiviral medication Tamiflu. Numerous studies have shown natural antiviral medicines to be as effective at preventing and treating viral infections as prescription antivirals, typically without causing any side effects. While more research needs to be conducted, some natural products have already proven to be effective in clinical trials or other studies.

Elderberry is an effective treatment against viral infections, improving symptoms and recovery time more than a placebo. Elderberry also inhibits the replication of the virus responsible for causing the flu, and helps flush viruses from the body by promoting sweating. According to a 2004 study published in the Journal of International Medical Research, the active antiviral component of elderberry, called antivirin, prevents the flu virus from invading the membranes of healthy cells.

Skullcap has proven to be a very effective natural antiviral medicine according to information published by Purdue University. The herb contains flavonoids that prevent the replication of both Type A and Type B human influenza virus. Skullcap has also been shown to inhibit the replication of Epstein-Barr in laboratory testing.

This herb has long been used to boost the immune system, and may be particularly effective if taken at the first sign of a cold or other virus infection. Echinacea is typically sold over the counter combined with vitamin C, zinc or goldenseal. While some studies have shown a shortened recovery period in people taking echinacea, other studies have been inconclusive or shown no benefits.

Zinc reduces respiratory inflammation, helps prevent infection by human rhinovirus and prevents the replication of a number of other viruses. A study published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association shows that zinc reduces the severity and duration of cold symptoms when administered within 24 hours of symptom development.

Licorice may be the best natural antiviral treatment available. It can be consumed in tea or taken in capsule form, but there are some side effects. Consuming more than two cups of licorice at a time may result in severe headaches, and prolonged use of licorice has been shown to cause a rise in blood pressure in some people. However, the antiviral effects of licorice may be worth the risk of side effects. The herb has proven to be effective as a treatment for HIV, hepatitis C, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), influenza and many other viral infections. The compound believed to be responsible for the potent inhibiting effects on viral infections is glycyrrhizin, according to the National Institutes of Health and a report published in a 2003 issue of Lancet.

Although tea tree oil should never be used internally, it is a potent antiviral remedy when inhaled or used topically. Tea tree oil promotes sweating, which can speed up the healing process during a viral infection. A study conducted by the Department of Virology, University of Heidelberg, showed tea tree oil has a direct antiviral effect on herpes simplex virus. Moreover, the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases states that tea tree oil is effective at inhibiting replication of the influenza virus. It is also beneficial for head and chest infections when used in a humidifier and inhaled.