Treatment of Respiratory Infections

Treatment of Respiratory Infections using herbs and medicinal plants. In our modern society, popping into a pharmacy for a pill or getting a script for antibiotics whenever we get respiratory infections, has been a way of life for a long time. We never really had to worry too much about getting sick, because except for a handful of diseases, there is a pill or a cure. Until now…

The current Covid19 corona virus which to date has no cure, brings into deep focus how important a healthy immune system is in fighting off viral and bacterial infections. It also brings into focus the big disconnect in the relationship between conventional medicine and traditional medicine.

During this Covid crisis in South Africa, as in the rest of the world, in the search for a cure, traditional medicines are by and large ignored. Yet there is ample evidence that many plants have incredible immune boosting capabilities and can assist in the treatment of respiratory infections, which can be of great health benefit to any person taking it. Taking these herbs and plants may not necessarily be a cure for Covid19 , but anything that can boost the immune system or help the body to fight against a respiratory infection, is in my opinion a major advantage.

Antiviral herbs and plants to help relieve respiratory Infections:

1. African wormwood or sagewood – Artemisia afra – is a highly aromatic plant also known as wildeals (Afrikaans), umhlonyane (Xhosa), umhlonyane (Zulu) and lengana in Tswana.  Artemisia afra possesses antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. It helps in treating the common cold, cough, sore throat, influenza and asthma. It also helps in reducing fevers and in clearing the respiratory tract. Read More
2. Liquorice Root Plant, (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has powerful antiviral properties. Studies demonstrate that licorice root extract is effective against severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which causes a serious type of pneumonia.  Read More
3. Bayleaf – Laurus nobilis helps to alleviate respiratory issues. Read More
4. Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora). It is taken internally to reduces feverish colds, soothes bronchial and nasal congestion. Read More
5. Hyssop, (Hyssopus officinalis). A strong tea made of the leaves and sweetened with honey is a traditional remedy for nose, throat, and lung afflictions. Read More
6. Cancer Bush (Lessertia frutescens (L.) has long been known, used and respected as a medicinal plant in southern Africa. It is taken internally to bring down fevers. It is also used to treat colds, ‘flu, asthma,  bronchitis and much more. Read More
7. Vick’s Plant – Plectranthus purpuratus. The vicks plant leaves can help to clear nasal and respiratory passages. Read More
8. Borage (Borago officinalis) is a herb with adaptogenic, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. A tea made from the leaves and flowers relieve fevers, and promote sweating. The soothing mucilage in borage makes it a beneficial treatment for dry cough, throat irritation, chest colds and bronchitis. Read More
9. Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) is of use in the treatment of whooping cough and asthma. Read More
10. Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra). The leaves, flowers, fruits and root extracts are used to treat bronchitis, coughs, upper respiratory infections and fever. A study in mice determined that concentrated elderberry juice suppressed influenza virus replication and stimulated immune system response. In a review of 4 studies in 180 people, elderberry supplements were found to substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections. Read More
11. Pennyroyal  (Mentha pulegium L.) leaf, prepared as a hot infusion, will promote perspiration. It may relieve headache, bring down fever , and quiet coughs. It has also been used to treat bronchitis and sinusitis. Read More
12. Anise plant (Pimpinella anisum) is  known for its powerful health-promoting properties and acts as a natural remedy for a wide variety of ailments including helping with respiratory illnesses. Read More
13. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) lower fevers, induce sweating and is taken internally to treat colds and fevers. Read More
14. Nasturtium clears out mucous conditions, which combined with its antibiotic properties allows it to be effectively used to treat bronchitis, respiratory infections and to relieve chest conditions in general. Read More
15. Chamomile flower heads may be dried to make chamomile tea, a soothing herbal tea that has been a significant folk medicine remedy for a variety of ailments including headache, colds, flu and more. Read More
16. Marshmallow plant has a history of use in herbal medicine. It is beneficial for  sore throat, bronchial spasms, and much more. Read More
17. Echinacea purpurea is used to treat a wide array of conditions, including viral infections. Several studies suggest that echinacea is particularly effective at fighting viral infections like influenza. Echinacea Purpurea has immune-boosting effects as well, making it particularly useful for treating viral infections. Read More
18. Sage has long been used in traditional medicine to treat viral infections. The antiviral properties of sage are mostly attributed to compounds called safficinolide and sage one, which are found in the leaves and stem of the plant.
19. Lemon Balm extract is a concentrated source of potent essential oils and plant compounds that have antiviral activity, Research has shown that it has antiviral effects against avian influenza (bird flu) and  enterovirus 71. Read More
20. Peppermint is known to have powerful antiviral qualities to naturally treat viral infections. Its leaves and essential oils contain active components, including menthol and rosmarinic acid, which have antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity . In a study, peppermint-leaf extract exhibited potent antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and significantly decreased levels of inflammatory compounds. Read More
21. Rosemary  has therapeutic applications due to its numerous plant compounds, including oleanolic acid. Oleanolic acid has displayed antiviral activity against influenza in and studies. Read More
22. Ginger has been shown to have impressive antiviral activity thanks to its high concentration of potent plant compounds. research demonstrates that ginger extract has antiviral effects against avian influenza, RSV, and feline calicivirus (FCV), which is comparable to human norovirus. Specific compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and zingerone, have been found to inhibit viral replication and prevent viruses from entering host cells.
23. Ginseng has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine, and has been shown to be particularly effective at fighting viruses. Compounds in ginseng called ginsenosides have antiviral effects against norovirus and coxsackieviruses. Read More
24. Dandelions are widely regarded as weeds but have been studied for multiple medicinal properties, including potential antiviral effects. Research indicates that dandelion may combat influenza.  Read More
25. Garlic is a popular natural remedy for a wide range of conditions, including viral infections. Studies note that garlic may have antiviral activity against influenza A and B, HSV-1, viral pneumonia, and rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Studies indicate that garlic enhances immune system response by stimulating protective immune cells, which may safeguard against viral infections. Read More
26. Basil. Many types of basil, including the sweet and holy varieties, may fight certain viral infections. Basil has been shown to increase immunity, which may help fight viral infections. Read More
27. Oregano is a popular herb and its plant compounds, which include carvacrol, offer antiviral properties. Oregano oil and carvacrol have  been shown to exhibit antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes respiratory infections. Read More
28. Mullein tea is a traditional treatment for respiratory problems, such as chest colds, influenza, bronchitis and asthma. Read More
29. Speedwell is used as a cough remedy and as a gargle for sore throat. Read More
30. Woad is used to soothe sore throat and to treat influenza and laryngitis. Read More
31. Yellow Doc is used in the treatment of throat infections. It helps with relieving dry cough, sore throat and laryngitis. Read More
32. Elecampane is used in the treatment of lung diseases including asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough. It is also used to prevent coughing and as an expectorant. Read More
33. Gotu Kola has natural antiviral and antibacterial properties and it also  boosts the immune system. Common colds, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and other respiratory infections can be treated with Gotu Kola. Read More
34. White Horehound is used for lung and breathing problems including cough, whooping cough, asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis, and swollen breathing passages. Read More