When cold and flu viruses hit your home, an infection can set in unexpectedly. So, avoiding the whole infection thing helps boost your body’s health and wellness.
Using herbs and essential oils helps fight illness when a cold or flu bug strikes your household.
As we all know, staying virus-free can be a real challenge since viruses are in the air all the time. But using everything we can to stay healthy always helps the whole family. 
Further, while generally most of these herbs are not harmful to children, I recommend avoiding some of the more medicinal herbs such as astragalus, Melaluca, and ginseng with your little ones without absolute certainty that you believe it’s the right thing to do. In addition, most practitioners do not recommend essential oils on children under two years old.
This is for informational purposes only.
Natural antivirals help fight infection
When nothing else works, whether you use natural remedies or over-the-counter medications, you may need to stop or prevent an infection. Even if you use an antibiotic from the doctor, you can use these simple remedies to help provide relief.
That being said, some herbs in great quantities do have contraindications, so check the links listed below if you feel concerned about the medications you are on and how they interact with these antiviral options.
Some of the ingredients below are common pantry items you probably have around the house and are not typically expensive! Use them in hot teas, create your own concoctions, or use the essential oils in salves.
Plus handing a cup of broth or tea, flavored with herbs or a spoonful of honey, will boost anyone’s comfort level given illness or any number of general physical elements children generally come up with.
Remember essential oils are not generally recommended for children under 2 years of age.
Natural Antivirals for Your Family
For some this whole idea looks a bit crunchy. But, for many of us, natural remedies help when infections occur over and over again with prescription antibiotics. Adding things like this to food, or diffusing oils in the air, all help to stop viral or even bacterial infections.
Think of these as natural boosters to help you remove illness from the air.
Sea salt
Preferably Celtic, or salt from the Dead Sea, have extra minerals which your body needs to repair itself. Both of these are natural antibacterials and are great for sinus and ear infections. We use them with equal amounts of baking soda in a Netti pot and pour the liquid through the nose (You read that right, and this is not recommended for children;-)). You can also make a warm bath with Dead Sea salts and some lavender essential oil.
Oregano Oil
Using oregano oil works well for any lingering bacterial infection. You can apply the oil directly to affected areas. However, oregano oil is a “hot” oil and will sting if applied to open wounds. Take this in a capsule, or topically apply it to the hands or feet.
There are also some ongoing studies on the fact that oregano oil contains compounds that make it the strongest antibacterial on the planet.
Melaluca or tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is more of an antifungal, however, it can help clear up infections related to fungal and yeast issues. Again, applying it topically to non-sensitive areas, or taking it internally through the use of a capsule is recommended. Melaluca, well-known for its ability to heal fungal infections, stands as a solid choice for any infection.
Ginseng
Considered both Asian and American Ginseng, this root provides well-known and researched health benefits going back thousands of years.
These forms of ginseng contain proof that they help boost the immune system, treat cancers, serves as an anti-aging booster and more.
Also known as an adaptogen, meaning it adjusts to what your body needs, ginseng helps your body efficiently use the herb to fit your body’s needs.
Coconut oil
Using coconut oil as a natural antiviral and natural antibacterial helps to boost the use of other methods. Taking spoonfuls of coconut oils combats yeast and other fungal issues. Several studies have been done which prove its efficacy. It also makes a great carrier oil for oregano and tea tree oils.
Garlic
Garlic has been used for centuries to treat infection and combat viruses. Add this to teas or a cup of hot broth, and garlic to stop an infection. I make probiotic garlic if you are interested!
Astragalus
While not listed as a specific antiviral, astragalus, used for thousands of years in Chinese medecine, generally strengthens the immune system in your body.
It appears to be especially beneficial to those whose immune systems are already compromised by illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Echinacea
Used by Native Americans for centuries to treat many viral illnesses and wounds, echinacea comes with backed-up research.
Several lab and animal studies support the fact that echinacea contains active ingredients that heal infections. It also assists in reducing inflammation, improving the immune system, and relieving pain.
Raw honey
Raw honey, that has not been treated or heated to produce typical commercial honeys, makes a strong antibacterial. Look carefully at the label if you are not sure whether or not the honey is raw.
In particular, buckwheat honey provides properties that make it effective in treating infection. Raw honey also works great for healing skin issues, simply by dabbing it on a wound. Take a spoonful of honey during illness to prevent infection from settling in.
Raw apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (the raw vinegar) contains many healing properties for your digestive tract, as well as antibiotic properties. Take it by the spoonful, mix it with honey, or use it as a salad dressing. ACV heals infections as well as heals many fungal issues. Many even claim it helps you lose weight when taken before bed!
Elderberry
If you have not had a chance to read this article on elderberry, it really is a must-read. Elderberry has received many medical commendations as an effective antiviral.
Making your own elderberry tea or syrup helps boost your immune system and drives cold and flu viruses away.
Turmeric
Turmeric has become more widely known as a true anti-bacterial and counts itself in some studies as stronger than even some of the more modern man-made antibacterials. Well, I cannot prove that to be true. I have used turmeric on my meals to boost my immune system. When I have an infection I have found it to make me feel better.
So while it isn’t exactly an antiviral, it does generally promote health and wellness.
There are more…
While most people gravitate to antivirals they easily use in foods or to make their own remedies, there are many more herbs that keep you healthy and well.
Add herbs to your home-cooked meals or pass out spoonfuls of raw honey for all of life’s little ailments. You won’t be disappointed at how much health and wellness improves your ability to overcome and avoid illness.
- Sage
- Basil
- Fennel
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Licorice
- Dandelion
These are only a few. You can find essential oils and herbs on Amazon for just about any ailment.
It will boost your health and wellness and change your life.
