Anti-viral

Kills or reduces the growth/replication of viruses. In-vitro activity does not necessarly correlate with in-vivo activity. May function in-vivo by modulating the immune system, in which case should also be categorized as an immunomodulator [ORWJr].

According to [Bergner2021a], the concentrations of herbal constituents which inhibit viruses in-vitro are not attainable in the human serum. Certain herbs or essential oils may be effective topically however, but only against one type of virus. Most of the "anti-viral" effects attributed to herbs are actually effects on the immune system, not direct effects on viruses.

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  Anti-microbial

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  Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)
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  Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
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  Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
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  Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus spp.)
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  Garlic (Allium sativum)
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  Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
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  Reishi (Ganoderma spp.)
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  Tea (Camellia sinensis)
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  Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
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  Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Boosting Anti-viral Immune System

• Mucous secretions contain antiviral IgA antibodies and other immune components. Consider role of expectorants.
• Increased surface circulation increases expression of surface immunity. Consider role of diffusives and diaphoretics.
• Nutritional considerations: Zn, A, C, E, Se, EFA.
• Cholecalciferol and immuno-competency of antigen-presenting cells.
• Sleep debt lowers immunity
• Sugar lowers immunity
• Moderate (not heavy) exercise supports immunity
• Botanicals, with multiple constituents, may enhance host resistance while at the same time reducing tissue injury from excessive inflammation.
• Cyclic cytokine "storms" in response to infection cause systemic inflammation.
• Chronic viral hepatitis causes damage to liver by immune response.
• HIV infection triggers autoimmune response.

The Lamiaceae and herpesvirus

Many Lamiaceae plants and their constituents active against herpesvirus in vitro.

German research now spans more than 50 years.

The general pattern of resesarch is: effectiveness by multiple researchers against HSV-1, HSV-2 or acyclovir-resistant herpes (ACV). Pretreatment of culture prevents infection, ineffective after entrance into the cell.

This suggests mechanism that interferes with viral coat [Bergner2021a].

Lamiaceae plants against herpesvirus ranked by number of anti-herpes constituents:

• Thymus: 14
• Rosmarinus: 9
• Salvia: 9
• Mentha: 7
• Hyssop: 5
• Melissa: 5

Effective in very high dilutions of essential oils, such as those in preparations of the whole plant.

Consider combinations for synergistic effect [Bergner2021a].

[Bergner2021a] Paul Bergner. The Antiviral Materia Medica; Botanicals and viral infection. Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine (2021). Ashland, OR. Herbal Education Services. BotanicalMedicine.org