Prevent Coronavirus and Other Infections

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To protect yourself from viruses, bacteria, and fungi—whether inhaled, touched, swallowed, or residing on the skin—it’s essential to strengthen your immune system. Whether or not these microscopic invaders cause illness depends largely on the strength of your body’s defenses.

A well-balanced and fully functioning immune system can neutralize or eliminate harmful organisms before they pose a threat. Interestingly, pathogens can detect the state of your immune system and may remain dormant until your defenses are compromised—such as during periods of stress, nutrient deficiency, or chronic illness.

Our immune system is an intricate network of organs, tissues, and cells designed to identify and remove pathogens, neutralize environmental toxins, and eliminate damaged or abnormal cells. Immune cells originate in the bone marrow and circulate through the blood and lymphatic system to defend the body.

When the immune system is underactive, the body becomes vulnerable to infections and even cancer. When overactive, it may result in allergic reactions or autoimmune disorders, where the immune system attacks its own healthy cells. Maintaining balance is key: the immune system must distinguish between beneficial and harmful substances using “antigens” found on bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even healthy body cells.

Our immune system constantly adapts to fight evolving threats. It includes two main parts: the innate immune system, which provides general protection, and the adaptive immune system, which targets specific pathogens based on memory from past exposures. These systems work in tandem to keep us healthy.

Natural Ways to Boost Immunity

Below are natural herbs, oils, and supplements that support immune health:

Chilcoatl

Chilcoatl contains powerful chemical constituents with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It strengthens the immune system, helps prevent recurring infections, and stimulates overall immune function.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C promotes the production and function of white blood cells and helps the body produce antibodies that neutralize harmful microbes. It’s essential for a healthy immune response.

Elderberry

Used for centuries, elderberry is effective against colds, flu, inflammation, and allergies. It helps reduce the duration and severity of symptoms and strengthens immune defenses.

Colloidal Silver

Historically used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, colloidal silver supports immune health and can be applied topically to heal wounds and infections. Caution: do not use for more than 12 consecutive days to avoid side effects.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote gut health, support detoxification, and strengthen immunity. A healthy gut is essential for nutrient absorption and immune regulation.

Ginger

Ginger helps break down toxins, stimulates circulation, and cleanses the lymphatic system. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects support immune defense.

Ginseng

Ginseng enhances immune homeostasis and boosts resistance to illness. It regulates key immune cells and contains compounds that fight bacterial and viral infections.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D modulates immune responses. Deficiency is linked to increased risk of infection and autoimmune conditions. It promotes immune tolerance and protective immunity.

Myrrh

Myrrh resin has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. Historically used to treat wounds and inflammation, it strengthens the immune system and supports healing.

Oregano

Oregano oil or tincture has powerful antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-parasitic effects. Compounds like carvacrol and thymol make it a natural infection fighter.

Medicinal Mushrooms

Mushrooms are nutrient-dense and rich in immune-supportive compounds. Especially beneficial varieties include Turkey Tail, Maitake, Shiitake, and Tremella mushrooms.

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Herbal Therapy Inhibits COVID-19 & Variants

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Scientific researchers in India, China, and other parts of the world have discovered herbs that inhibit COVID-19 and its variants.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in over 123.7 million cases and more than 2.7 million deaths globally. In the absence of widely effective antivirals, treatment and prevention strategies have been limited to general therapeutic modalities and non-pharmaceutical interventions, despite intensive research into better drug alternatives.

Key Herbal Compounds Studied

  • Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
  • Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – Curcumin
  • Piperine (1-piperoyl piperidine)
  • EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate from green tea)

Dandelion as a Potential Inhibitor

A recent study published on the bioRxiv preprint server describes a specific virus inhibitor found in an extract of the common dandelion that may offer a promising avenue for drug development.

Study: “Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Efficiently Blocks the Interaction Between the ACE2 Cell Surface Receptor and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Mutants D614, D614G, N501Y, K417N, and E484K In Vitro.”

These mutations are characteristic of the UK (variant B.1.1.7), South African (variant B.1.351), and Brazilian (variant P.1) strains. They share the N501Y spike protein mutation and descended from an earlier D614G strain, which became dominant worldwide.

The common dandelion is a perennial plant native to warm temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. It grows along roadsides, in fields, and in gardens—often considered a weed. However, in Europe, it has a longstanding reputation as a medicinal plant used for treating conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, gut, and joints.

Dandelion contains terpenes, phenolic resins (including coumarins and flavonoids), and polysaccharides. Its roots are rich in the insoluble fiber inulin. The most abundant phenolic compound is chicoric acid.

The Role of Flavonoids Against SARS-CoV-2

A systematic review highlights naturally occurring flavonoids as a promising antiviral option against SARS-CoV-2. Flavonoids such as quercetin, myricetin, baicalin, baicalein, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), and tannic acid show significant antiviral potential.

These compounds have been shown to inhibit viral enzymes and mechanisms like:

  • 3CLpro (main viral protease)
  • PLpro (papain-like protease)
  • The S protein–ACE2 interaction
  • Viral helicase
  • The nucleocapsid (N) protein

Among these, EGCG demonstrated strong inhibition of 3CLpro in vitro. Other promising compounds include flavones such as baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin, and flavanones such as naringenin. Isoflavones like puerarin, daidzein, and genistin also show antiviral effects.

Turmeric and Piperine: A Powerful Combination

Curcumin, the bioactive compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa), effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Turmeric has a long-standing history of use in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

Curcumin is poorly absorbed when consumed alone. However, when combined with piperine—a compound found in black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long pepper (Piper longum)—its bioavailability increases significantly. Piperine acts as a natural bio-enhancer, allowing the body to better utilize curcumin’s medicinal properties.

Why Herbal Therapies Matter

Increased side effects, lack of curative treatments for many chronic diseases, the high cost of new drugs, microbial resistance, and emerging illnesses like COVID-19 have renewed global interest in complementary and alternative medicines.

Traditional herbal remedies and plant-derived compounds like dandelion, turmeric, piperine, and EGCG are promising alternatives—or adjuncts—to conventional pharmaceuticals. These natural compounds offer multi-targeted antiviral effects without the heavy burden of pharmaceutical side effects.

Conclusion

The ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic emphasize the importance of expanding our therapeutic arsenal. Herbal compounds such as flavonoids, curcumin, and piperine show strong promise in supporting immune health and inhibiting viral activity, particularly against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

Further clinical studies are needed, but the early findings support the integration of these natural compounds into complementary approaches for prevention and recovery. Herbal medicine has always been a source of healing—perhaps it’s time we bring that knowledge back into the mainstream.

References

  • bioRxiv – Dr. Liji Thomas, Tran, H. T. T. et al. (2021). Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) efficiently blocks interaction between ACE2 receptor and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein variants.
  • Dr. Ramya Dwivedi, Ph.D. – Curcumin, a bioactive component of turmeric, effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.
  • Kaul, R., Paul, P., Kumar, S., et al. (2021). Promising Antiviral Activities of Natural Flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2 Targets.

COVID-19: Herbal Therapy,
Clinical and Scientific Data
Part 2 of 3

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Scientific Evidence for Herbal Medicines in Respiratory Conditions

Herbs are beneficial to relieve symptoms related to respiratory conditions (cold/flu) and support symptomatic healing.

The lungs are the organs most affected by COVID-19 because the virus accesses host cells via the receptor for the enzyme
angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is most abundant on the surface of type II alveolar cells of the lungs.

Whether or not you have been vaccinated, the symptoms are the same, since they are lung-based problems. The symptoms are:
cough, fever, sore throat, loss of smell and taste, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills.

For over 3,000 years, Ayurveda (Indian medicine), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and
Herbolaria Mexicana have used herbs as medicine.

Increased side effects from pharmaceuticals, lack of curative treatments for several chronic diseases, high cost of new drugs,
microbial resistance, and emerging diseases such as COVID-19 are some reasons for renewed public interest in
complementary and alternative medicines.

Herbs for Respiratory Conditions

Due to space limitations, this report is divided into three sections. The herbs used to treat lung and upper respiratory problems are many.

  • Garlic – Allium sativum L. – Amaryllidaceae. Parts used: Bulbs
  • Marsh Mallow – Althaea officinalis L. – Malvaceae. Parts used: Aerial parts
  • Myrrh – Commiphora molmol Engle. Parts used: Sap
  • Bitterweed, King of Bitters, Creat, Chiretta, Indian Echinacea – Cymbopogon citratus. Parts used: Aerial parts
  • Echinacea – E. angustifolia – Asteraceae. Parts used: Aerial parts, rootstock
  • Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Parts used: Leaves, essential oil
  • Sweet Fennel – Foeniculum vulgare Mill. – Apiaceae. Parts used: Fruit
  • Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra L. – Fabaceae. Parts used: Roots

Marsh Mallow – Althaea officinalis L.

Indications: Respiratory disease symptoms, especially dry, irritable coughs and irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.

Chemical Composition: Mucilage polysaccharides such as galacturonorhamnans (rhamnogalacturonan), arabinans, glucans, arabinoglucans (mainly acidic polysaccharides); flavonoids (e.g., isoscutellarein, hypolaetin, kaempferol, luteolin derivatives); phenolic acids; coumarin (scopoletin); tannins.

Posology (based on traditional use): 0.5–5.0 g in 150 ml of water as a macerate, three times daily. Marshmallow root syrup is commonly used at 2.0–8.0 ml per day.

Preclinical Evidence

This herbal medicine has been experimentally proven to relieve respiratory disease symptoms, notably cough. An aqueous extract of marshmallow roots inhibited tracheobronchial smooth muscle contractions in rats dose-dependently.

The antitussive effects of oral rhamnogalacturonan (50 mg/kg) were tested in non-anesthetized cats. The polysaccharide significantly reduced effort, cough frequency, and intensity of cough attacks. Its effects were also compared with non-narcotic antitussives.

Clinical Evidence

Randomized Clinical Trial: 63 adults with dry cough (associated with ACE inhibitors) took 20 drops, three times a day, of either marshmallow root preparation or placebo for four weeks. The marshmallow group showed significantly reduced cough severity.

Large-scale Trial: In a study of 822 patients with dry cough from pharyngeal irritation, A. officinalis aqueous root extract (in lozenges and syrup) improved symptoms within 10 minutes and was well tolerated. Only three minor adverse events were reported in the syrup group.

Overall Clinical Evidence: High for cough treatment.

Safety

Toxicity: None reported. Overall safety rating: High.

Warnings & Precautions: Mucilage may delay the absorption of other drugs. Avoid taking preparations of A. officinalis 30 minutes to 1 hour before or after medications, vitamins, or minerals. Macerates should be used immediately after preparation.

Overall Assessment

Althaea officinalis preparations can suppress cough and soothe respiratory tract irritation through anti-inflammatory effects. While traditional use as a cold remedy lacks robust clinical backing, the available evidence supports its use in relieving early COVID-19 symptoms.

Clinical evidence: High. Safety profile: High.