The following herbs widely used for infections and the flu are a part of phytotherapy for diseases that affect a single body part or system and the entire body. These herbs help to heal infectious diseases in three ways:
- Antibiotic action: Natural antibiotics in superior plants do not act as quickly and effectively as chemically treated, purified antibiotics in pharmaceutical products. However, they are much better tolerated since they generally lack any side or toxic effects. Moreover, they do not depress natural defenses, as pharmaceutical antibiotics usually do. Plants also contain antiseptic substances that act on the skin or mucosa surface.
- Depurative action: Herbs promote elimination through the kidneys, the skin, and the liver of toxins our bodies continuously produce, especially with infectious diseases.
- Immunostimulant action: Some herbs can stimulate the immune system, which produces defenses against infections. These defenses are double: cellular (for instance, the leukocytes or white blood cells) and humoral (antibodies). Both increase in number with phytotherapy remedies.
In the fight against diseases, the herbs widely used for infections and the flu act mainly organically, improving their conditions to allow the body to confront the germs by itself. Remember that the best antibiotic will fail if the body’s defense mechanism is ineffective.
Herbs Widely Used for Infections and The Flu
Perspirant Plants
These plants stimulate sweat production. Sweat has a composition similar to urine, though less concentrated. Perspirant plants have a notable depurative and antitoxic effect on the blood. They are recommended for infectious or febrile diseases, overload due to excessive diet, arthritis caused by an excess of uric acid, and chronic toxicity.
Herbal teas derived from medicinal plants are excellent for promoting the body’s healing during recovery from infectious diseases: they help eliminate toxins, tone the body, and increase appetite.
Fighting the microorganisms that cause infections is insufficient to achieve a healthy, infection-free body. Current medicine is more critical to the body’s fight against infectious diseases. Its use and adopting a healthier lifestyle can help us more than the most potent antibiotic.
List of Infectious Diseases
Herbs widely used for infections and the flu can improve the health of people suffering from infectious diseases at any point in their lives.
Low defenses – An unhealthy diet, lack of physical exercise, and abuse of antibiotics are some of the causes that can depress the immune system. In other cases, lack of defense is caused by severe ailments such as AIDS or certain types of cancer.
Besides correcting the causative factors, these plants have a notable immunostimulant effect whenever possible. Their use is recommended in any case of severe infection, and depression is a defense against infections when they occur.
Febrile diseases – In any case of fever, the causative illness diagnosis is required since many can cause fever. Hence, a specific treatment could be applied. These medicinal herbs are a complement to the treatment of fever-causative disease. They not only produce a decrease in temperature but also increase perspiration, promote the elimination of toxins, refresh, and invigorate. Therefore, they are better than antipyretic medicines.
| Lemon tree | German chamomile | Barberry |
| Quassia | Lilac | Apple tree |
| Rowan | Tamarind | Bramble |
| Couch grass | Mountain holly | White willow |
| Sassafras | Wild daisy | Borage |
| Cinchona | Black poplar | Black elder |
Convalescence is an intermediate period between illness and health during which our body corrects the losses suffered and normalizes the altered functions. The term is generally applied to the phase of recovering from any infectious disease. Phytotherapy uses important plants to ease and shorten the convalescence process. These plants complement other measures such as diet or physical rehabilitation.
| Oats | Spirulina | Angelica |
| St. Benedict thistle | Red currant | White currant |
| Ginseng | Sesame | Meadowsweet |
| Rosemary | Wild daisy | Brier hip |
| Clary sage |
Amebiasis is a disease caused by amoebas and protozoa (unicellular animals). They provoke severe diarrhea (amebic dysentery) and hepatic afflictions. Some pharmaceutical preparations are made from the extract of this tropical shrub.
Brucellosis is an infection caused by Brucella mellitensis, transmitted through milk and dairy products (goats and sheep). In addition to pharmaceutical preparations, herbs help heal this disease.
Cholera is a disease caused by choleric vibrion, which manifests as vomiting, liquid diarrhea, and dehydration. This plant helps with healing and is also used for antibiotic treatment. See also herbs for gastroenteritis.
Diphtheria is a children’s disease caused by the diphtheria bacillus. It affects the throat (pharynx and larynx) and the nose and can cause asphyxia. At present, this disease is quite rare. Applications with lemon juice complement its specific treatment.
Salmonellosis – This disease is caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella, which are present in food in harmful conditions. It manifests itself as severe gastroenteritis. Besides these plants, those recommended for gastroenteritis are useful.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. These plants complement specific antibiotic treatments.
Typhoid fever is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi, which can be found in infected water or foods, especially seafood. It appears as severe diarrhea and intoxication. These medicinal herbs have a positive influence on the course of this disease.
Whooping cough is a disease caused by the microorganism Bacillus pertussis. It manifests itself as crises of spasmodic cough that repeat for several weeks. These herbs effectively ease cough and promote this disease’s healing. See also the herbs recommended against cough.
Influenza is an infectious disease caused by a virus. It manifests as fever, muscular pain, respiratory catarrh, and a tendency toward bronchial and lung complications. There is no specific pharmacological treatment for influenza. The best one is helping the body overcome the infection by enhancing its healing mechanisms.
Phytotherapy acts precisely in that way. These medicinal herbs increase sweat and thus eliminate toxins and stimulate immune defenses against infection. They also decrease fever and alleviate the discomfort caused by the disease.
| Linden | Cypress | Lemon tree |
| Coltsfoot | Buckbean | Meadowsweet |
| Mountain holly | Wild daisy | Boxwood |
| Echinacea | Briar hip | Black elder |
| Nasturtium |
AIDS—Although some people have stated that using these herbs can heal this terrible ailment, they can positively help its evolution by stimulating our body’s abilities to fight against this disease. Increasing our body’s defensive capacity seems to be the best way to heal AIDS since its virus has not been eliminated with medicines. These herbs, along with a healthy lifestyle, can do their best to fight AIDS.
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by the Koch bacillus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a slow-progressing disease, mainly affecting the lungs, and manifests itself or becomes more severe when there is an imbalanced diet or unhealthy lifestyle. Herbs widely used for infections and the flu cannot heal this disease alone, but they promote the body’s healing mechanisms, which greatly influence the prevention and cure of tuberculosis.
Malaria is an infection caused by protozoa (unicellular animals) of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted by a mosquito bite. According to the WHO, this disease affects most people worldwide. Medicinal herbs widely used for infections and the flu are essential in treating malaria since antimalaria medicines are all quinine derivatives. This substance is removed from the bark of the cinchona tree, native to South America.
Fighting the microorganisms that cause infections is insufficient to achieve a healthy, infection-free body. Current medicine is increasingly critical to the body in combating infectious diseases.
Medicinal herbs widely used for infections and the flu do not act by destroying microorganisms but rather by strengthening the body’s defenses. Their use and adoption of a healthier lifestyle can help us more than the most potent antibiotics.
Herbal teas of medicinal herbs widely used for infections and the flu complement the treatment of infectious diseases during their acute phase and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any herbs widely used for infections and the flu that work?
While more research is always needed, some herbs have shown promise in lessening the severity or duration of infections, including the flu. These include Echinacea, elderberry, garlic, andrographis, as well as goldenseal (which contains berberine). Talking to a healthcare professional is essential, especially if you take other medications.
How do herbs widely used for infections and flu work in the body?
These herbs work in various ways:
Antiviral properties: Some herbs may directly interfere with a virus’s replicating ability.
Immune support: Many herbs can boost immune function, helping your body fight infections more effectively.
Symptom relief: Herbs can help with congestion, sore throat, and fever, making you more comfortable while your body recovers.
Can I use herbs widely used for infections and the flu instead of conventional medicine?
No. Herbs widely used for infections and the flu should be considered complementary to, not a replacement for, advice and treatments from your doctor. This is especially true if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.
What’s the best way to take herbs widely used for infections and the flu?
Herbs widely used for infections and the flu are available in many forms:
Teas: A soothing way to get the benefits.
Capsules/Tablets: Convenient for a standardized dose.
Tinctures: Concentrated liquid extracts.
Is Echinacea effective for colds and flu, as it’s often claimed to be?
The research on Echinacea is mixed. Some studies show it may shorten colds or lessen the severity, while others don’t show consistent benefits. It’s generally believed safe for short-term use in healthy people, which makes it an excellent addition to the list of herbs widely used for infections and the flu.
I’ve heard elderberry is good for the immune system. Can it help with the flu?
Elderberry has antiviral properties, particularly against certain strains of influenza. Studies suggest it can reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms. It is a fantastic choice for people looking for the right herbs widely used for infections and the flu.
Can garlic truly help fight infections?
Garlic contains compounds with antibacterial and potentially antiviral effects. While more human research is needed, incorporating garlic into your diet can support complete health and immune function. Garlic is a potent antimicrobial, making it number one on the list of herbs widely used for infections and the flu.
What is andrographis, and does it have a place in treating infections and flu?
Andrographis is a herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has demonstrated potential benefits in reducing cold and flu symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare-qualified professional before using it.
What are the potential side effects of herbs widely used for infections and the flu?
Most herbs widely used for infections and the flu are well-tolerated, but some might cause:
1. Stomach upset
2. Allergic reactions
3. Interactions with certain medications.
4. Talking to your doctor about prospective side effects is vital, especially if you have health conditions or are on medications.
Where can I find reliable information about herbs widely used for infections and the flu?
Reputable sources include:
1. https://www.nccih.nih.gov
2. Mount Sinai: https://www.mountsinai.org/
3. https://www.mskcc.org
4. Your healthcare provider
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 736, 737, 738, 739, 740, 741, 742, 743. Print.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): https://www.nccih.nih.gov/
- PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/