Coronavirus/Covid-19 Herbal Support

By Lisa-Marie Maryott, Clinical Herbalist and NCAL HSA Unit Chair

​This is a very challenging time and for many of us, a scary time too. While not a fatal illness for the vast majority who contract it, the Coronavirus/Covid-19 outbreak has created worry, fear, panic, and confusion. These things in themselves can affect the very thing that needs to be extra healthy during this time – the immune system. They stress and tax our bodies and minds, which in turn affects our ability to launch the proper immune response to fight this pathogen should we contract it.  And if we do contract the virus, the body is further stressed as it tries to fight it.

Herbs that Support the Body and Mind
Herbal support can be most helpful in maintaining or improving immune function and reducing illness symptoms should you get sick.  BUT–they should not be used in lieu of proper medication prescribed by your physician. If your symptoms are serious, or you are considered part of our at-risk population (elderly or have significant health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, or immune disorders), you should seek medical attention when symptoms appear.

Here are some key herbs/plants to consider.

• Immunostimulants like Elderberry, Echinacea, and Astragalus –  these stimulate immune function and prepare it to fight. They are also antiviral, although may not be effective by themselves against this particular virus. Elderberry syrup is easy to make and very tasty. Echinacea tincture should tingle on your tongue when you ingest it – that tells you that it is fresh. Astragalus can be added to broths and soups or ingested as a decoction (simmered in water for 20-30 minutes) or tincture.
• Nervines such as Scullcap, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, and Passionflower– these nervines support the nervous system and help relax and reduce anxiety. All can be ingested as a tea, tincture, or capsule. Passionflower can be more sedative than the others and should be not be taken when you need to be alert.
• Adaptogens like Ashwagandha or Rhodiola – these herbs help the body adapt to stresses.  Some adaptogens are also immunomodulating, in that they can help the immune system find balance.  They have many other helpful actions in the body, such as being anti-inflammatory. Rhodiola is also a specific for protecting the lungs, and can also help with oxygen utilization - important with this particular virus.
• Nutritives like Oatstraw, Nettle, and Red Clover – the body especially needs nutrients now, as stress can deplete our reserves. These herbs are very nutritive, containing many vitamins and minerals essential to the body and mind. Make infusions (steeped for minimum 4 hours) of these and sip throughout the day. Many of our dark leafy greens should also be consumed. 
• Prebiotics such Burdock root and Dandelion root– much of our immune system lives in the gut, so it is important to keep our intestinal flora healthy too. Prebiotics are the food for probiotics – and these herbs contain Inulin, a prebiotic which feeds the good bacteria in your colon. Burdock can be added to soups and eaten as food, or drunk as a decoction (simmered in water for about 20-30 minutes). Dandelion root is bitter and can be ingested as a dried herb, tea, tincture, or capsule. Ingesting probiotic rich foods like sauerkraut, kombucha, and kim chi are helpful all of time!
• Moisturizing herbs like Marshmallow root, Licorice root, and Mullein leaf – these plants are cooling and moistening, and work great for a dry mouth/throat or a dry cough. Marshmallow should be made as a cold infusion (herb steeped in cold water for minimum 4 hours) and Licorice root is tasty as tea (note: should not be taken by those with high blood pressure). Mullein works best as a tea or tincture and is a specific for the respiratory system. Make sure you strain the Mullein tea through a coffee filter or piece of cotton fabric, as the plant contains tiny hairs that can be irritating to the throat and esophagus.
• Eucalyptus essential oil in a steam – as an anti-microbial, Eucalyptus has been found to be helpful with other Coronaviruses. Using the essential oil with steam inhalation can be soothing and possibly helpful for those with a cough or bronchial or sinus congestion.

According to Stephen Buhner, renowned herbalist and author of Herbal Antivirals - Natural Remedies for Emerging and Resistant Viral Infections, there are herbs that can be used to support the bodily functions that are affected by the virus but needed for optimal health.  Herbs such as Chinese Scullcap, Japanese Knotweed, Red Sage, and Licorice can be used to offset the effects that the virus has on some key systems. Many of his recommended herbs are not tonic in nature - I consider them the "heavier hitters" - and I would recommend working with an experienced clinical herbalist if you would like to use these herbs for this purpose. His paper on the topic can be found here:  https://www.stephenharrodbuhner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus.txt.pdf.

Practice Proper Hygiene and Distancing
As the CDC and other health experts tell us, proper hygiene and using social distancing and self-isolation practices will go a long way in helping contain or eliminate the spread of the virus.

• Wash your hands with soap and water often and use a scrubbing action while doing so. Soap and water appears to be the more effective sanitizing method, as the soap and scrubbing action help break the fatty envelope that surrounds the virus, rendering it incapable of attaching to cells and replicating. And don’t forget to moisturize your hands too – with all of the washing and use of hand sanitizers, our skin will get very dried out.
• If you suspect that you are ill (coughing, sneezing, fever), wear a mask when near others and cough or sneeze into a tissue, handkerchief, or the crook of the arm.
• Clean often-used surfaces regularly with soap and water.
• Self-isolate/quarantine as much as possible to protect yourself and others. I spent a lovely day and night with my husband just hanging out at home, and we are planning to continue this practice this over the next few weeks. With the run on food and supplies in the stores (shelves are SO EMPTY), everyone should have what they need to stay in.
• As the weather allows, open windows and doors to let fresh air into your home or workspace. Fresh air is helpful is so many ways!
• Order take-out or delivery instead of going to restaurants. It will be important to support our local businesses through this situation, and many restaurants are offering take-out, curbside delivery, and home delivery. Skip eating in your favorite restaurant and eat their food at home instead.
• If you must be out and about (going to work, going to the store, etc) please, please, please follow these tips to help keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community healthy.

Stay calm and be well!

Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment.
We are not doctors and this information should not be considered medical advice. It is not meant to diagnose or treat disease, and it does not replace the relationship that you have with your physicians or their treatment protocols and advice.