Immunity is our body’s ability to fight any foreign entity that attacks us. Among the many methods to boost immunity, food is a natural and safe option. Starting with small quantities, you can slowly and steadily use herbs you find in our kitchen to fight infection. Apart from adding flavor to our food, you can make teas, buy herbal syrups, or use ground herbs to curries and salads to fight viral infection.

Before you start using any herbs, it is essential to buy herbs that are certified and are organic. Use only as per instructions to make teas. Diabetes and hypertension patients take medication for the long term, and some herbs can interfere with the medication. Some herbs may affect sugar levels or can cause drowsiness. Start using small quantities. For example, have a cup of tea once every two days, wait and watch how your body responds before taking the herbs regularly. Always check with doctors if you plan to give anti-viral herbs to your children for a long time.

Some of the herbs we commonly use in the kitchen which can also serve as anti-viral boosters are:

1. Sage
Sage belongs to the mint family and contains safficinolide, a compound that can treat viral infections. Use the leaves and stem in cooking. You can brew tea and drink it once a day to build immunity against viruses.

2. Basil
Basil can fight numerous infections. Extracts from sweet basil can fight against viral infections like herpes, hepatitis B, and enterovirus.

3. Peppermint
Peppermint is known to contain menthol. It also contains more than 40 other compounds, including polyphenols and flavonoids. The leaves and oil also contain menthol and rosmarinic acid, which can work well with viral infections. They are also effective against inflammation which can be a complication of any viral infection.

4. Elderberr y
Elderberry, a herb traditionally used to treat viral infections, is very effective in treating early flu and cold symptoms. Elderberry is used to produce many home remedies and supplements that build immunity. Elderberry syrup is ideal both for adults and children. Check with your doctor before taking elderberry if you are under medication as it can affect its infection.

5. Echinacea
You can use most parts of echinacea like roots, flowers, and leaves as natural and home remedies to treat viral infections and flu symptoms.

6. Oregano
Like sage, oregano is part of the mint family. Oregano contains compounds known as carvacrol which has anti-viral properties. They can also inhibit rotavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that can lead to respiratory illness in children.

7. Ginseng
Its effectiveness in building immunity and treating infections has turned this herb into a global favorite. Ginseng extracts can help treat herpes, hepatitis A and B, and norovirus.

8. Ginger
Ginger can decrease hepatitis C activity. While fresh ginger can help reduce the severity of a viral infection, you can use dry ground ginger in curries, teas, vegetable, and fruit juices.

9. Rosemary
Rosemary is commonly available in most kitchens. It can also be effective in treating infections like HIV, influenza, and hepatitis A.