The Survival Garden is trending. And for good reason. Knowing how to grow your own food is a necessity during apocalyptic times. But did you know Mother Nature provides more than just bounty for your belly? She also grows miraculous plants known to strengthen immune systems, heal infections, and even provide resistance against viruses. We’re talking about herbs! You know, those ancient remedies used by healers since the dawn of time. Yep, they’re still around. And LandCentral’s about to show you the 12 Anti-Viral Herbs to Grow in Your Survival Garden:
Note: We are not health professionals. The tips provided below are suggestions and do not serve as medical advice. Herbs mentioned in this post should not be used to replace prescription drugs for any condition unless under the guidance of a professional. Before trying at home remedies, please consult your physician.
12 Anti-Viral Herbs for Your Survival Garden
#1. Basil – Boosts immune system
- May help with: herpes, hepatitis B, other viral infections.
- Ways to consume it: Raw. Great addition to pasta! Dried and used as a seasoning.
- How to grow it: Partial sun, well-drained soil. This plant is a great pest deterrent.
#2. Dandelion – Anti-viral
- May help with: hepatitis B, influenza, HIV, dengue fever, Type 2 diabetes
- Ways to consume it: Add to salads, smoothies, and stir-fry. Can make beer, wine or jelly out of dandelions. Turn the root into a tea.
- How to grow it: Direct sun, moist soil.
#3. Echinacea – Boosts immune system
- May help with: herpes, influenza, other viral infections, common cold & flu
- Ways to consume it: most commonly in extract form.
- How to grow it: full to partial sun, well-drained soil. Can be planted in spring or fall.
#4. Fennel – Boosts immune system and decreases inflammation
- May help with: herpes and other viral infections that cause inflammation.
- Ways to consume it: Sautéed, roasted, grilled. Can be used as a garnish.
- How to grow it: Direct sun, well-drained soil. This is a cool weather crop.
#5. Garlic – Enhances immune system response
- May help with: HPV warts, Influenza A & B, viral pneumonia, common cold, ear infections
- Ways to consume it: Minced, dried and powdered. Can be added to almost any main dish.
- How to grow it: Direct sun, well-drained soil. Cloves should be planted in mid-autumn.
#6. Ginger – Anti-viral and anti-nausea
- May help with: avian influenza (bird flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), nausea
- Ways to consume it: Chew on a piece of raw ginger, add to smoothie or tea, grate and add fresh to any meal, dry it and use for seasoning.
- How to grow it: Filtered sunlight, moist soil. This is a tropical plant and does not do well in cold weather.
#7. Ginseng – Anti-viral
- May help with: hepatitis A & B, norovirus, herpes, and meningoencephalitis.
- Ways to consume it: Raw, steamed or made into a tea. Can turn into a supplement too.
- How to grow it: Mostly shade, moist, well-drained soil. Does well beneath trees. Ferns are poisonous to ginseng plants.
#8. Mint – Fever and pain relief
- May help with: cold, flu, fever, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Ways to consume it: drink it as a tea, chew on a fresh leaf, or distill and turn into an extract
- How to grow it: direct sun, moist soil. Spreads out quickly, so needs to be cut back each year.
#9. Oregano – Anti-bacterial & Anti-fungal
- May help with: herpes virus type 1, rotavirus, diarrhea, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- Ways to consume it: dried and used for seasoning, distill it into an oil
- How to grow it: Direct sun, well-drained soil.
#10. Peppermint – Anti-inflammatory
- May help with: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or any other upper respiratory virus
- Ways to consume it: Raw in salads, smoothies, tea. Dried as seasoning. Distill it into an oil.
- How to grow it: Some shade, moist soil. Will spread out quickly.
#11. Rosemary – Anti-viral and therapeutic applications
- May help with: herpes, influenza, hepatitis A, pain relief
- Ways to consume it: raw as a garnish. Dried as a seasoning.
- How to grow it: direct sun for 6 hours, well-drained soil.
#12. Sage – Fights viral infections
- May help with: HIV-type 1, viral infections
- Ways to consume it: Use raw as a garnish. Add to stuffing or sauces. Dried and used as seasoning.
- How to grow it: full sun, well-drained soil.
Anti-viral herbs can be used as a preventative measure, a way to decrease symptoms during a viral attack, or in the recovery phase to get you back to optimal health. Growing and consuming these herbs on a regular basis will better prepare you for whatever comes your way. So there you have it, LandCentral’s 12 Anti-Viral Herbs to Grow in Your Survival Garden. Don’t have the land to plant a survival garden? We can help! We’ve got plenty of raw land just waiting to become your apocalyptic haven.