To combat viruses, It is important to support the immune system while treating your animals with any sort of medication. It has been noted that helping the immune system enhances the efficacy of medical protocols.
HERBS THAT ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ANTI-VIRAL ARE:
Echinacea: Commonly called upon at the first sign of a cold, flu or illness. Its anti-microbial activities are one of its attributes. Echinacea plants grow wild along road sides. Horses can be seen carefully nibbling on them.
Garlic: It is one of the herbs considered to be anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. You will commonly see it used in protocols for colds, flu, herpes outbreaks, skin fungus and rashes. It is commonly fed to horses for a variety of reasons, ranging from immune support, to fly control , to systemic or lung conditions.
Lemon Balm: Melissa has gotten very popular for its use in herpes protocols . It is used internally and externally. It is safely used on small children because of its good taste. It is also calming, and used as a carminative (soothing to the digestive tract).
Licorice: Not only anti-viral, but anti-bacterial and anti-spasmodic. It is one of the main herbs used for adrenal support, as well as respiratory support . Commonly used in protocols with bronchial and cough conditions.
Olive: It is one of the newer herbs to be discovered for its anti-viral properties. It is now being credited for having enormous anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic and heart health properties.
St. Johns Wort: This has quickly become nicknamed the "Herbal Prozac" because of its use with anxiety, tension, irritability and depression. You will hear more about its use for this than for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial capabilities. It is used topically quite often. It needs to be used with caution in animals because it creates photosensitivity in large animals.
Thyme: It has strong anti-microbial and anti-viral properties. You can often find it in use with herpes protocols. Internally it is also used for respiratory (bronchitis, asthma, coughs) and digestive infections . Makes a great gargle/mouthwash for sore throats.