Herbal medicine is simply the science of using plants to treat or prevent
medical conditions. It is one of the main modalities in traditional as well as
contemporary medicine and is increasingly acknowledged due to the extensive use of
herbal remedies in public and societies. As respiratory tract infections (RTI) are highly
prevalent and variable, especially lower respiratory infections are a leading cause of
sickness and mortality both in children and adults. There is a growing need for new
treatments for such infections, particularly in the setting of worsening antibacterial
resistance. Since ancient times, people who have tried herbs to treat diseases have also
used them to treat infectious respiratory diseases. Many plants and herbal medicinederived
natural products could be used as an alternative therapeutic potential for RTI
since they have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Although there
are some doubts about safety and efficacy, Chinese Herbal medicines may help treat
symptoms of viral respiratory disease, including COVID-19. Natural products such as
plant extracts and their active compounds, directly target the processes involved in RTI
and could be suitable therapeutic options with fewer adverse effects. In the meantime,
it should be kept in mind that there are many factors that affect the therapeutic potential
of medicinal herbs and related products, including the collection and development
processing. This section aims to highlight the examples of herbal medicines that are
effective against RTI and their properties and therapeutic mechanisms.
Keywords: Antibacterial, Antiviral, COVID- 19, Essential oil, Inflammation,
Medicinal plants, Respiratory tract infections.
