For several years, millions of people worldwide have been seeking supportive and alternative treatments to help prevent, treat symptoms of, or recover from COVID-19.
This has become even more critical with the rise of Post-COVID Conditions, often called "Long COVID."
At Earth Clinic, we received hundreds of posts from readers detailing which herbs, supplements, and home remedies they believe helped them support their immune systems, ease acute symptoms, and navigate the long road of recovery.
This article summarizes those reader-reported remedies and compares them with current scientific research on supportive care for viral illnesses, acute COVID-19, and Long COVID.
⚠️ Important Medical & Safety Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes and is based on user-reported experiences. It is NOT medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. COVID-19 can be a serious, life-threatening illness.
- Seek immediate medical care for severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, or paleness/blueness of the lips or nail beds.
- Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or take prescription medications. These remedies are supportive, not a replacement for professional medical evaluation and treatment.
Quick Navigation
Supportive Care for Acute COVID-19
Acute COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue) are the body's response to an active infection. Most reader-reported strategies focus on symptom relief and basic immune support.
1. Hydration & Electrolytes
Fever and inflammation can lead to dehydration. Many readers note the importance of electrolytes, not just water.
- Potassium & Sodium: COVID-19 is known to disrupt the body's fluid and electrolyte balance (the RAAS system). Bill Thompson, an author and contributor, highlights potassium as essential. Adding a pinch of sea salt (sodium) and a potassium source (like coconut water, bananas, or a supplement) to your hydration routine is a common reader tip.
2. Core Immune Supplements (The "Big Four")
These are the most-studied supplements for general viral support.
- Vitamin D3: Years of data have confirmed a strong link between Vitamin D deficiency and more severe COVID-19 outcomes. It is critical for a well-regulated immune response. (Often taken with K2).
- Vitamin C: A standard antioxidant for immune support. Many readers "pulse" higher doses (1,000 mg+) during an active illness.
- Zinc (Lozenges): When used at the first sign of illness (as lozenges), zinc is well-studied to help interfere with viral replication in the throat.
- Quercetin: This plant flavonoid is often paired with zinc. Research suggests it acts as a "zinc ionophore" (helping zinc get into cells) and is a potent anti-inflammatory and mast cell stabilizer.
3. Respiratory & Symptom Support
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): A powerful supplement that does two things: it's a mucolytic (helps break up thick mucus in the lungs) and it's the precursor to glutathione (the body's master antioxidant, which is depleted by COVID-19).
- Steam & Saline: Gargling with warm salt water and inhaling steam (with or without eucalyptus) are simple, effective ways to soothe a sore throat and congested sinuses.
Managing Long COVID (Post-COVID Conditions)
Long COVID is a complex, multi-system condition that can include debilitating fatigue, "brain fog," body aches, heart rate issues (POTS), and persistent inflammation. Strategies often focus on restoring cellular energy and calming the over-active immune system.
Supplements for Long COVID (Based on Research)
- For Inflammation:
- Curcumin (from Turmeric): A highly-studied, potent natural anti-inflammatory.
- Omega-3s (Fish Oil): High-dose EPA/DHA is crucial for *resolving* inflammation and supporting brain and cardiovascular health.
- For Mitochondrial Health & Fatigue:
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Essential for cellular energy (ATP) production. Long COVID is often described as a mitochondrial/energy crisis.
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): Used in Long COVID to fight the oxidative stress that damages mitochondria and contributes to fatigue.
- For Gut Health (Gut-Brain Axis):
- Probiotics/Prebiotics: The virus is known to damage the gut microbiome, which is directly linked to the immune system and brain fog. Restoring gut health is a key long-term strategy.
The Role of Melatonin (Beyond Sleep)
Of all the remedies, melatonin has some of the most robust and surprising research. It is not just a sleep aid; it is one of the body's most powerful antioxidants and immune-regulators.
Earth Clinic contributor Art Solbrig has written extensively on this topic. Research shows melatonin fights COVID-19 in several ways:
- It's a potent anti-inflammatory, helping to calm the "cytokine storm."
- It's a powerful antioxidant that protects mitochondria from damage (oxidative stress).
- It supports deep, restorative sleep, which is when the body does its primary repair.
While standard doses for sleep are 1-3 mg, studies on COVID-19 have explored much higher doses (10 mg+), but this should only be done under medical supervision.
Notes on Controversial Reader Remedies
Several remedies reported by readers are popular but lack strong clinical data or carry significant risks.
Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is frequently mentioned, but it is not approved by the FDA for any illness, and there is no strong scientific evidence that it is safe or effective for treating viruses when ingested.
Other Antimicrobials
- Monolaurin, Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), and Oil of Oregano: These are popular for their general antimicrobial properties. There is no specific clinical data for them against SARS-CoV-2, but they are used by readers as part of a general immune-support protocol. Oil of Oregano is very potent and must be heavily diluted.
From Our Readers
Continue reading below for hundreds of posts from Earth Clinic readers about their experiences with these remedies for COVID-19 and Long COVID.
Please let us know what has helped you recover!
