Herbal, Nutritional, and Spiritual Therapies for COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review of Complementary Interventions

Abstract

The global health crisis precipitated by COVID-19 has highlighted the urgent need for integrative and supportive therapies in addition to conventional medical interventions. This review aims to comprehensively explore the potential of herbal, nutritional, and spiritual therapies for the prevention and management of COVID-19. Herbal remedies such as Nigella sativa, Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Zingiber officinale have demonstrated immunomodulatory, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that may support respiratory health and enhance host defense. Nutritional interventions, including supplementation with vitamins D and C, zinc, and probiotics, play a crucial role in maintaining immune resilience and mitigating infection severity. Furthermore, spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and yoga contribute to psychological well-being, reduce stress-induced immunosuppression, and promote holistic recovery in patients. By integrating evidence-based complementary therapies with biomedical approaches, this review advocates a more inclusive strategy for combating COVID-19, especially in low-resource settings. These findings underscore the importance of further clinical validation and policy-level recognition of alternative approaches to pandemic preparedness and public health resilience.