Environmental Parameters and Beyond: Exploring Salts, Oils, Plant Extracts, and Honey against COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the exploration of various therapeutic approaches, including the use of natural products traditionally known for their medicinal properties. This review examines the potential roles of salts, essential oils, plant extracts, and honey as adjunctive treatments for COVID-19. Each of these natural therapies offers unique benefits, ranging from antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects to immune modulation and symptomatic relief. The review highlights key mechanisms of action, including the ability of hypertonic saline to enhance mucociliary clearance, the antiviral properties of essential oils, the broad-spectrum activity of plant extracts, and the immunomodulatory effects of honey. Despite promising in vitro and preliminary clinical evidence, the integration of these natural therapies into conventional treatment protocols faces challenges such as variability in composition, the need for standardization, and a lack of large-scale clinical trials. Addressing these challenges through further research and standardization efforts is essential to fully realize the potential of these therapies. Ultimately, this review underscores the importance of a holistic, integrative approach to COVID-19 treatment, combining the best of conventional medicine with evidence-based natural therapies to improve patient outcomes and public health.