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Viruses represent one of the main causes of human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Plants have been used since time immemorial to treat, cure or alleviate diseases. We present some of them that make compounds with antiviral action and are used in traditional medicine. The objective of this work was to contribute to the knowledge of plants popularly used for the treatment of respiratory diseases of viral origin. The parts or organs mainly used are: the stem, leaves and flowers, while the method of use is mainly in decoction or infusion and its administration route is orally. The chemical compounds contained in plants used with antiviral properties are very diverse in nature, and belong to the groups of: essential oils, phenolic acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, gums and mucilages, oleoresins; pectins, lignans, saponins and tannins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]