40 Natural And Herbal Remedies For Cold And Flu
Common Cold
When the body’s immune system is functioning properly, we don’t catch cold. If the immune system is low, the risk of catching cold will be high. A cold can be caused by hundreds of different viruses, which are around us all the time. A medicine for destroying these viruses has not yet been found. One has to rely on the body’s own defense system. Viruses keep mutating, causing immune systems trouble overcoming them. The sneezing, aching and coughing are signs that the body’s immune system is fighting the virus.
Home Herbal Remedies for Cold
There are herbal remedies that can reduce the congestion, length and severity of the cold or prevent one from taking hold.
Fruits & Vegetables: Homemade apple and grape juice contain strong antiviral agents that fight colds and flu. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are loaded with vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, melons, berries, watercress, parsley, and bell peppers. Vitamin C acts as a mild natural antihistamine while also supporting the function of white blood cells. Antihistamines reduce mucus secretion and inflammation in airways and sinuses, making it easier for you to breathe.
Steam inhalation: To reduce congestion and help clear sinuses, try steam inhalation. Put lavender, eucalyptus, or mint in a medium-sized bowl. Pour 2 cups of steaming hot water over the herbs or oil. Cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl, and slowly inhale the steam for a few minutes. If you have the essential oils of these herbs, you can use them. Close your eyes when inhaling essential oils. If you use peppermint, add only one to two drops. Do not use essential oils of thyme and oregano for steam inhalation since they’re too irritating. Caution: Aromatic vapors may aggravate asthma.
Gargling: The demulcent properties in mullein, marshmallow, etc., help soothe an aching throat, and calm a cough. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper diminishes throat pain; use it in a gargle. Gargle teas or tinctures of these plants for maximum relief. Try marshmallow, licorice, red raspberry, or calendula to soothe the irritation.
Massaging: Some of the garden’s aromatherapy plants can be infused into massage oil, then rubbed into your chest. Lavender, peppermint, and yarrow can all alleviate congestion.
Herbal Bath: Take a soothing herbal bath with chamomile, calendula, rosemary, or lavender if you are restless and irritable. Keep the water comfortably warm and treat yourself to a long, lazy soak. Put 1/2 pound of dried mustard in 2 quarts of boiling water and boil for 10 minutes. Add this liquid to foot bath to treat colds and respiratory problems.
Echinacea (E. angustifolia, purpurea and pallida). Several well designed studies support the use of this herb for the treatment of acute viral upper respiratory infections. Echinacea can shorten the duration and severity of a cold. Two types of preparations have repeatedly been shown effective: the juice of the aboveground parts of E. purpurea (marketed as Echinagard), and the alcoholic extracts (tinctures) of the roots of E. purpurea and E. pallida. According to one study, Echinacea tea may also be an effective remedy.
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) may be a safe and efficacious treatment for the relief of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection, though further research has been called for. A Russian study in children found that Kan Jang (andrographis leaf extract and eleuthero root, i.e., Siberian ginseng) was more effective than an Echinacea extract in reducing the severity and duration of common cold symptoms.
Elderberries: An extract of the black elderberries helps fight influenza and other respiratory viruses. Two small studies have demonstrated rapid recovery from influenza with a proprietary elderberry extract called Sambucol, which is available in many natural food stores. You also can make your own elderberry syrup.
Ginseng and Eleuthero. Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), American ginseng (P. quinquefolius) and eleuthero (aka Siberian ginseng or Eleutherococcus senticosus) all have been reported useful in fighting respiratory viruses. Such immune enhancing herbs may be particularly helpful for the elderly.
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has many properties that can relieve cold and flu symptoms. It is anti-inflammatory, demulcent, antispasmodic and expectorant. Licorice root is sweet and makes most herbal blends taste great.
Elder, Peppermint & Yarrow: For a good “cold tea,” combine equal parts of elder (Sambucus nigra), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and steep 1 to 2 tsp of the mixture in 1 cup hot water. Take it hot just before going to bed. This will induce a sweat, and if the cold is caught early enough, may stop it altogether. It may be taken with a pinch of mixed spice and a little honey to soothe a painful throat. Other herbs that may be added to the infusion include Cayenne, Cinnamon and Ginger. Caution: Peppermint tea may interfere with the beneficial action of homoeopathic remedies.
Ginger Tea: Worldwide, ginger is considered the best home remedy for colds. Drink a cup of ginger tea several times a day. Ginger contains a dozen antiviral compounds.
Children’s Herbal Antibiotic Formula: 2 cups water, ½ teaspoon echinacea root. ½ teaspoon licorice root and ½ teaspoon barberry bark (or Oregon grape root). Place water and herbs in a saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and steep for about 20 minutes. Strain out herbs. For a 50-pound child, give 1 cup of tea or half a dropperful (30 drops) of tincture daily. To improve the flavor, the tea can be mixed with an equal amount of juice.
Boneset and sage help to break up congestion and bring down a fever. Take a cup of sage and boneset tea up to three times daily for three to five days.
Cinnamon & Ginger: At the onset of a cold, add 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and ginger to 1 cup of scalded milk. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and drink while hot. This remedy is very soothing and stimulating.
Garlic (Allium sativum) appears to shorten a cold’s duration and severity. Any form seems to work: capsules or tablets, oil rubbed on the skin, or whole garlic roasted or cooked in other foods.
Onion is close to garlic biologically and contains many similar antiviral chemicals. Steep raw onion slices overnight in honey. Take the resulting mixture at intervals like a cough syrup. You can also use more onions in cooking whenever you have a cold.
Hyssop Tea may prevent Colds and Infections.
Chamomile: Good for colds, flu and fever; promotes intense perspiration; sedative that relieves pain, associated cramps, colic, calms irritability. Take a cup of chamomile tea twice daily, as needed to help yourself rest and relax.
Mullein flower tea has a pleasant taste and is good to soothe inflamed conditions of the mucous membrane lining the throat. Also relieves coughing. Put a small handful of the mullein flowers in 1 pint of boiling water. Allow to steep 15 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey.
Basil tea, made from the fresh or dried herb, may be used to encourage a slight sweat in the early stages of a cold, thus reducing feverishness. A pinch of ground cloves may also be added for flavor and encourage reduction of fever.
Aniseed: Commission E in Germany recommended aniseed as an expectorant for getting rid of phlegm. In large doses, it also has some antiviral benefits. Make a tea by steeping one to two teaspoons of crushed aniseed in a cup or two of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and use it..
Goldenseal The major healing component in goldenseal, berberine, activates special white blood cells (macrophages) that are responsible for destroying bacteria, fungi, viruses and tumor cells. Take 10 to 15 drops of goldenseal in an alcohol-free form, known as glycerite tincture, two to three times a day for seven to 10 days.
Marsh mallow has been used for thousands of years as a soothing herb for cold-related cough and sore throat and other respiratory conditions. Marsh mallow roots contain a spongy material called mucilage that soothes inflamed mucous membranes.
Seneca snakeroot is used as an expectorant for reducing upper respiratory phlegm in Germany. To make a tea, use about one teaspoon per cup of boiling water. (This herb is also recommended for treatment of bronchitis and emphysema.)
Slippery elm bark contains large quantities of a mucilage that acts as an effective throat soother and cough suppressant.
Watercress: Use two to three teaspoons of dry watercress to make a tea for treating cold-related runny nose and cough. Or try an ounce of fresh watercress–it makes a great addition to a salad.
Astragalus: Boosts the immune system, increases T cells, protects against viruses, protects the heart from viral infection (i.e., cocksackie-B virus), reduces duration and frequency of colds if taken prior to the season.
Boneset: Helps with colds, flu and fever. Loosens phlegm and encourages coughing, enhances immune resistance to viruses and bacterial infection, promotes perspiration, alleviates nausea and deep muscle aching.
Cayenne: Taken at the first hint of a cold or fever to reduce the severity of illness, promotes sweat in colds, flu, bronchitis, increases warmth and circulation. A warming, stimulating, vasodilator herb for external or internal use; also acts as a digestive stimulant, pain reliever and antiseptic.
Catnip: Soothing and relaxing herb for colds, flu, fevers, promotes sweating; a mild sedative, very useful for children; Antispasmodic in bronchitis; helps intestinal flu with gas, indigestion, diarrhea, cramps and colic.
Chamomile: Good for colds, flu and fever; promotes intense perspiration; sedative that relieves pain, associated cramps, colic, calms irritability; child needing it is hot, very thirsty, with alternate chills and fevers.
Eucalyptus: Disinfects and decongests stuffy, blocked nasal passages and sinuses; helps soothe throat irritation and coughs; not for internal use; used as an inhalation or rubbed topically for chest and lung ailments.
Eyebright: Indicated for colds, flu or allergy with hot, acrid discharges from the eye, clear nasal discharge, light sensitivity and eye inflammation; use sparingly with dry or blocked sinuses with no or little discharge.
Ground Ivy: Reduces fever in colds and flu. An astringent, decongestant herb for drying excess mucus in the throat, nose, ear, sinuses or bronchi.
Lomatius: Immune herb with antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties; has a wide range of therapeutic action for various stages of cold or flu; excellent for stubborn, chronic respiratory or urinary tract infections.
Meadowsweet: Contains aspirin-like compounds that offer pain relief, fever reduction; safe for children, soothes digestion, lowers stomach acidity.
Peppermint: Inhaling the essential oils, using tea or menthol relieves stuffed nose, sinus and chest congestion. Antispasmodic for coughs or easing colic; induces sweating to ‘break a fever’ in common cold or flu conditions.
St. John’s Wort: Powerful broad spectrum antiviral activity for colds and influenza; Antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Contains potent immune-stimulating flavonoids; relieves depression after flu or cold.
Wild Indigo: An antiseptic, antibacterial herb, deeply stimulates immune function; traditional use in sore throats, tonsillitis, flu and respiratory infections; lowers fever, reduces swollen lymph glands in highly toxic, debilitated states; indicated where there are foul secretions, exhaustion, aching.
Category: HERBAL REMEDIES
