Fight off Seasonal Flu with These 30 Natural Herbs
The winter season certainly brings lots of
magic with it, but there are one or two drawbacks, namely colds, sore,
congested throats, and the flu. But, as you know, nature takes with one
hand and gives with the other. So, you need not rely on expensive and
risky medication to fight your fevers, instead, open nature’s medicine
cabinet by exploring the herbal remedies thousands of years of
discoveries have revealed to us. According to Dr. Michael J. Balick,
PhD, the following herbs are the best in the cold remedy business by a
long shot.
1. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
This perennial root will boost your immune system and white blood cell
production and promote antibodies and T cells. Slice up the root and add
to stews and soups, then take them out when serving.
Note: Avoid astragalus while pregnant or nursing.
2. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil can help limit fevers and lessen the symptoms of coughs, colds,
and the flu. To keep it for winter, chop up and freeze in an ice tray.
3. Black pepper (Piper nigrum)
Black pepper is used in China for alleviating phlegm. Add plenty of this
to your broth or soup to reap the benefits.
4. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Catnip provokes perspiration, which makes it good for treating fevers.
Serve it over a salad or drink as a tea.
Note: Don’t consume catnip if pregnant.
5. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Cinnamon is great for keeping your insides warm and clearing mucus
congestion.
Note: Don’t use cinnamon medicinally if pregnant.
6. Cowslip (Primula veris)
Cowslip roots contain triterpenoid saponins, which have powerful
expectorant properties. Thus, you can use cowslip as a decoction to free
up trapped phlegm. Make a drink with 1 cup of water per ounce of root.
Place in a pot, bring to the boil, simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and
drink.
Note: Avoid cowslip if pregnant or if you’re on aspirin or prescription
anticoagulant drugs, like warfarin.
7. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea is renowned as a healing herb. Yet, it’s most effective when
taken at the beginning of an infection. Drink in a tea, by simmering its
root in water for 10 minutes.
Note: Exercise caution if you have allergies to aster family plants
(such as ragweed).
8. Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Elderberry is a very therapeutic herb, and has been called 'the medicine
chest of the people.' Studies have found that its syrup and extracts
can soothe the symptoms of flu and limit its duration. You can also make
a tea from Elderberry flowers.
9. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Vapor rub is mainly made from eucalyptus, so why not skip the rub and
use the ingredient itself? Place a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil
in boiled water and inhale. This will help defend you from bronchial
infections and clear your sinuses.
10. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic has been used for more than five millennia thanks to its
antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral benefits. Garlic
supplements can also prevent you from getting a cold.
11. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is effective at relieving flu or cold symptoms because, as a
natural diaphoretic, it induces sweating. Try this delicious and healthy
ginger tea.
Note: Don’t consume ginger medicinally if pregnant or if you have
gallstones.
12. Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
Make your own natural cough syrup like so: Boil an ounce of dried or
fresh horehound leaves with 2 cups of water, for 10 minutes. Strain and
measure the liquid. Add double the amount of honey as liquid to the mix.
Keep in a sealed bottle for 2 months. Dosage: 1 tsp. 4 times a day.
Note: Don’t consume horehound if pregnant or nursing. Avoid confusion
with black horehound (Ballota nigra).
13. Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Horseradish is rich in vitamin C and contains two compounds which clear
congestion, namely, sulforphane and isothiocyanates. Make your own
horseradish sauce by grating the root and adding as much vinegar as you
please.
Note: Limit horseradish use if pregnant, nursing, or if you suffer a
gastrointestinal or kidney disorder.
14. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Hyssop can relieve the following symptoms: respiratory infections,
flues, and colds. Use this to flavor meat dishes and soups (it tastes a
little like mint and sage).
Note: Avoid hyssop if pregnant.
15. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm is full of vitamin C, which should help fight your cold, make
you feel relaxed, and ease your upset belly. Make into a tea by pouring
1 cup boiling water over 5/6 fresh leaves (or 1 tsp. dried leaves).
Steep this for 5 minutes.
Note: If you have a thyroid problem, check with a doctor or herbalist
about using lemon balm.
16. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Make the leaves of lemongrass into a tea to treat colds, coughs, fevers,
by pouring 1 cup boiling water over 5/6 fresh leaves (or 1 tsp. dried
leaves). Or add a mesh bag with chopped leaves under the hot water tap
as you make a nice herbal bath for yourself.
17. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice root is both a demulcent and an expectorant that can be used
for a homemade cough syrup. Simmer 1 tsp. dried and sliced root in 1 cup
water for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink 2 or 3 cups for up to one
week.
Note: Don’t consume licorice if pregnant, you have heart disease, liver
disease, or hypertension.
18. Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
If you inhale marjoram through steam, it can unblock your sinuses and
provide laryngitis relief. Add its essential oil to your bath.
19. Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
A marshmallow root tea will soothe your sore throat and reduce your
cough. Simmer a cup of water for every ounce for 20 minutes. Strain and
drink.
Note: Marshmallow can delay other medications’ absorption.
20. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Mullein is traditionally used to treat respiratory problems and ear
infections. A tea of it will also ease your sore throat. Pour a cup of
boiled water over ½ tsps. fresh leaves, steeping for 10 minutes. Run
through a coffee filter or a cheesecloth to filter the plant’s hairs.
21. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano is an excellent cough remedy when taken as a tea or inhaled as
steam. It’s also an anti-inflammatory herb recommended for good prostate
health.
22. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
herbs
This herb is traditionally taken to treat chest congestion, bronchitis,
and coughs. Steep some dried flowers in hot water for 10 minutes and
drink.
23. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Chamomile tea can relax you and help you sleep when a cough is keeping
you up at night. It will also help you lose that nasty cold.
Note: Exercise caution if you have allergies to aster family plants
(such as ragweed).
24. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Try steam inhaling rosemary essential oil to provide nasal chest
congestion relief. The smell is simply wonderful. It’s also a very
healthy plant to eat.
25. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage can be used for treating excess sweating, sore throats, and coughs.
Make sage tea with 1 cup water, 1 tsp. dried sage leaves (or 2 tsps.
fresh leaves). Steep for 10 minutes and then strain.
Note: Avoid sage medicinally if pregnant or nursing.
26. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
The FDA approved of slippery elm for a sore-throat and cough remedy.
Pour 1 cup boiling water over ½ tsps. powdered bark. Sweeten with honey,
stevia, or molasses. Add spices like ginger or cinnamon for extra
flavor. Drink 2 or 3 times a day.
Note: Slippery elm could delay other medications’ absorption.
27. Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Spearmint is the best mint variety for treating respiratory conditions
like cold, coughs, and bronchitis.
28. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme tea is rich in antioxidants that fight diseases. It also eases
coughs, spasms and can clear mucus congestion.
Note: Avoid thyme medicinally if pregnant or nursing.
29. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
This sleep remedy is not addictive and has been used since Roman times.
Make valerian root tea with 1 cup hot water and 1 tsp. dried root. Steep
for 10 minutes.
Note: Avoid valerian if pregnant.
30. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow, which is high in flavonoids, is a famous British remedy for
fending off coughs, colds, and the flu thanks to its anti-inflammatory
and antispasmodic properties.
Note: Exercise caution if you have allergies to aster family plants
(such as ragweed)