These days, herbal remedies are gaining popularity. One reason for this is that the chemically produced medicines cause numerous side effects and adverse reactions. Secondly, herbal remedies are inexpensive as well as quick in action. A lot of research is going on herbs and new ways are being found to ascertain how these herbs work and what benefits can be derived from them.
Cold and flu are apparently minor ailments. However, sometimes, they can get out of hand and lead one to take extreme measures to control them. With herbal remedies, it has become easy to control symptoms of flu and cold without using high potency tablets.
Herbal Remedies for Treating Cold and Flu
Garlic
Garlic has anti-bacterial properties that help the immune system to fight infection. It is an excellent boost to the immune system. It is because garlic contains several helpful compounds, including allicin, one of the plant kingdom's most potent antibiotics. Garlic combines well with echinacea and together makes a strong fighting force against infections.
Ginger
Ginger contains nearly a dozen antiviral compounds. It is pain relieving, antiseptic and an antioxidant in one. It is valuable for preventing and treating colds, sore throats and inflammation of mucus membranes.
Ginger reduces pain and fever and has a mild sedative effect that will encourage rest. Drink a tea or soak fresh ginger in hot water, take as a tincture and include it in your food. Ginger tastes good and is also delicious in a fruit smoothy, a mixture of soft chilled fruits put in a blender.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is very good for relieving cold and flu symptoms and to help the body fight infection. The best source of vitamins is always fresh fruit and vegetables. Citrus fruits are especially high in vitamin C.
Combine orange, pineapple, seedless grapes, lots of fresh ginger, banana, pink grapefruit, cantaloupe in a blender. Add orange juice if more liquid is needed. This not only makes a delicious drink, but is healthy and fights cold and flu.
Echinacea
Echinacea increases levels of properdin, a chemical which activates the part of the immune system responsible for increasing defense mechanisms against virus and bacteria attacks. It is important to try to take echinacea before the full onset of a cold or flu to give the best chance of a swift recovery.
Its anti-bacterial effect makes it a good herb for treating many viral and bacterial infections. Echinacea is also an excellent blood cleanser. It helps to sweep dead cells and other debris through the channels of the lymphatic system and dispatches white blood cells to fight the infection.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a valuable expectorant, for expulsion of sputum from respiratory passage, used in the treatment of bronchitis, colds and flu. It reduces fevers by inducing sweating and cooling the body.
It is a soothing decongestant and makes an effective inhalation for clearing blocked sinuses.
Drink Plenty of Liquids
When you have cold or flu, your body is under a lot of stress, fighting the viral infection. The best thing to do is drink plenty of liquids, water, fruit juices and if needed hot soups.
High liquid intake is important as the body uses water to carry waste products and toxins to your elimination systems.
Sage
Sage is a traditional remedy for soothing sore throats as it has antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. For an inflamed throat and hoarseness, use a hot sage infusion or gargle with sage, apple cider vinegar and honey mix.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm tea promotes sweating. This is good for feverish colds as it helps to eliminate the toxins from the body.
Blackberry
Also commonly know as Bramble, it is rich in vitamin C. Its leaves can be used to make a cleansing tea or making a poultice from fresh, lightly boiled leaves.
Cinnamon
It stops vomiting and relieves feelings of nausea. It can be taken as tea. Cinnamon oil also had anti-bacterial properties.
Fenugreek
It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and soothing with expectorant qualities. It eases coughs and sore throats.
Juniper
Steam inhalations of Juniper are beneficial for relieving congestion in coughs and colds. Adding a few drops of the oil to hot boiled water for inhalation can work wonders in relieving cold and flu.
Lemon
Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C. A hot lemon and honey drink is a very good medicine. It is a traditional remedy for colds and sore throats.
Herbal remedies are good ways of treating simple ailments like cold and flu. However, they are only effective if the infection is in its early stages. Herbal remedies have to be taken regularly in order to get maximum benefit.