[toc]Colds and flu are caused by viral infections. Some of the best antiviral herbs can offer you quick yet lasting relief from both these maladies. Antiviral herbs possess the properties which eliminate the virus from the body. Herbal remedies can also be used to increase the immunity of the body. This enhances the ability of the body to fight back infections including influenza and colds.
The common cold is a frequent complaint when the weather changes. Exposure to germs can also lead to the occurrence of flu. Herbal remedies are perfect because they bring about changes in the body which helps the person to recover from the cold or flu. Some herbs also loosen up mucous congestion and ensure relief from symptoms of flu such as fever and fatigue. In this article, we will discuss some of the best herbal remedies for curing colds and flu.
8 Herbal Remedies For Colds And Flu
Echinacea
Echinacea Augustifolia is the botanical name of this herb. It strengthens the immune system functioning by improving the number of white blood cells or leukocytes in the human body. This herb is native to Europe and it is also called as Purple Cone Flower. Echinacea is a well known herbal remedy for boosting the ability of the body to fight back viral infections such as colds and influenza.
Humoural and cellular antibodies are produced by the ingestion of this herbal remedy. This helps to ward off symptoms of influenza such as fever and body ache. You can take this herb in the form of a supplement or extract for best results. People allergic to plants like Rag Weed should not take this herbal remedy. Echinacea also strengthens the protective membranes of the body’s cells which prevents the flu infection from spreading to healthy cells of the body.
Garlic
Garlic or Allium Sativum has antifungal properties. More importantly, it is a natural antibiotic which makes it very effective for curing colds and influenza. Garlic is so helpful for reducing the fever and chills experienced during flu that it is also called Russian Penicillin.
Garlic has a strong, pungent taste and it is very helpful in easing nasal congestion caused due to colds. Garlic is best taken raw because this ensures that allicin which is one of the substances contained in this herb remains strong in its effect. You can crush a clove of Garlic and consume it raw for eliminating colds and flu.
Ginger
Zingiber Officinale is the Latin name of this herb. Ginger is an ancient remedy for coughs, cold and flu. This herb contains antioxidants which strengthen the immune system and increase the ability of the body to destroy harmful viruses in the body. You can chop the roots of this herb into thin, round slices.
Dice the slices into fine cubes and add them to tea or a hot drink for clearing up your nose or relieving the symptoms of flu such as fever and listlessness. Fresh Ginger tea is a sure remedy for dealing effectively with influenza and colds, because it contains volatile oils and gingerol. Gingerol is the substance in this herb which gives it analgesic properties. This is very efficacious for relieving the body pain during influenza.
Elderberry
Elderberry is very good for treating colds and flu. It eases the mucous congestion and the blocking of the nasal passageways experienced during a cold. It is also effective for curing influenza brought on by viral infection. This is because Elderberry herb contains specialized cells named phagocytes which surround and destroy the cells which are infected by the virus.
This leads to faster recovery from the cold or flu. Elderberry also ensures that the ability of the virus infected cells to replicate themselves and infect healthy cells of the body is diminished. This prevents further spread of the cold or influenza in the body. You can take either black or blue elderberry fruits for getting rid of the cold or flu. Dried or fresh berries of this herb can be eaten regularly to fend off the symptoms of cold and influenza.
Ginseng
Ginseng is also an excellent herbal remedy for both colds and flu. Research has shown that ingestion of this herb leads to quicker recovery and lessening of the severity of viral infections such as cold and flu in people. Ginseng also raises the energy levels and vitality of the body.
This helps to fend off physical weakness in the body caused due to a bout of cold or flu. Ginseng tones the body and increases the stamina and endurance levels of a person taking this remedy. You can take Ginseng in the form of a supplement, extract, tincture or capsule. Ginseng can safely be combined with other herbal remedies as well.
Peppermint
Peppermint is excellent for soothing the stomach and preventing digestive problems that arise during the course of influenza. Peppermint contains a substance called menthol which produces a cooling effect on the body and is a natural decongestant. This makes Peppermint a very effective herbal remedy for colds as well. In fact,
Peppermint is one of the ingredients of cold and cough drops and throat lozenges used by persons infected with colds. Peppermint leaves can be crushed and added to tea or a hot drink. You can also add a dash of Peppermint to dishes or salads as a seasoning. Peppermint leaves can also be crushed and eaten raw for good results.
Cat’s Claw
This herb is anti-inflammatory and antiviral which makes it a perfect remedy for colds and flu. Rich in antioxidants, Cat’s Claw also stimulates immune system functioning and enhances the ability of the body to fend off viral infections. Alkaloids called oxindole found in this herb contain the capacity to strengthen the immune system and boost the body’s infection fighting capabilities.
The vines and leaves of this herb contain special healing properties. You can add crushed leaves of this herb to hot water and boil this mixture for about 15 minutes. Add honey or Stevia leaves and drink this concoction for relief from congestion due to cold or fever due to flu.
Astragalus
Astragalus Membranaceous is the botanical name of this herb. The root of this herb contains many wondrous healing properties. This herb also contains a substance called astragalan B which boosts immune system functioning. This makes it a very effective herbal remedy for flu and colds.
Soak the root of this herb in hot water for about 20 minutes. This ensures that the water absorbs the nutrients of the root. Then, strain this water and drink it regularly for relief from colds and flu. You can also add the powdered root of this herb to a glass of milk and drink it for best results.