8 Herbal Remedies for Colds and Flu
A change of season is underway, and the dreaded F-word is following closely behind, waiting patiently for you to have a week filled with stressful work deadlines or demanding social events before it attacks your weakened immune system. The flu is relentless, and if you’re one of those people who gets knocked down every season, I’m sure you’re all too familiar with its dreaded symptoms.
Falling victim to the common cold or fatiguing flu, even when you’re booked off work and snuggled up on the couch under a cozy blanket, is nothing short of miserable. Fortunately, there are many healing herbs to help boost your immunity and alleviate any nagging cold and flu symptoms.
Here is a look at eight herbal remedies to get you back on your feet, or better yet, to prevent you from falling sick altogether. And once you’ve fought off the flu, read our blog about 7 energizing herbs.
Echinacea
Echinacea should be the poster child for flu-fighting herbs; in fact, it featured in our blog about anti-viral herbs, so be sure to give that a read. Native American tribes have used this plant for hundreds of years to treat colds, flu, and infection. Echinacea contains flavonoids, which have a therapeutic effect on the body. It can be used to boost immunity and reduce inflammation. Echinacea is available as a tincture, in capsule form, like these vegan capsules from Nature’s Way, or you can use fresh or dried echinacea to brew a herbal tea.
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Garlic
This highly aromatic herb contains a compound called allicin, which can be used as a treatment for bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Eating fresh garlic regularly can reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms and boost your immune system to help you avoid getting sick in the first place. The best way to use garlic is by adding freshly minced cloves to your cooking. If your family is getting on your last nerve, you can also brew yourself some garlic tea, and they’ll be sure to keep their distance! Add 2 to 3 halved cloves to 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil. Strain the garlic, add some fresh lemon and honey, and enjoy it while it’s hot.
Ginger
The benefits of ginger have been touted for centuries, and it’s one of the most commonly used herbs when it comes to treating colds and flu. Ginger can be used to ease nausea, increase circulation and alleviate cold and flu symptoms by clearing the sinuses and inducing sweating, which helps break fevers. For more info about the goodness of ginger, read our blog, then go ahead and brew some fresh ginger tea. Simply add a few slices of ginger, or even some minced ginger, to a pot with two cups of water. Bring it to a boil and turn down the heat, letting it simmer for 15 minutes. Strain off the ginger and sweeten it with honey. Add some lemon juice for the additional vitamin C.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an age-old herb known to bring relief to symptoms of colds, flu, and sore throats. Rosemary is full of anti-viral and anti-microbial properties, which can be used to help alleviate body aches and headaches. Rosemary is also known to boost memory and cognitive functioning, which is helpful for that foggy-flu-brain. You can brew rosemary tea by adding 1 cup of boiling water to 2 teaspoons of fresh leaves. Let it steep for 10 minutes and strain. Sweeten with honey if desired. Another way to use this miracle herb is by making a rosemary steam. Pour some boiled water over fresh rosemary leaves in a medium-sized bowl. Place your face just above the bowl and put a towel over your head. Relax and breathe in the rising steam. Alternatively, add a few drops of rosemary essential oil, like these organic oils, to the bowl.
Thyme
No one has time to deal with the flu– pun intended – but fortunately, thyme can be used to treat a wide range of ailments, including sore throats, congestion, bronchial spasms, and body pain. Thyme is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory and helps respiratory ailments. Another great benefit is that it’s a mood enhancer – who doesn’t need that when they’re feeling under the weather? Brew yourself some thyme tea by adding 1 cup of boiling water to 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme. Let it steep for 10 minutes and strain. Sweeten with honey.
Yarrow
This plant is full of flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Yarrow is helpful if you’re struggling with a cough. It is astringent, meaning it helps to dry up excess mucus in the respiratory system while reducing swelling in the tender membranes of the throat and nose. This herb also has diaphoretic properties, meaning it can induce sweating. Brew some yarrow tea by placing 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried yarrow flowers in a pot and covering with 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 to 20 minutes and strain.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is one of the spices at the top of the list of powerful immune- boosting ingredients. Consuming cayenne pepper regularly reduces inflammation in the body and improves overall immune functioning. Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamin C and beta carotene, two essential compounds for supporting a strong immune system. This spice is quite potent and can be added to your food in small amounts to support your immune system. Alternatively, combine ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon minced ginger, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons water. You can take this miracle mixture by teaspoon.
Chicken Noodle Soup
This remedy may not be an actual herb, but it is a trusty flu-fighter that combines the healing powers of many of the herbs we’ve covered above with wholesome ingredients that help boost your immune system naturally. Apart from all the nutritional benefits of a quality chicken noodle soup, this remedy heals in other ways by bringing warm comfort to your heart when you’re down in the dumps – it’s soul healing.
Some of the healing herbs and spices that make this recipe unfailing are turmeric, rosemary, garlic, ginger, thyme, and parsley, so be sure to cook yourself up a large pot of this soothing soup to have on hand.
Our favorite recipe:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 stalks of celery, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
4 fresh ginger slices, minced
6 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped parsley
2 teaspoons thyme
2 teaspoons rosemary
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
8 cups low sodium chicken broth (or for an extra immune boost, try organic bone broth)
5 to 6 ounces of egg noodles
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Zest of 1 lemon and 2 to 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Sauté: Heat the olive oil over medium to high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, and ginger and continue to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds before adding the bay leaves, turmeric, rosemary, and thyme. Add the chicken broth.
Simmer: Once the soup reaches a simmer, lower the heat to medium and add the egg noodles. Cook the noodles until al-dente. Stir in the shredded chicken and heat it through, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add more chicken broth or a splash of water if you prefer a soupier soup.
Finish: Turn the heat off, and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy.
In Summary
Apart from adding these wonderful healing herbs to your life, it’s also important to stay hydrated and get lots of rest when you’re feeling ill. While these herbs are helpful when you’ve got a cold or flu, they are also great for incorporating into daily recipes to keep your immune system strong, especially when it comes to the change of season. Try and use fresh herbs where possible to reap their true benefits, and please consult your healthcare practitioner if your symptoms persist.