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 Colds : Helpful Herbs
Related Articles:
Bronchitis *
Influenza *
Sore Throat/Laryngitis *
Congestion *
Cough *
Sinusitis*
 Home Remedies for Colds |
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The search for the cure for the common cold still eludes us. It is a constant battle between the virus and us, one that we seem to be losing due to the ever increasing immunity of viruses to modern drugs. Mother Nature has provided us with a powerful antibiotics in herbs and essential oils. Unlike synthetic antibiotics that are powerless against viruses and funguses, essential oils such as oregano, tea tree and thyme are effective against these pathogens too. Be preprepared for the cold and flu season by stocking your herbal medicine chest with a ready supply of herbs that are antiseptic, as well as those that help reduce fevers, ease breathing and break up congestion, quiet coughs, and soothe aches and pains. Cold care is one area where herbs really shine because of the many helpful properties these healing plants have. When the first colonists came to the shores of North America, they brought their favorite cold and cough remedies with them, Angelica, vervain, and Pleurisy Root, to name a few. These hardy folk adopted the herbs the Native Americans used, such as linden for colds, fevers and nervous headaches - much the same purposes as modern herbalists do today. Boneset contains phytochemicals that support the immune system's white blood cells against viruses and other microorganisms, explaining its longtime use against colds and flu. Native Americans and colonial settlers used it to treat a variety of fever causing afflictions.4 Meadowsweet's salicylic acid content make it useful in treating influenza, respiratory tract infections,colds, flu and fevers. 6 White Willow, natural aspirin, can be used to help break a low grade fever, and to relieve the body aches that accompany colds.An old fashioned cordial of Elder flowers and berries combined with yarrow and mint are specific for the treatment of colds and flu, and is a warming winter drink even if you don't have the sniffles.
Herbs fight infections and energize the immune system, but do not contribute to the endless cycle of pharmaceutical antibiotics creating come more virulent and resistant strains of bacteria. And what better way to take your medicine than with a hot cup tea, that heals and warms the body, and spirit.
Mints:
Catnip, peppermint, and spearmint all relieve colds and fevers by inducting perspiration and calming the spirit, and easing breathing. 1104Hot tea made of Lemon balm are sweat inducing, ease congested breathing, antibacterial, and relaxing, all things useful for treating colds and flu.
Aromatherapy for colds:
During cold and flu season use an aromatherapy diffuse to vaporize antiseptic essential oils. This can be very effective in waiting rooms and office spaces.
Anise essential oil can be diffused to ease the breath of a cold sufferer, or blended in massage oils to ease chest congestion. The seeds make a tasty tea that has the same properties. In any condition where there is coldness of the body, a common cold, a cold stomach, influenza - indicates the use of camphor. 677
Lavender oil is an effective antiseptic. A lavender massage on the chest and lymph nodes is relaxing and helps kill germs.
 Home Remedies for Colds
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Andrographis |
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Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) seems to be an up-and-coming cold season herb. A 2004 research review of seven double-blind, controlled studies concluded that andrographis “may be a safe and efficacious treatment for the relief of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection,” though the authors called for further research. 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.PMID: 14750201 White,Linda B. M.D.. Natural, Effective Remedies for Colds and Flu. (2007-11-16), motherearthnews.com |
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Andrographis |
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Andrographis has many promising medicinal properties, significant antimicrobial activity and shows promise as an herb that can lessen the severity and frequency of colds and reduce the over-prescription of antibiotics. . PMID: 15095142. (), Pubmed NIH |
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Angelica |
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It is generally used as a stimulating expectorant - and a useful agent in feverish conditions. Angelica is a good remedy for colds, coughs, pleurisy. (Grieve, Maude ) |
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Anise |
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Influenza, sinusitis, and other respiratory ailments. The essential oil in anise seeds stimulates secretions from the linings of the throat and lungs. They both contain creosol and alpha-pinene, which help to loosen bronchial secretions. Anise essential oil can be diffused to ease the breath of a cold sufferer, or blended in massage oils to ease chest congestion. Anise seeds make a tasty tea that are particularly appropriate in cases of unproductive cough. Used as a cough suppressant, anise is an ingredient in many cough medicines and lozenges. As an expectorant, anise helps to loosen and get rid of phlegm in the respiratory tract. (Phyllis Balch, CNC ) |
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Astragalus |
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Unlike echinacea, astragalus may be taken long-term during cold and flu season. Chinese studies have found it to be an effective preventive against the common cold (White,Linda B., M.D. ) |
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Benzoin |
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Benzoin may be used with benefit in all cold conditions related to the lungs, such as colds, influenza, coughs, asthma, bronchitis. (Tisserand, Robert ) |
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Boneset |
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The phytochemicals in boneset help rev up the immune system's white blood cells against viruses and other microorganisms, explaining its longtime use against colds and flu. Native Americans and colonial settlers used it to treat a variety of fever causing afflictions. (Duke, James A, Ph.D. ) |
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Camphor |
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In any condition where there is coldness of the body, a common cold, a cold stomach, influenza - indicates the use of camphor. (Tisserand, Robert ) |
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Catnip |
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Catnip relieves colds and fevers by inducting perspiration and helps the body to regain it's balance by its calming effect. Catnip tea is good for curing headaches. (Dawson,Adele ) |
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Echinacea |
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Echinacea is another herb that inhibits herpes viruses, echinacea also produces a numbing sensation that may offer relief from cold-sore pain. (White,Linda B., M.D. ) |
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Elder |
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Combined with yarrow and mint elder flowers and berries are specific for the treatment of colds and flu. The berries are mildly laxative and sweat-inducing, and simmered with sugar, make a winter cordial for coughs and colds. (Mabey, Richard 37) |
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Eucalyptus |
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Eucalyptus opens the lungs and encourages breathing by increasing oxygen in the cells. Eucalyptol, found in many over-the-counter remedies, loosens phlegm in the chest and helps to open clogged nasal passages. It also kills several types of bacteria and viruses, including Bacillus subtilis and several strains of Streptococcus ( ) |
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Lavender |
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Lavender oil is an effective antiseptic. A lavender massage on the chest and lymph nodes is relaxing and helps kill germs. |
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Linden |
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Linden is useful for colds - induces perspiration to break a fever, calming stomach and nerves. |
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Meadowsweet |
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Meadowsweet's salicylic acid content make it useful in treating influenza, respiratory tract infections, arthritis, rheumatism, and fevers. (Dawson,Adele ) |
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Pleurisy Root |
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Pleurisy root acts as an expectorant and relieves pain and congestion in the lungs. |
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Soapwort |
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The primary use of soapwort today is treat stuffy nose and clogged throat caused by upper respiratory infection. The herb irritates the linings of airways just enough to encourage coughing and sneezing to clear them. It also encourages sweating that was once thought to "sweat out" a cold.
Moutain Rose Herbs. Learn Soapwort. (2007-12-16), |
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Vervain |
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A warm infusion of either root, leaves or flowers is helpful for colds fevers, throat and chest congestion and headache. (Dawson,Adele ) |
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White Willow |
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White willow can be used to help break a low grade fever, and to relieve the body aches that accompany colds and flu. |
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Yarrow |
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Yarrow opens the pores freely and purifies the blood, and is recommended in the early stages of children's colds, and in measles and other eruptive diseases. (Grieve, Maude ) |
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