Cold care is one area where herbs really shine because of the many helpful properties these healing plants have. 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.

Cold remedies from Asia: Andrographis may be a safe and efficacious treatment for the relief of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection. Kan Jang (andrographis leaf extract and eleuthero root, i.e., Siberian ginseng) has been found more effective than an echinacea extract in reducing the severity and duration of common cold symptoms. 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. ³ Sheng-jiang (fresh ginger) is used to dispel pathogens via its ability to induce sweating, for colds due to wind and cold, coughs, vomiting.⁸

Building immunity Echinacea is a very potent immune system stimulant, a decent fighter of inflammation and viruses, and a mild antiseptic. ⁴ Echinacea is another herb that inhibits herpes viruses, echinacea also produces a numbing sensation that may offer relief from cold-sore pain. ³

Old world cold herbs Angelica is generally used as a stimulating expectorant - and a useful agent in feverish conditions. Angelica is a good remedy for colds, coughs, pleurisy. ² another bitter, earthy herb for colds is vervain. A warm infusion of either root, leaves or flowers is helpful for colds fevers, throat and chest congestion and headache. ⁶ Elder flowers and berries combined with yarrow and mint 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. ⁷ Pleurisy Root possesses a specific action on the lungs, assisting exporation, subduing inflammation and exerting a general mild tonic effect, making it valuable in all chest complains, colds and fevers.² 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. ⁹

North American cold remedies: Bayberry contains myricitrin, an active antibiotic, and encourages sweating, which can help break the fever that accompanies a bad cold. 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. Juniper berriesSteam inhalations of the berries are an excellent treatment for colds, coughs and excessive phlegm. ⁷Linden induces perspiration to break a fever, calming stomach and nerves. Native Americans used linden for colds, fevers and nervous headaches - much the same purposes as modern herbalists do today.

Mints: Catnip, peppermint, and spearmint all relieve colds and fevers by inducting perspiration and calming the spirit, and easing breathing. ⁶Hot 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. ⁵ Lavender oil is an effective antiseptic. A lavender massage on the chest and lymph nodes is relaxing and helps kill germs.