Using Herbs for
Colds

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.

Using Aromatherapy

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. Lavender oil is an effective antiseptic. A lavender massage on the chest and lymph nodes is relaxing and helps kill germs.