Natural Herbs That Help Against Cold And Flu

In the world today one might not encounter cold and flu only in winter or autumn but throughout the entire year. However, using natural herbs could certainly help, and thanks to climate change, air pollution, and the latest events we need to be ready for it at any given time. 

One way to cope is getting really anxious about it. Another,  to get a grip, stay calm and understand that there are simple steps to take for efficient healthy ease. 

Getting stronger is the key and by doing so can we help our body cope better and prepare itself simultaneously for the next round of influenza knocking on our doorstep. Resilience is what we need to cope.  

Allow me to bring to your attention a few basic natural herbs that are easy to purchase, manage, and prepare. Yes, herbal medicine is vast, deep, and full of amazing natural efficient remedies.  However, in this article, we will explore only the “tip of the iceberg” for safe home use of natural herbs that help against cold and flu.

Disclaimer - I am a very thorough herbal medicine adviser but am not a western doctor (by definition) so will advise you to consult your own doctor in case of sensitivities, pre-existing and new health conditions, and if you are on prescribed medications of any kind. Remember, the goal is to feel good and be healthy and this is my gift to you-advise your doc. if required, not just for this article but in general. 

What Are You Looking For In Herbs Against Cold And Flu

In general, prevention is the best strategy. Be that as it may, there are some marvelous herbs, plants, and roots that can also help beating the flu to the punch.

Three important simple steps to follow: (memorize TKP)

1. Timing: Know thyself. Master your body and define your goal, would you like to take preventive care? or would you rather just treat it when you feel ill?
2. Knowledge: know your herbs by getting through this article and familiarizing yourself with basic herbs available and affordable in almost every supermarket and then see which one suits you best: flavor-wise, physical reaction, sensitivity if exist, etc. You need to kinda like what you are eating or drinking for better results.
3. Preparation: Learn here the right way to prepare your herbs as the preparation is no less important than the herb itself. By not preparing it right one can ruin its wonderful qualities. 

Great plants to start with are Ginger (root), Cinamon (inner tree bark), Thyme (herb from the mint family and relative of Oregano), Echinacea (flower from the daisy family), and bee-Propolis (resin mix and herbs).

Basic Preparation Tools Every Household Should Have 

A must have in every kitchen for better and more economic care of ourselves (yes, I am teaching you to save money as well :)). These products are “life-savers” and surprisingly not expensive, very durable and useful for multiple purposes. 

The must have tools are:

1. Cooking pot – small/medium sized.
   Check those pots on amazon:
   Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Saucepan Set – 1 Quart and 2 Quart – Glass Lid – Multipurpose Use for Home Kitchen or Restaurant (Grey-Black)
2. Infusion pitcher
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3. Infusion cup
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   Glass Tea Cup With Infuser For Infusing Loose Tea
4. Infusion spoon
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5. Mortar and Pestle
   This one from Amazon might do the job:
   Gorilla Grip Original Mortar and Pestle Set, Slip Scratch Resistant Bottom, Heavy Duty Unpolished Granite, Guacamole Molcajete Bowl, Kitchen Spices, Pesto Grinder, Medium 6 Inch Holds 2 Cups, Gray

Herbs that will fight cold and flu

Ginger

Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizome (underground part of the stem-kind of a root) is widely used as a spice and in herbal medicine for over 2,000 years in the west and throughout time worldwide. Some will say it is a bit spicy flavored, generally safe for use and is medium strengthened. It is considered a protective plant.

Good against: Cold and flu, digestive probs, relieving pain, nausea, reducing inflammation, mucus and even help supporting cardiovascular health and improve absorption

Best used: In decoction. Meaning, cooked (10 slices) in a medium sized pot (filled with water) for 10-15 minutes on low intensity (after brought to boil). 

I personally use this content pot for 3 days (by fridge cooling after 2 hours). Whenever I fancy a cup, I warm it up.

Ginger can be used in fusion too but significantly less effective that way.

How much: Between 1-2 average sized cups a day will be more than enough whereas in a cold or flu more towards 2 for 3 days and for preventive strengthening purposes 1 a day or every couple of days for some time. 

Please note: Not recommended for people who suffer from digestive inflammation, repetitive heartburns and gallbladder stone. Might be allergic reactions in high dosage, and in pregnancy please advise with your physician before. 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of several tree species of genus Cinnamomum. Especially known as aromatic and sweetish flavoury in a wide variety of cuisines. Some add it in meat, others in sweet and savoury dishes, patisserie, cereals, snacks, traditional foods and as a wonderful yet simple herbal medical use for thousands of years in tea or to be more accurate in infusion and decoction.  Amazing for stimulation of blood circulation and warmth. Low strengthened so good for a wide range of people.

Good against: Cold and flu, Mucus, Cough, high sugar levels, digestive issues and more.

Best used: In decoction. Meaning, cooked (1 unit)  in a medium sized pot (filled with water) for 10-15 minutes on low intensity (after brought to boil). 

Again, I personally use this pot content for 3 days (by fridge cooling after 2 hours) so fancy cup – remember warm it up. 

How much: Between 1-2 average sized cup a day will be more than enough whereas in cold or flu more towards 2 for about 3 days and for preventive strengthening purposes 1 a day or every couple of days. 

Please note: It is important to first try it out, see how it makes you feel and then decide if suits you. It is also less recommended to people with peptic ulcer disease and fever from an unknown origin. Also forbidden in pregnancy.

Thyme

Thyme, in its most common variety “Thymus vulgaris” is a wonderful Mediterranean herb with dietary, medical and even decorative use. It is a true beauty and efficiency in one little herb. The oil for instance (obtained from its leaves) is used as a natural cough remedy and sore throat. It has drying quality so I would recommend it more in cases of wet cough (mucus) rather than dry. Thyme is a relative of the Oregano and as his cousin plays too a marvelous role in one’s kitchen. It increases the biological availability of nutrients in the food we eat so that it will be actually more healthy to combine Thyme in our cooking. 

Colds and flu can lead to bronchitis (which I will elaborate more in the future) that is considered as an inflammation of the lungs. It can be chronic but from cold or flu will more likely to be acute, involving sore throat, cough, mucus. The reflexive cough that characterizes bronchitis is our body trying to cough out lung mucus. And this is where a very old natural remedy effectively gets in the pic: the common spice Thyme.

The use is of its leaves, dried sometimes but not always. It is also used in mouthwash and toothpaste as posses antimicrobial qualities.

Good against: Relieve chest and respiratory disorders, coughs, colds, and bronchitis. It helps soothe irritated bronchial tubes, is antibacterial (demolish microbes), antifungal and spasmolytic, so helps to ease a spasmodic cough while drying mucus. 

Best used: Infusion. Meaning, no point to cook it like with the Ginger and Cinnamon as the leaves are more fragile so no long cook here. Instead, place it in a fusion pot, pour boiled water, cover the pot and let it “sit” for a good 20 minutes. After the water is combined with the herb, drink it up. 

How much: The classic instruction says 2-4 grams 3 times a day.  I would go for 2 and see how I feel. 

Please note: There are no known negative interactions with Thyme and any medications, and there are no contraindications for use of it during pregnancy or breastfeeding especially when involving drinking it as fusion tea. But when in doubt, always good to ask your doctor. Thymus if consumed in a big portion might cause constipation (as its drying mucus qualities), so if you suffer from constipation you might wanna monitor the number of cups you drink. 

Echinacea 

A group of flowering plants in the daisy family. Originated in North America and possess about  9 species whereas only 3 used in herbal medicine-Echinacea purpurea (all parts), Angustifolia (root) & Pallida (root). This plant owns a wide and impressive phytochemistry (the reaction to the plant’s ingredients).

Essence and extract of it are used for encouragement of the immune system to function better through colds, flu, upper respiratory tract infections and urine infections. It is actually very efficient for multiple types of infections and is a classy herb for acute treatment in existing illnesses. It is not preventive therefore should not be taken on a regular basis but only to banish an evil virus. 

Good against: cold and flu, respiratory tract infection, bladder infection and a wide range of infections. Some say against anxiety (still in research), boost the immune system when down with a cold or flu (acute treatment not preventive). 

Best used: In dry extract and tincture (alcoholic/non-alcoholic liquidized essence of the herb). It is also possible in decoction(but then only cook the root as the leaf and flowers of purpurea will burn and go to waste) – between 2-4 grams cooked in a pot with water. I personally never tried it in decoction but only in tincture and loved it. 

How much: It actually depends and should be advised with an herbalist prior to consumption. In a tincture, the average dosage is 3 times a day (TID) between 2-5 ML. If in dry extract again it really depends on the need but TID 150 Grams capsule usually (after consulting). If in decoction then between 2-3 cups a day depends on the severity of the flu and cold.

Please note: Echinacea appears to be safe and minimum to non side effects for short-term use while long term use isn’t recommended. Maximum use up to 10 days and I would even recommend 5. Do not take it on an empty stomach & please note that Echinacea comes from a (botany) composite family so not intended for people with known sensitivity. Please do advise a physician if suffers from autoimmune disorders, allergic tendency, immunity suppressors medication consumption and pre-existing medical condition. 

Propolis

Bee’s propolis is a complex mixture made by bee-released and plants, totally natural as being collected by them and is used for hive construction, repair, maintenance and even protection from unwelcome guests and nature climate hazards. It is approximated as 50% resins + wax, essential oils and natural organic ingredients in the other 50%. It is nature’s beauty at work. There are multiple variations of Bee propolis in nature.

It is known for its stimulation of the immune system and used for short term acute cases only.

Good against: Upper respiratory tract infections, colds, flu, acne, sore throat, burns, general infections, wounds treatment and mouth hygiene as anti-fungus and antimicrobial (Good for internal and external use, depends on the product of course).

Best used: As propolis contains complexity of ingredients it cannot be used directly so the extract is water or ethanol (alcohol) that melts the rigid layer and preserve the essential ingredients. So in a nutshell look for a shelf product in pharmacies. 

How much: Depends on how consumed. This marvel cannot be made in tea or decoction. It is usually combined with another herb such as Echinacea and is sold as syrup in authorized pharmacies. It also can be given in tincture but recommended to go through a herbalist expert to see the best fit.

Please note: Do not use propolis if you have asthma or are allergic to bee by-products (such as honey and more), not recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding, immunity suppressors medication consumption and a pre-existing medical condition which in these cases ask your doctor first. 

In conclusion 

Natural herbs can be an amazing solution for cold and flu. It is handy, simple, relatively safe, super-efficient and most important-natural. One should always bare in mind that if taking prescribed medications shall advise one’s physician before the use of herbs in general but other than that – the utmost majority of what was introduced in this article is combined in the food we eat and considered as safe. 

It is so right to make good with yourself. To understand that you can prepare your own remedy by simply going to the supermarket and take a short time to actually make it. I do it on a regular basis and it has improved my life unrecognizably and if I manage to help even one person with this article  – my success is beyond measurement. 

Please share with me if this article helped you in any way as I am always happy to learn how to help more and believe with all my heart that together, we can get each other on the road to wellness.

Much love,

Her Side