With the first symptoms of flu or cold you don't have to run immediately to the pharmacy for medication. It is worth starting the fight against the infection with home remedies that not only bring relief from fever, cough and persistent rhinitis, but also help the body to cope with pathogens and strengthen its natural immunity. What herbs should be used for colds and flu?
Herbs for flu and cold have a complex chemical composition and multidirectional effects. Apart from biologically active substances, they contain chemical compounds stimulating the immune system. Thanks to this, they not only fight the symptoms of the disease, but also naturally mobilize the body's defensive forces and strengthen the immune system. Herbal preparations for cold have mainly antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and pushing effects. They help to weaken the cough, make it easier to clear the airways, reduce rhinitis and allow for expectoration of secretions.
What herbs are worth reaching for at the first symptoms of a cold?
- Linden - has an appreciable, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Lime blossom tea reduces fever, has an anti-cough effect and soothes irritated throat. Linden herbal tea with honey can also be served to children at the first symptoms of a cold or flu.
- Black elderberry - flowers and fruits of elderberry are also recommended for colds. What's more, black without strengthening the immunity. Elderberry tea soothes coughing, reduces fever and facilitates the evacuation of bronchial secretions. It also seals and strengthens blood vessels.
- Hedgeon - preparations in the form of drops or herbal tablets support the immune system and facilitate the fight against infections.
- Sage - has anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic properties. It is recommended to rinse the throat infusion from sage leaves during viral infections, which will relieve pain and the feeling of "scratching".
- Chamomile - has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. It is worth to use during a dry cough - it moistens the pharyngeal mucosa.
- Wild rose - the fruit of the wild rose is above all a rich source of natural vitamin C (it contains about 20 times more of this substance than lemon!). In addition, they are a good source of nutrients and strengthening substances, have anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effects, strengthen and seal blood vessels. The rosehip infusion is recommended not only for flu and colds, but also for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It is worth to use it in the period of convalescence after the disease - it strengthens the natural strength of the body.
- Raspberry - used in winter in the form of juices, syrups or infusions of dried fruit. It is one of the most commonly used plants during a cold. It has an appreciable, warming, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. Helps replenish deficiency of vitamins and minerals.
- Purple willow - the infusion from the bark of this tree has an antipyretic effect due to the presence of salicylates (the same substances as in aspirin). Additionally, it has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
- Garlic - has a disinfectant effect, has an antimicrobial and antiviral effect, is a good source of vitamins and minerals, stimulates the natural defence forces of the body and increases its immunity.
In what form should I use herbs for colds?
Depending on the plant and its medicinal properties, it is used:
- dried parts of plants (e.g. lime blossoms) for the preparation of infusions
- syrups and liquids (extracts, extracts) for drinking or as an addition to drinks, baths, during inhalation
- powdered parts of plants (e.g. garlic)
- drops or tablets (e.g. coneflower).
You can also reach for ready-made herbal mixtures for brewing, which contain various herbs. This herbal tea has a multidirectional effect to help combat bacterial and viral infections.
Herbs are also perfect as an additive to inhalation. Infusions or herbal oils are used to prepare so-called "sausages" (hot infusion pour into a bowl, bend over it and cover the head with a towel, inhale for a few minutes). Herbal inhalations relieve mainly cough and rhinitis, have a disinfectant effect, help to dilute and expectorant discharge.
