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Cold and Flu Remedies
Originally published in Natural Living Magazine Volume 3 - Issue 1The balmy days of summer are behind us, the colorful trees of fall are a memory and we are in the cold, crisp days of winter. It's time to bring the arm-chair closer to the warmth of the fire and enjoy the beauty of the season. Unfortunately, winter is also the season for colds and flus.
Most people in our culture are conditioned to think "I need an antibiotic" when they have a cold, although neither conventional nor herbal antibiotics are appropriate for such viral conditions. Most times colds and flus are just to be endured. With the right attitude and the right herbal teas a formulas you can sail through these illnesses in tact.
My medicinal herb cupboard contains good quantities of dried horehound, mullein, elecampane root, elder flower and berry, various mints, echinacea root, hyssop, and angelica root - some of the most important herbs for relieving bronchial congestion due to colds and flu.
When grouping herbs according to their therapeutic properties, modern herbalists refer to these plants as "expectorants" - herbs that increase the flow of mucous. These herbs contain chemical constituents that have an expectorating action, primarily due to irritating the respiratory passages, causing the body's own mucous-secreting mechanisms to be stimulated.
Some of these herbs also have diaphoretic properties, which means they induce perspiration and therefore are thought to help reduce fever and rid the body of harmful toxins. Herbs contain important vitamins and minerals as well, to help us on the road to recovery when we are feeling too ill to eat properly.
For added flavor as well as nutritional value, my herbal medicine chest will also contain many other dried herbs. Horehound and elecampane root have a very bitter taste, something that a lot of folks find hard to deal with when drinking herbal teas, even though these herbs are so helpful for chest complaints during the cold season.
The addition of other herbs such as lemon verbena, chamomile, lemon balm, elder flowers, and mints, which are really delicious, improve the flavor of medicinal tea blends tremendously, while adding virtues of their own.
When purchasing a formula there are a few ingredients you might like to know about and look for on the label.
Elecampane (Inula helenium) is an antiseptic, expectorant, that supports the immune system and is a respiratory tonic. The root of this herb gets chronic coughs under control especially those of the elderly. It is specifically used for chronic bronchitis and sinusitis.
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is an expectorant. It actually helps the cilia that line the respiratory tract to remove debris and mucous up and out. This herb has been used for centuries in most cough and cold remedies.
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), supports the immune system and as a demulcent herb acts to soothe the mucous membranes. It is excellent for soothing the throat and bronchial areas of irritation. It also makes any formula taste sweet and palatable.
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia/purpurea) is an anti-viral and also a well-known immune booster. One of its constituents - echinacin has been shown to be useful in the treatment of tonsillitis, it is a specific for infectious conditions.
Wild Cherry (Prunus spp.) is a stimulating astringent, that tones and expectorates, it is very useful for coughs. You will see it as an ingredient in many cough syrups.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is an astringent anti-microbial. It is used for colds, flu, sore throats and other problems of the mucous membranes.
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) the main action of this herb is demulcent, meaning that it is soothing and healing to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) has anti-viral, expectorant and astringent properties. It is a flu and cold fighter, and an excellent gargle for sore throats. Hyssop is useful for low-grade fevers associated with viral infections.
Elder (Sambucus spp.) has a long traditional use going back to the Romans. Elderberry flowers are used for colds and sore throats and will induce perspiration. The berries will build up the immune system. Recent research has demonstrated that elderberry juice (Sambucus nigra) not only stimulates the immune system, but also directly inhibits the influenza virus. Studies have proven it effective against eight different influenza viruses.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) acts as a stimulating diaphoretic opening the pores of the skin and assisting perspiration to bring down a fever and rid the body of toxins. It is most effective when used in the beginning stages of a cold or fever.
In addition to these herbs that are specifics for fighting flus and colds. Others that help us to relax like chamomile, passionflower and lavender are useful in any formula or a simple cup of tea.
Fresh air and outdoor exercise is so important in the winter. I find a winter walk really enjoyable because I take time pick rose hips and other medicinals on my way. Through the years people have asked me how to prepare the rose hips, the answer is simple - I pick them, wash them off, put a handful in my tea pot and cover with boiling water, letting it steep for 15 or 20 minutes. This makes a hot, nourishing tea packed with Vitamin C. One thing I do not do is break the rose hips open, I have found that the little hairs inside the fruit are unpleasant in my mouth and throat.
Whether you are making a simple warming, nutritious, medicinal tea or purchasing a synergistic formula you can't go wrong if you use some or all of the herbs presented in this article.
by Kahlee Keane
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