Herbal Flu Remedies

Despite all precautions, flu prevails, natural and herbal flu remedies can help to ease the symptoms and speed recovery. Chinese medicine stresses the use of warm herbs and food if the body is chilled or cold (yin), cooling herbs and foods if the body is overheated (yang). The goal is to balance the hot with the cold—or vice versa. This is a good point from which to begin, as it corresponds with most theories of herbal and homeopathic medicine. Colds and flues usually begin as cold illnesses.

If a fever develops treatment should change as the symptoms change. When a sore throat or other inflammation is present, a hot illness is indicated. Pungent foods induce perspiration, and perspiration should be encouraged in all cases.

Echinacea is one of the one of the herbal flue remedy thought of for cold or flu as it is an immune system stimulant. Twenty to thirty drops of the tincture can be taken every half hour to hour when ill.

Astragalus is another herbal flu remedy that can be used to strengthen the immune system. You could add astragalus sticks to your soups, or make a tea by adding 1 teaspoon dried herb to a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for 10-15 minutes.

Goldenseal is both antiseptic and immune stimulating and is considered one of the most effective herbal flue remedies that fight antibiotics and infection.

Ginger is a warming, stimulating herb that is also anti-viral, antibacterial and antimicrobial. It can help reduce pain and fever and act as a cough suppressant and can help to loosen chest and sinus congestion. This herbal remedy flue is also warming to the hands and feet. Ginger is indispensable in the treatment of cold afflictions. Ginger tea is not only a satisfying winter beverage, but also one, which warms the body, treats the common cold, soothes coughs, and relieves vomiting.

Old ginger or "mother" ginger, available at Chinese markets, is preferred for medicinal Garlic is also an herbal flu remedy. Valued for its anti-viral and antibiotic properties, it is one of the best herbal remedies for colds, flu, and viral and bacterial infections. It can be used to break up congestion and expectorate it from the system.

Elderberry is another herbal flue remedy whose extract can break down the enzyme that the flu virus uses to penetrate your cells and prevent it from reproducing.

Reishi Mushrooms also acts as an herbal flue remedy and can be used to fend off viral and bacterial illnesses. They can be taken as a tea, an extract, or in capsules or tablets.

Slippery Elm contains large amounts of mucilage so it acts as a mild cough suppressant and an effective throat soother. Slippery Elm can be found in "cough drop" form or is made into a tea.

Mullein also contains mucilage and has an expectorant effect. This can soothe tickly throats and help heal throat irritation. Mullein can be used as a tea or in a tincture form.

Fennel and caraway are basically interchangeable herbal flue remedies. They are both considered warming and are used to treat vomiting. Both may be used as seasoning throughout the winter and also taken in medicinal doses with the onset of symptoms. Fennel oil may be inhaled or used in a vaporizer.

Marjoram tea is suitable for colds or flu with fever, as marjoram is a cool and pungent herb. It induces perspiration and relieves mucous discharge.

Lemon, oranges, grapefruit, onions, radishes, garlic, and honey are all useful as herbal remedies for treating colds and flu.

As soon as you think you have a tickle in your throat or a sniffle of any kind, take increased amounts of Vitamin C. We should stick to double or tripe doses of vitamin C when fighting off an impending cold. Drinking plenty of orange juice, a good source that is high in vitamin c, is another great idea for fighting off a cold. One of the excellent herbal flu remedies.

Take time this winter to learn the properties of these foods, then experiment to create soups and teas that will soothe your symptoms. Above all, learn to listen to your body as it tells you what it needs. If you listen, it will speak.

Whether you want to prevent a cold, or treat one, remember to always use common sense and to check with your doctor before trying any herbal or homemade flu remedy.