Natural Colds and Flu Treatment Herbs & Essential Oils

Annies Aromatherapy	Medicinal Herbs	Herbal Remedies	Health Conditions

Using Herbs For:	Herbs & Oils for Colds and Flu	Herbal Remedies
: Bronchitis : : Colds : : Cough : : Influenza : : Sinusitis : : Congestion/Chest & Sinus : : Sore Throat/Laryngitis : : Immune System :

Cold Tea Remedies

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, including swine flu, 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.

According to studies, extracts of St. John's wort can inhibit influenza A viruses and parinfluenza virus, which produces flu-like symptoms, but not cold viruses

Using Herbs for :Colds, antibiotics
Andrographis	Andrographis shows significant antimicrobial activity and can lessen lessen the severity and frequency of colds. Andrographis combined with Siberian ginseng extract is known as Kan Jang. This herb is sold in powered, extract and pre-made capsule form

Using Herbs for :Influenza, sinusitis, Congestion, ease breath

Anise essential oil

Anise seeds contain a sweet, licorice-like essential oil that is used to treat flu, sinus problems, colds, stuffiness and congestion. Anise oil is an expectorant, it helps to loosen congestion and make coughs productive. Diffuse anise in sickrooms to cleanse the air, and use it in massage oil blends on the chest and throat. Anise seeds make a tasty tea that are particularly appropriate in cases of unproductive cough. Used as a cough suppressant, anise is an ingredient in many cough medicines and lozenges. ⁹

Using Herbs for :Cold prevention

Astragulas

Echinacea is the first herb people think of when it comes to stimulating the immune system, and preventing colds and respiratory infections from taking root. Unlike echinacea, astragalus may be taken long-term during cold and flu season and has a long history of use in Chinese medicine. An antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, astragalus fortifies the immune system on several levels, including, perhaps, by increasing the body's production of interferon ^1,2

Using Herbs for :Bronchitis, Coughs
Caraway	The familiar seed that adorns dark rye bread is also a powerful cough and cold remedy. Caraway seeds contain mild antihistamines and antimicrobial compounds that Caraway essential oil can be used externally chest rubs. The bruised seeds make a good addition to herbal cold teas. ¹

Using Herbs for :Coughs & colds

Elder flowers and berries

Elder flowers and berries are a trusted and effective herbal remedy for colds and flu. Elder is often combined with yarrow and mint, herbs that help induce perspiration and break a fever. A gargle made from elderflower infusion or elderflower vinegar alleviates tonsillitis and sore throats, preventing and treating upper respiratory infections. Elder cordials and syrups taste so good, you wont want to wait until you have a cold to try them. ^4,6

Using Herbs for :Sore throat, stomach
Mallow	Marshmallow is a soothing and healing plant mainly due to it's high mucilage content. To get the soothing benefits, add chopped marshmallow root to herbal teas. Mallow acts as a mild expectorant and helps coat sore throats and is very useful in the treatment of harsh coughs. ¹

Using Herbs for :Coughs
Wild Cherry Bark	The flavor of wild cherry is familiar to anyone who has ever used cough drops, the main use of the wild cherry in herbal medicine is tocalm irritated, nagging coughs The bark of the Prunus serotina, contains prussic acid which sedates the sensory nerves which provoke the cough reflex. ⁵

Coughs, Colds and Flu: Health Information

Bronchitis : Herbs for bronchitis that help expand lung passages and inhibit bronchospasms. Common home remedies that soothe sore throats, are expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and directly antiviral..
Colds : Cold care is one area where herbs really shine because of the many helpful properties these healing plants have.
Cough : Herbal cough remedies that work better than commercial brands. Learn how to make at home yourself.
Influenza : Fight colds and flu and swine flue with these free home remedies.
Sinusitis : Simple herbal home remedies and alternative treatments for sinus infections and colds
Congestion/Chest & Sinus : Herbs with expectorant properties help the body clear mucus from the airways and help you breathe easier. Drinking soothing herbal teas can provide natural relief from sinus and chest congestion.
Sore Throat/Laryngitis : A warm herbal infusion of soothing herbs will help comfort a sore throat. Honey and lemon not only add to the taste but to the healing process as well. You can also apply the healing power of herbs directly by herbal gargles and steam inhalations.
Immune System : Botanical and herbal medicines have a dual mode of action against infectious diseases - they kill germs and viruses, and they stimulate the body's own defenses by strengthening the immune system.

Cough, Cold and Flu Herbal Treatment: References

Duke, James The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook .(December 15, 2000)
Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster. Herbal Drugstore (2003)
Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)
Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)
Steven Foster and Yue chongxi, Herbal Emissaries (1992)
Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vols 1, II (1931)
Richo Cech, Making Plant Medicine (2000)
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)
Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life (2000)
Penelope Ody, Home Herbal (1995)

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Medicinal Healing Herbs : Properties and Uses

Herbs Alphabetical by Common Name

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