Disclaimer: As always, check with a medical professional before using any homeopathic remedy or herbal supplement(s)! Also be sure to research any herb you are unfamiliar with to avoid harm, serious interactions with medication, or allergic reaction.
It's that time of year again, the time when the cold and flu season comes to town. I am posting a list of herbs that can help fight off viruses and bacteria, as well as boost our immune systems.
The following herbs can help inhibit viruses and bacteria. They can also help fend off issues with the throat, respiratory system, ears, and eyes. They can also help with coughing, digestion, and fever. There are teas that are made from some of these herbs, and some of which can be found in your grocery store in the coffee and tea section. I would recommend looking for a few of them and making and drinking the teas as soon as you feel the onset of a cold or the flu.
List of Antiviral Herbs:
Lavender
Eucalyptus
Rosemary
Lemon Balm
Hyssop
Peppermint
Tea Tree
Ginger
If you already have a cold or flu, try adding garlic, cinnamon, black pepper, and ginger to your foods. They can help you get over colds and flues more easily.
The following herbs, when taken regularly can help strengthen our immune system and help us better fend of viruses and bacteria.
Immune Boosters:
Ginseng
Lavender, Lemon
Bergamot
Echinacea
Licorice
You can actually find Echinacea in the tea section of your local grocery store. Target also has this tea in a sampler pack. Look for "Traditional Medicinals: Seasonal Herb Tea Sampler." It contains four tea blends. One is for sore throats, one is for colds, one is for respiratory health, and one is for boosting the immune system.
I have purchased the above mentioned tea pack and it is lovely, and works wonders. The tea for respiratory health contains organic licorice root, and it works quite well. If you are congested, inhale some of the steam off of the tea before drinking it. I've found that doing this helps speed up relief of the symptoms.