Herbs for Colds and Flu

12 Herbs for Colds & Flu

HOME HEALERS TOOLBOX

A Home Healer's Guide to Winter Sniffles

Flu, coughs, and colds often feel like an inevitable part of the transition through Winter and into Spring. We are social beings, and all it takes is one person to be under the weather for the sniffles to make their rounds through the community.

In Gauteng, we have the added aggravation of dry air and winter dust; in the Cape, there is the damp, biting weather; and KZN brings plenty of humidity. Wherever you live, there will always be environmental factors and weather shifts that affect your health.

While conventional medicines focus on suppressing symptoms like coughs, congestion, and those nagging head and body aches, nature provides us with several herbs that do exactly the same. In fact, you likely have a few of these healing plants growing right in your own garden or tucked away in your pantry.

A Herb Infusion

Most of these herbs can be enjoyed as a simple infusion—what we often call a tea or tisane.

The Ratio: Use two teaspoon of fresh herb or one teaspoon of dried herb per cup of boiling water.
The Infusion: Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to draw out the medicinal properties.
The Sweetener: Use a spoonful of honey; it is naturally antibacterial and wonderful for soothing a scratchy, sore throat.
The Extra Kick: Lemons are excellent for flu symptoms, so add a fresh slice whenever possible.

Note: An infusion is also perfect for steaming—a highly effective, traditional remedy for clearing the sinuses that is far too often overlooked.

From Your Kitchen Cupboard

Garlic (Allium sativum): Nature’s strongest antibiotic ally; best eaten raw or lightly crushed to keep its potent healing compounds intact. Even easier is to keep some garlic capsules on hand.
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis): A warming spice that promotes sweating to break a fever and eases deep body aches.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): A brilliant anti-inflammatory root that supports the body's natural defenses during infection.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Another warming spice which helps to dry up excess mucus and provides gentle relief for a cold.
Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum): A tiny pinch in your tea acts as a circulatory stimulant to help "shiver out" a cold and clear the sinuses.

Found in the Garden

Sage (Salvia officinalis): An essential antiseptic gargle that provides immediate relief for sore throats and mouth sores.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): A must-have expectorant that helps shift deep, chesty coughs and stubborn, thick phlegm.
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea): An expert at clearing the heavy head feeling by drying up sinus and bronchial congestion.
Plantain (Plantago major): Gently coats and soothes the throat to calm dry, hacking coughs and irritated membranes.
Peppermint or Wild Mint (Mentha piperita / longifolia): A refreshing decongestant that helps to clear the nose while naturally cooling a fever.

Pretty Flowers with a Purpose

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus): These spicy flowers and leaves act as a natural antibiotic for the respiratory system.
Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis): Better known for it skin healing properties, Pot Marigold also helps to stimulate the lymphatic system to clear out swollen glands.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): A master at managing fevers, it works by opening the pores and encouraging the body to sweat out the heat.

Worth a Special Trip to Purchase

Purple Cone Flower (Echinacea purpurea): The ultimate immune-builder to be taken at the very first sign of a tickle in the throat; keep a good quality tincture or dried supply on hand.

By keeping these simple, effective allies close at hand, you begin to see that you are truly capable of caring for your family’s wellness using the humble staples in your kitchen or the plants growing in your own garden. You don't always need a complex remedy when nature has provided such a powerful medicine chest right at your doorstep.

ABOUT THE HERBS

Want to know more about the plants in this article? Explore our individual herb articles to discover the history, garden secrets, and healing properties of the herbs featured here. (Gold available to read right now - grey are coming soon!)

Lemon

Garlic

Turmeric

Ginger

Cinnamon

Cayenne

Purple Cone Flower

Yarrow

Pot Marigold

Nasturtium

Peppermint

Wild Mint