7 Herbs for Cold & Flu
Hello!
You’ve probably heard more about colds, flu and immunity since 2020 than you’ve heard in your entire lifetime. Living in the midst of a global pandemic wasn’t easy and many of us found peace in taking care of our bodies the best we can.
But how exactly do we take care of ourselves? How can we best support our bodies through common colds and flu?
Well, apart from all the givens like daily exercise and a good diet, we can also find simple and effective remedies in nature.
If you’re a herb lover like me, then you’ve probably turned to your home apothecaries. What better time than this to dig up all the natural remedies that you own?
But, what if you’re new to plant medicine? What if you don’t know where to start?
Keep reading and I’ll introduce you to 7 basic herbs to help ward off colds and flu this season!
1) Echinacea
This herb (pronounced eh-kuh-nei-shuh) is arguably one of the most popular herbs that people turn to for immune support. It's traditionally been used to help treat a wide range of conditions, mainly those that have an infectious origin. This speaks to its wonderful effect on the immune system. You'll benefit from using it as a preventative remedy, meaning you take it to reduce your chances of getting sick. I usually like to take a tincture of echinacea, like this one here, in drop dosages. When I do get sick, I take it in larger and more frequent doses to help lessen the severity and duration of my cold or flu.
2) Elderberries
These small black berries come from the Elder tree and have proven antiviral properties. They're to be used on a daily basis for prevention of cold and flu. I like to take this along with echinacea (like this mix for example) throughout the winter or at times when I’m feeling the most susceptible. Like echinacea, you can also use it when you have an acute infection to help reduce the duration and severity of illnesses. Check out my YouTube video where I show you a simple recipe for elderberry & thyme infusion. If you’re into foraging (I mean, who doesn’t like free medicine?), then harvest some elderberries and make this simple, yet effective syrup.
3) Thyme
Not only is this culinary herb a great addition to your favourite dishes, but it has profound benefits on the respiratory system. The essential oils contained in thyme (which contribute to its lovely aroma) work as a potent antiseptic for the airways – which means it is useful for infections of the respiratory tract. Thyme also helps to reduce coughing, loosen up and expel mucus from the airways, making it a great remedy for cold or flu, particularly where a chesty cough is present. I like to make a strong infusion with this herb and add some honey for taste and additional soothing benefits. If i’m on the go and want something more portable, than this thyme and liquorice syrup is perfect!
4) Astragalus
Astragalus (pronounced a-struh-ga-luhs) is an adaptogenic herb and so can help our bodies to adapt to and continue to perform well when under stress. When we experience a stressor, our bodies respond by going into fight-or-flight mode. In this state, our defensive immunity is put on the back burner, while our bodies try to deal with the immediate stress. This is why we tend to get sick when we’re under immense stress or feeling run down. Astragalus helps to optimise our immune system and prevent sickness. This is why I love to use the dried root in my foods – check out this easy medicinal broth recipe!
5) Andrographis
Sometimes referred to as the ‘king of bitters’, don’t let the taste of this herb put you off of it. It can be very beneficial in the prevention of the common cold and in treatment during an active infection. This herb also helps to support your digestion, and the health of your gut is a large determining factor of your immune strength. I like to use it in combination with astragalus and ginger as a valuable winter tonic, to reduce chances of getting ill. A daily dose of the tincture can be very effective.
6) Sage
This is one of my favourite go-to remedies for a sore throat. It’s very easy to grow and harvest your own sage, so feel free to give it a go! With the fresh or dried herb, you can make a strong infusion and once its cooled, use it as a throat gargle and soothe inflamed tonsils. You could also use the tincture diluted in water in the same way!
7) Garlic
This is one ingredient I could absolutely not do without. I use tons of it in my cooking and even more when I’m sick. It has great antiseptic properties and helps to clear the airways during respiratory illnesses. Freshly crushed garlic in salad dressings, pesto’s and broths are wonderful ways to incorporate this herb into your daily routine. And if you do get sick, try incorporating it into an immune-optimising smoothie like the one I show you here.
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