3 Healing Herbs for the Cold and Flu

Will winter never end?! You don’t need to answer. I know it will end, but the months until springtime last way too long. And it feels harder to stay healthy when you’re cooped up indoors and exposed to others carrying cold and flu viruses.

The cold and flu season can bring havoc to any household, and many over the counter remedies are either ineffective or contain chemicals that can cause reactions. An alternative you might want to consider is making your own herbal remedies. Read on for a few herbs to help you get through the cold and flu season.

Peppermint

Peppermint can help ease symptoms through the cold and flu season in a few ways. One way is to place a few drops of pure, organic peppermint in a diffuser. The menthol helps to open blocked sinus passages so you can breathe. You can also make a peppermint ointment to put on your chest and feet to help with congestion. This method works much like popular over the counter chest rubs. When using as an ointment, be sure to blend with a carrier such as coconut or almond oil. Also, peppermint tea can help with congestion and headaches caused by sinus issues.

Astragalus

Astragalus is well-known in Chinese medicine. This medicinal legume also goes by the name of milkvetch or huáng qí, and is a potent immune system booster. Add Astragalus to juices or tea to help boost the Vitamin C and other supplements you may be using to battle your symptoms. You can find this herb at most organic and health food stores, most commonly as a capsule.

Garlic

You can read a previous post here where I talk about the many health benefits of garlic. Garlic can boost the immune system and has been shown to be antiviral and anti-microbial. Taken medicinally, it can clear head and chest congestion and is a healthy choice to help heal colds and flu.

Use Healing Herbs to Feel Better

These are only a few examples of herbs that help during cold and flu season. Most mint based herbs can help clear congestion, and if you can’t consume an herb orally, you can also use a diffuser oil or topical ointments/lotions. Give herbs a try to help you through the cold and flu season.

This information is presented as entertainment and not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or disease. Always consult your medical professional before adding anything new to your diet or regimen.

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