Healing Herbs and Plants
From the Cold and Flu Series

Important Herbs for Treating Colds and Flu

Andrographis - sometimes called "Indian echinacea" because it is believed to provide much the same benefits as echinacea.

Chamomile - inhalations of chamomile, eucalyptus or thyme to help loosen mucus and heals the throat, nasal passages and bronchial tubes.

Echinacea - Echinacea is considered to be an immune stimulant. It appears to activate the body's infection-fighting capacity and is said to shorten a cold by 30%

Elderberry - Elderberry may help to reduce both the severity and the duration of colds.

Garlic - Garlic appears to shorten a cold's duration and severity when taken in any form and increases overall stamina and resistance to bugs, viruses and infections.

Ginseng - In Eastern Europe, ginseng is widely believed to improve overall immunity to illness. It appears that regular use of ginseng may prevent colds. Occasionally women report menstrual abnormalities and/or breast tenderness when they take ginseng along with over stimulation and insomnia. Highly excessive dosages of ginseng can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and possibly cause other significant effects. Ginseng allergy can also occur and should not be used in young children, nursing or expectant mothers 'just in case'.

Ginger - Ginger contains nearly a dozen antiviral compounds. Scientists have isolated several chemicals in ginger that have specific effects against the most common family of cold viruses, the rhinoviruses.  Other constituents in ginger help relieve cold symptoms because they reduce pain and fever, suppress coughing and have a mild sedative effect that encourages rest.

Ginkgo Biloba - Ginkgo leaf inhalations kill bacteria and heal the cells of the damaged mucous membranes almost immediately.

Onion - Onion is a close to garlic biologically and contains many similar antiviral chemicals.  Soaking raw onion slices overnight in honey and take the resulting mixture at intervals like a cough syrup. You can also use more onions in cooking whenever you have a cold.

Anise - Anise is used as an expectorant for getting rid of phlegm. In large doses, it also has some antiviral benefits. Make a tea by steeping one to two teaspoons of crushed aniseed in a cup or two of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain it. Suggested dose: one cup of tea, morning and/or night. This should help you cough up whatever's loose and also help you fight the cold.

Goldenseal - Goldenseal activates special white blood cells that are responsible for destroying bacteria, fungi, viruses and tumor cells.Take 10 to 15 drops of goldenseal in an alcohol-free form, two to three times a day for seven to 10 days. 

Horsetail inhalations reduce swelling of mucous membranes.

Licorice - Licorice contains antiviral compounds that induce the release of interferons, the body's own antiviral properites!.

Marsh mallow and other mallows - Marsh mallow has been used for thousands of years as a soothing herb for cold-related cough and sore throat and other respiratory conditions. Marsh mallow roots contain a spongy material called mucilage that soothes inflamed mucous membranes. Most members of the mallow family, including okra and roselle contain soothing mucilage. One way to take advantage of this is by adding a lot of okra to your chicken soup.

Mullein  - Mullein flower tea is soothes inflamed conditions of the mucous membrane lining the throat. Also relieves coughing. Put a small handful of the mullein flowers in 1 pint of boiling water. Allow to steep 15 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey.

Mustard (Dried) - Put 1/2 pound of dried mustard in 2 quarts of boiling water and boil for 10 minutes. Add this liquid to foot bath to treat colds and respiratory problems.

Boneset and Sage - help to break up congestion and bring down a fever. Take a cup of sage and boneset tea up to three times daily for three to five days.

Seneca snakeroot - Seneca snakeroot is used as an expectorant for reducing upper respiratory phlegm in Germany. To make a tea, use about one teaspoon per cup of boiling water.

Slippery elm - Slippery elm bark contains large quantities of a mucilage.

Other Herbs

Various herbs are said to work like ginseng and enhance immunity over the long term, including garlic.

Several herbs, including osha, yarrow, kudzu, and ginger, are said to help avert colds when taken at the first sign of infection. Other herbs sometimes recommended to reduce cold symptoms include mullein, marshmallow, and peppermint.