Herbal Remedies for Common Cold and Flu Treatment

Feb 22, 2022 | Uncategorized

When you begin to feel sick with a common cold, your immune system is responding to a short-lived viral infection of the upper respiratory system caused by a rhinovirus. Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce your fever, but may have some negative consequences. For example, a study from McMaster University in Ontario concluded that the use of these fever reducing drugs increases flu transmission.

So, how can you both slow disease transmission while also caring for your body when you’re feeling sick? The answer: use herbs to care for your cold.

Herbal Remedies for a Fever

A fever could mean your body is fighting off a variety of illnesses. Whether viral or bacterial, here are the best herbs to treat a fever when you’re suffering from the common cold or flu.

Hyssop Natural Cough Remedy Hyssop

Hyssop is a perennial herb in the mint family that has been traditionally used as an herbal remedy for reducing fevers caused by common cold or flu. It is a stimulating diaphoretic, which means it causes the body to sweat, thereby lowering its overall temperature, effectively treating low-grade fevers. Hyssop is very easy to grow, and can bloom into a medium to large bush or shrub. You can purchase hyssop through this link.

Elderflower Cold and Flu Treatment Elderflower

Elderflowers come into season in the summer months, and are widely used as an herbal remedy and natural flu treatment. The tannins found in elderflowers make this herb a powerful diaphoretic that stimulates circulation to help cool the body. Elderflowers are the perfect summer herb that relax the body and help move trapped fluids and mucus. You can grow elderflowers from seeds purchased here, and you can purchase tonifying elderberry syrup here.

Chamomile For Fever Chamomile

This gentle, slightly sweet, and child-safe herb has antibacterial properties that assist the body in fighting off illnesses. It is an effective relaxant and sedative, and may also provide relief from pain such as body aches associated with colds and the flu. Purchase chamomile here to help treat your cold.

The Best Herbs for Cold Symptoms

The common cold is usually characterized by sinus congestion, coughing, a fever, fatigue, and more. While usually mild, colds can be extremely uncomfortable and prevent you from living life to the fullest. Use these herbs to treat the symptoms of the common cold.

Mullein for Cough Mullein

Mullein has been used for centuries as a natural herbal remedy to relieve bronchial congestion and assist the body in expelling infected mucus. Sounds gross, we know, but coughing is the body’s natural mechanism for removing trapped mucus in the respiratory system. Mullein supports this mechanism. You can purchase mullein herb here, and our Bronchia Calm syrup contains mullein amongst other cough-supporting herbs.

Gumweed for Common Cold Gumweed

This herb grows abundantly in North America, and many Native Americans historically used Gumweed to relieve bronchitis and asthma. The extract of this herb might also help prevent bacteria growth, and was found to help relieve itching associated with poison ivy. Find Gumweed extract here.

Echinacea Echinacea

Echinacea is an astringent herbal remedy that can tighten and tone the mucus lining of the throat to reduce swelling and lessen a sore throat. Echinacea is also an excellent immune booster, with no known negative side effects. Echinacea was shown to be safe and effective in the prevention of the common cold. Our LittleBerry elderberry syrup contains echinacea. You can also buy echinacea herbal supplements here.

The Best Herbs For Natural Flu Treatment

The flu differs from the common cold in that it comes on much more suddenly and is often associated with body aches and higher fever. The flu can also produce much more severe symptoms than the common cold. These herbs help act as a natural flu treatment and may help prevent or reduce symptoms.

Licorice for flu treatment Licorice Root

According to one study, licorice “has demonstrated potential to act as [an] antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation and other effects for COVID-19 patients” and may also relieve similar flu symptoms. There have been no recorded side effects to using licorice as a natural flu treatment. Purchase licorice root to keep in your medicine chest here.

sage for flu Sage

Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar has said that “Sage is a well-known cold and flu fighter. Because of its astringent, antiseptic and relaxing action on the mucus membranes, sage is the classic remedy for inflammation of the mouth, throat and tonsils.” Sage is a great herbal remedy for the treatment of sore throats associated with upper respiratory illnesses like the flu or common cold. Buy sage supplements here.

elderberry immune boosting Elderberry

This powerful herb has been proven time and time again as one of the best herbal remedies overall for use as a natural flu treatment. 90% of people who took 2000 mg of elderberry juice while sick with the flu reported zero symptoms after 3 days. Experience improved symptoms for yourself with our Pure Elderberry Syrup.

We hope that the information found in this article assists you in making the difficult decisions on what to stock your medicine cabinet with this season. Have more questions about herbal remedies, natural flu treatments, or how to prevent the common cold? Email us at retail@andilynns.com. Have a healthy day!