Herbs for Influenza

Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract.

It is very contagious and is spread by contact with an infected person.

Generaly, an infected person is contagious from about two days before symptoms occur until about the fifth day of the illness.

Symptoms may vary from person to person and can include chills, fever, headache, achiness, fatigue, and lack of appetite.

Symptoms usually runs their course in three to four days.

Treatment is generally directed at alleviating symptoms and providing comfort.

Herbal Remedies For Influenza

ANISE Tea stimulates mucus secretion in lungs & throat.

BONESET Expectorant.

CATNIP Tea relieves fever & digestive upset, relaxing effect.

CAYENNE Added to fresh orange juice or soup to relieve congestion and increase mucus flow.

ECHINACEA Immune stimulant that relieves major flu symptoms.

ELDERBERRY Prevents infections and shortens duration of flu.

EPHEDRA Opens bronchial passages.

GARLIC Is an antibacterial that helps prevent infection. Eaten raw or taken in capsules.

GINGER A tea made by steeping the fresh, chopped root in boiling water for 20 minutes is used to soothe throat and ease congestion.

MULLEIN Used as expectorant and to soothe sore throat.

TILDEN FLOWER Tea used for sore throat & headache.

Essential Oils

For severe congestion I like to dab a bit of salve or aloe gel under the nose (to protect the sensitive tissue) and then apply a drop of essential oil of peppermint directly under the nose. I find that breathing in the vapors helps clear nasal passages, and alleviate nausea.

Also, if you have some ginger infused oil, you can mix it with a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to make a nice chest rub.

Cold Comfort Tea Recipe

Aromatherapy for Boosting Immunity

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