Fight Colds with Herbs

Fight Colds with Herbs!

Okay, we all know that there is no known cure for the common cold, although everyone claims to have the best family remedy. There are all kinds of cold relief products on the market today that can calm sore throats, clear sinuses, and ease aches and pains, and most are made from chemicals.

Many of the chemicals used in today's cold medications are derivatives of a number of herbs. So, why not just go directly to the source itself, the herbs, and avoid any unnecessary chemicals?

Many different herbs can be used to treat both cold and flu symptoms, and most can be easily obtained. In fact, if you have even the slightest of green thumbs, you can grow your own herbs. Herbs are nearly as easy to grow as weeds!

You can ingest medicinal herbs in a variety of ways, from simple syrups and tinctures to capsules to teas.

What Herbs Can I Use to Treat My Cold and Flu Symptoms?

If you are looking for an in-depth look at all of the herbs used to treat cold and flu symptoms, there are lots of great herbalism books on the market, and you will also find loads of information on the internet. Here we will list some of the most popular herbs used for treating colds and flu's.

Elderberry: Helps to treat all flu symptoms. Elderberry is also good for coughs and other upper respiratory infections.

Echinacea: A powerful immune system booster, echinacea can actually help prevent colds and flu's.

Sage: This herb is very well-known for its ability to soothe sore throats. Use a gargle made with sage, apple cider vinegar and honey.

Peppermint: If you have a cold or the flu, peppermint can be used as an expectorant. Vapors from peppermint tea can clear sinuses, and peppermint is also a great painkiller for headaches.

Catnip: You will benefit from catnip as much as your kitty! Great for colds and flu's, it is also a mild sedative and muscle relaxer, and will help you sleep better while you are sick.

Simple Herbal Cough Syrup

Herbal cough syrups are easy to make, and taste a lot better than traditional cough syrups (we won't mention any names). Here is a really easy recipe you can make, using any of the above or other herbs, alone or in combination.

Ingredients

• 1 Ounce Dried Herbs


• 2 Cups Brown or White Sugar (or 1 1/2 Cups of Honey)


• Boiling Water


• Sterilized Jar


• Clean Dry Quart Jar

Method

Place herbs in quart jar, and fill with boiling water. Cover and let sit for at least 10 hours (a couple of days is even better). Strain the infusion, and pour the liquid into a pot. Boil, and reduce to a simmer, until the liquid is reduced by half (be patient, this can take a few hours). Don't let it burn. Once you have less than two cups of liquid, add sugar or honey, and boil to a syrupy consistency. Pour into a sterilized jar. You can add a little bit of vodka as a preservative, if you like. Hopefully you have found these tips useful to fight colds with herbs.

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