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Herbal Remedies for Cold and Flu People have been using plants and herbs to treat illness as long as there have been ailments to treat. Traditional Chinese and Native American healers have long been calling on natural plants as a remedy to just about every type of illness. Below are some of the most commonly used herbal remedies for boosting the immune system and soothing your symptoms, should you catch a cold this season. Herbal Remedies Index Are herbal remedies safe? Common Herbal Remedies for Cold and Flu Echinacea Echinacea originated in North America and was used by Native Americans to treat a variety of ills. Today, it seems to stimulate the immune system to shorten the duration of colds and flu. More on echinacea Elderberry Elderberries have long been used as food, particularly in the dried form. Elderberry wine, pie, and lemonade are some of the popular ways to prepare this plant as food. Native American herbalists used the plant for infections, coughs, and skin conditions. More on elderberry Goldenseal Goldenseal was used by Native Americans as a treatment for irritations and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts. It is often recommended by herbalists in combination with echinacea for the treatment of colds and flu. Its benefits are most likely limited to helping ease the discomfort of a sore throat associated with these conditions. More on goldenseal Wild Indigo According to test tube experiments, the polysaccharides and proteins in wild indigo are believed to stimulate the immune system. This might account for its role against the common cold and flu. Wild indigo is rarely used alone and is a part of a popular European product for colds and flu that combines the herb with echinacea and thuja. More on goldenseal Licorice Licorice has a long and highly varied record of uses. It was and remains one of the most important herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Among its most consistent and important uses are as a demulcent (soothing, coating agent) in the digestive and urinary tracts, to help with coughs, to soothe sore throats, and as a flavoring. More on licorice Herbal information is presented by Healthnotes and is for informational purposes only. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. |
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