The common cold. An enemy we have all fell victim to at some point in our lives. We can disinfect our living areas all we want, but there isn’t much else we can do to stop them from coming. We can, however, strengthen our battle against it with the help of herbs. Herbs have been used on the common cold since the beginning of their use medicinally. Here are some herbs that can help you if you are struck by a cold.
1) Echinacea
This herb is famous for its effects on the immune system. Echinacea significantly boosts the immune system while strengthening it. It stimulates phagocytosis and interferon production to attack and destroy invading organisms. Echinacea is also a great blood cleanser. This herb works offensively against the common cold.
2) Elderberries
Elderberries have been used for many years on the first onset of any kind of sickness. Elderberries are a great remedy for colds because it helps to kill bacteria with an increase in body heat, which is what you want when you have a cold. This increase in body heat is accompanied by diaphoretic effect that opens up the pores and makes you sweat, thus helping you rid your body of the cold. They also help the body produce more white blood cells, helping to inhibit viruses.
3) Sage
Sage is another herb used as an ancient treatment for colds. In tea form, it works great against colds but it is also used by breathing in the vapors and aroma with a towel over your head as the pot boils. This is great for clearing your sinuses. The tea helps to mobilize your white blood cells helping to fight off colds. It can also be gargled for sore and inflamed throats.
4) Bee Propolis
Bee propolis is highly nutritive and energizing to the body. It’s anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and is an antioxidant. It is anti-allergy and raises the body’s resistance to infections. It stimulates many immune responses like increased interferon production and improved activity of the thymus gland. Bee propolis is very effective on the common cold and is also used as an antibiotic. (Learn more about propolis here.)
5) Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a great remedy for colds because it helps to kill bacteria and increase immune activity. It is an anti-biotic and it stimulates the respiratory system. This herb is meant to be taken at the end phase of a cold when the mucus thickens, not the beginning or it will over stimulate the mucus glands. It can also be gargled for sore and inflamed throats.
6) Oregano
The oil of oregano is a very strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral. The oil works fast on colds and flus, while also soothing the throat. It is a great remedy for bronchitis and chest congestion as well.
7) Ginger
Ginger tea is great to sip throughout the day when you have a cold. It warms the body and improves the functions of other medicines when taken together. It increases the body’s ability to fight off colds and infections and contains natural anti-histamines. It also helps to clear up bronchial congestion.
8) Thyme
Thyme is an immune stimulant and just like the name, it’s also a thymus gland stimulant. The thymus gland works to produce the white blood cells that work for your immunity. It’s anti-bacterial, ant-viral, and works great on respiratory infections. People who get colds frequently would benefit from incorporating this herb into everyday life by cooking with it. It helps to fight off colds even before they come.
9) Garlic
Garlic is a great when you have a cold for many reasons. First off it’s easy to obtain in any supermarket. Second, it stimulates the immune system, is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antibiotic. Third, it works great as an expectorant ridding the body of mucus and clearing the sinuses.
10) Astragalus
This is herb is not for when you have a cold but for when you suffer from colds frequently in your life. To correct this imbalance, astragalus is great at fortifying the body’s energy and immunity. The thymus gland and immune systems are regulated and strengthened while the rest of the body is rejuvenated with usable long term energy. This herb is a long term tonic and can strengthen the entire body and all its functions long after its use.
Although we can’t stop the constant barrage of sicknesses attacking us every day, we can still grow a stronger defense and offense. If you are struck with a cold, make sure to keep your body warm, sweat often and drink lots of water. Get plenty of rest because you probably need it and please, try not to spread it.