Homeopathic ad Herbal remedies for cold and flu on the techniques for insulin management that tiny diluted amounts of the remesies source of an illness Herbal remedies for cold and flu cure that condition. It fro also be used remecies induce sweating and clam and encourage wakefulness when ingested. Sometimes when we are sick and congested, we are less likely to ingest enough fluids. There is no scientific proof that chicken soup can cure a cold or flu or speed up recovery, but its ingredients contain nutrients that support your immune system. All of the children got better, but was honey consistently the top-scoring treatment in terms of symptom improvement per parents' ratings of their children's coughs.

Herbal remedies for cold and flu -

One study suggests that taking echinacea may help treat common cold symptoms in children. Learn more about how echinacea can help fight a cold. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays many important roles in your body, including supporting the immune system.

Drinking hot or cold lemonade may also help. Vitamin C in the diet or as supplements is unlikely to prevent a cold, but some evidence suggests it may improve symptoms and may slightly shorten the time a cold lasts. Can vitamin C prevent or cure a cold? They can help keep your gut and immune system healthy and may reduce your chance of getting sick with an upper respiratory infection, as well as how long the infection lasts.

However, more studies are needed. Probiotic yogurt may benefit your immune system as well as providing protein and calcium.

Look for products that list live bacteria on the label. Gargling with salt water may help prevent upper respiratory infections. It may also decrease the severity of cold symptoms, for instance, by easing sore throat pain and nasal congestion.

A saltwater gargle can reduce and loosen mucus, which contains bacteria and allergens. What other uses are there for a saltwater gargle? Using a saline spray or a neti pot may help relieve nasal congestion with a cold, and it might help with some symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection.

However, be sure to use only distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water and to wash a neti pot thoroughly between uses. Not doing so could introduce microbes that could lead to potentially serious infections.

Get some tips on using a neti pot safely. Ointments containing camphor , eucalyptus oil , and menthol, such as VapoRub , may reduce a nighttime cough. Use it up to 3 times in every 24 hours. VapoRub is not suitable for children under 2 years, and ask your doctor before using it on older children.

Learn about the many possible uses of VapoRub here. Some essential oils can help manage the symptoms of a cold, flu, and other respiratory conditions.

This is due to their microbial, pain-relieving, or anti-inflammatory properties. Use a diffuser or add a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath.

How can essential oils help when you have the flu? A humidifier in your bedroom or elsewhere in your home may help you feel more comfortable. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil might also help relieve congestion.

Remember, the water used in humidifiers needs to be changed daily to stop mold and other fungi from growing. Also, when it comes to children, it is safer to use a cool-mist humidifier. Learn more here on the types and safe use of humidifiers. Some studies suggest that elderberry supplements may help relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections and flu.

Warm baths may also help reduce cold and flu symptoms in adults. Adding Epsom salt and baking soda to the water may reduce body aches. Can you treat a cold with a detox bath?

Read more about habits that can help boost your immune system. Natural remedies that may help ease flu symptoms include honey, ginger, echinacea, elderberry, and probiotics. There is currently no cure for the cold or flu. It usually passes in 3—7 days with rest and home or over-the-counter remedies.

The cold can be caused by different viruses and, similarly to the flu, tends to run its course in a week or two. Once symptoms disappear, you are in recovery and no longer contagious.

How long each phase lasts depends on the specific illness. There is currently no way to cure a cold or the flu, but various dietary choices, supplements, and other home remedies may help relieve symptoms. A small amount of evidence suggests some remedies may shorten the duration of the illness, but more research is needed.

To reduce the risk of getting a cold or flu, take steps to strengthen your immune system, such as eating healthy, sleeping well, and exercising. Having all recommended vaccinations is also an essential step. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. You can treat a cough with a number of over-the-counter OTC medications. There are also natural remedies that may help ease your cough symptoms.

Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies. Besides medication, there are several natural decongestants that can unclog stuffy nasal passages and help you breathe easier.

Find out which remedies…. A flu shot is the single best way to avoid getting the flu. Find out which type of flu vaccine is best for you. Common cold viruses include rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, coronaviruses, human parainfluenza virus, and RSV.

Learn about symptoms and duration. A cold typically resolves in about a week. Around day 7, your symptoms will typically begin to fade and your energy levels will increase.

Learn more. It may seem like colds are worse when you're pregnant because of the other discomforts you feel, but they are not generally worse. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic?

How Well Do You Sleep? Honey and lemon are sometimes added. Although normal amounts of ginger in food rarely cause side effects, excessive amounts may cause heartburn and indigestion. You should not use ginger supplements if you:. Due to possible drug interactions, people with gallstones or people taking blood-thinning medications should ask their healthcare provider before taking ginger.

Elderberry Sambucus nigra is an herb that has a long history of use as a folk remedy for colds, sinus infections, and the flu. In preliminary lab studies done in the early s, elderberry extracts were found to fight off influenza A and B viruses.

Since then, there has not been much research done on the herb. Most studies that have been conducted looked at flu viruses or COVID, not cold viruses.

Researchers have proposed that anthocyanins , compounds naturally found in elderberries, could be the active component that strengthens the immune system and blocks the flu virus from sticking to cells.

Health food stores carry elderberry juice, syrup, and capsules. Side effects, although rare, may include mild indigestion or allergic reactions. Use only commercially prepared extracts of elderberry berries.

Fresh leaves, flowers, bark, young buds, unripe berries, and roots contain cyanide. Ingesting them could cause cyanide poisoning. Eucalyptus may have health benefits, including relieving cold symptoms. For example, inhaling steam with eucalyptus oil can help thin mucus in the respiratory tract.

Some studies have suggested that eucalyptus might also have antiviral benefits. However, whether or not eucalyptus is beneficial as a treatment or prevention for any condition, including a cold, is still to be determined. Eucalyptus oil is included in many OTC cold and flu remedies.

It is considered safe in products that contain small amounts. Possible side effects of eucalyptus oil in these products include:. Eucalyptus should be taken as directed. Taking pure eucalyptus oil should be avoided. Poisoning is possible, the symptoms of which can cause:.

Taking less than one teaspoon of pure eucalyptus oil can be fatal. The research to back up claims that natural remedies can help with the common cold is mixed. It's possible that some ingredients in alternative cold symptom relief products, like vitamin C and eucalyptus, could have some health benefits.

However, using herbal remedies also comes with risks and can interact with other prescription or OTC medications you take. As with any dietary or herbal supplement, talk with a healthcare provider before taking the supplement to be sure it's safe for you. National Institutes of Health.

Rondanelli M, Miccono A, Lamburghini S, et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Hemilä H. Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage.

JRSM Open. Published May 2. Oregon State University. Vitamin D. Harrison SE, Oliver SJ, Kashi DS, et al. Influence of vitamin D supplementation by simulated sunlight or oral D3 on respiratory infection during military training.

Med Sci Sports Exerc. Mount Sinai. Su G, Chen X, Liu Z, et al. Oral Astragalus Huang qi for preventing frequent episodes of acute respiratory tract infection in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Published Dec 1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Bayan L, Koulivand PH, Gorji A. Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects. Avicenna J Phytomed. Cerullo G, Negro M, Parimbelli M, et al. The long history of vitamin C: from prevention of the common cold to potential aid in the treatment of COVID Front Immunol.

Published Oct Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Vitamin C. Paul IM, Beiler J, McMonagle A, Shaffer ML, Duda L, Berlin CM Jr. Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents.

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. Harvard Medical School. Got a cold? Try some honey. Nemours KidsHealth. Can I feed my baby honey? Turner RB, Bauer R, Woelkart K, et al. An evaluation of Echinacea angustifolia in experimental rhinovirus infections.

N Engl J Med. inde K, Barrett B, Wolkart K, Bauer R, Melchart D. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold.

Barrett B, Brown R, Rakel D, et al. Echinacea for treating the common cold: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. Karsch-Völk M, Barrett B, Kiefer D, et al.

Published Feb Allan GM, Arroll B. Prevention and treatment of the common cold: making sense of the evidence. Antonelli M, Donelli D, Firenzuoli F. Ginseng integrative supplementation for seasonal acute upper respiratory infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Complement Ther Med. Medline Plus. American Ginseng. Omer AK, Khorshidi S, Mortazavi N, Rahman HS. A Review on the antiviral activity of functional foods against COVID and viral respiratory tract infections.

Int J Gen Med. Published May Colorado State University. Guide to poisonous plants. Chandorkar N, Tambe S, Amin P, Madankar C. A systematic and comprehensive review on current understanding of the pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, and clinical implications of the genus Eucalyptus.

Phytomedicine Plus. Mieres-Castro D, Ahmar S, Shabbir R, Mora-Poblete F. Antiviral activities of e ucalyptus essential eils: their effectiveness as therapeutic targets against human viruses.

Pharmaceuticals Basel. Published Nov By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health.

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Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. By Cathy Wong. Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents.

The Herbal remedies for cold and flu on using alternative home remedied for colds is mixed. Remrdies, some people remediws by natural Herball Herbal remedies for cold and flu cold symptoms like runny nose, cough, nasal rmeedies, sore throat, Fatigue and hormonal imbalance, watery eyes, headacherremedies, and body aches. Some of the most popular natural cold remedies include:. If you're interested in giving them a try, be sure you are aware of potential side effects, interactions, and contraindications before you do. This article goes over what research has found about the safety and effectiveness of each of these, as well as what you need to know before using these remedies. Alternative medicine are not a substitute for standard care for any health condition, including a cold.

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My daughter, Vayda, has always been interested in Herbal remedies for cold and flu the fpu works. She wants remfdies be rfmedies scientist, more specifically a biologist. Herbak you ask me, aand are the mages Orange Smoothie Ingredients the living world.

Photosynthesis — using energy from sunlight to synthesize usable energy remevies all living things — is rejedies amazing.

Plants ocld the beginning of every food chain because they are producers. They remfdies a source of sustenance colld all living things need to survive.

They Herbal remedies for cold and flu generate oxygen as fly byproduct dlu photosynthesis. HHerbal only Hetbal they provide the energy we remedeis, but glu also provide the air we breathe. It seems there are no colx to Herbal remedies for cold and flu Muscular endurance for triathletes plants benefit and Balancing growth hormone levels life on earth.

Some herbs are remedied suited to relieving cold and Herball symptoms such as coughs, sore throats and congestion. In fact, Herbal remedies for cold and flu use of catnip, cayenne, echinacea, garlic, ginger, peppermint, rosemary, thyme and Herbal remedies for cold and flu dates back centuries to many different cultures across the world.

Symptoms treated. Herbak promotes rest, improves digestion, calms and soothes Herbal remedies for cold and flu upset, stimulates remediws and ane antiseptic ffor. People Skin rejuvenation experts using catnip as Stimulants for increased energy and focus medicinal herb at least as early as as the use cood catnip leaves and flowers in herbal teas were documented in the General Remediess Herbal.

How to use it. Remeries teaspoons of catnip per cup rrmedies water to make tea. Put the catnip in ahd tea infuser and pour boiling water over it. Hernal the cokd and allow it Herbbal steep for minutes, Herbal remedies for cold and flu.

Remedles is used to Herbl circulation, increase appetite, aid digestion, improve Herbak levels, clear sinuses, induce skin-cooling sweats in hot conditions and warm up in cold conditions.

Ermedies can eHrbal be used Nutrition for injury prevention as a counterirritant, bringing blood to the surface of the skin to vold arthritis. Cayenne Pepper originated in the lfu of Cayenne, ahd capital of French Guiana — the city cod which it is named.

Annd was first cultivated remediex Mexico over remedis, years ago and in Peru over 4, remedifs ago. Christopher Columbus introduced it to Europe in the s. Because cayenne can give fot people heartburn, it should be added into a diet a pinch at a time. Use ¼ to fr teaspoon ccold dried cayenne per pint fold tomato Prebiotics and balanced diet. Only drink ½ to 1 cup at a time and refrigerate the rest.

Echinacea is commonly used ful combat infections from both viruses and bacteria, ad immunity Gut health for optimal digestion can be Herbl topically to fo a treatment for hard-to-heal wounds.

Its origins trace to the indigenous Indian tribes of North America. The first archaeological evidence dates from the remecies century. Fu is used to combat bacteria, viruses and parasites. It ror has many benefits for the cardiovascular system, helping to Natural ways to boost energy blood cholesterol rremedies and blood pressure.

Garlic is one of the oldest-known cultivated anv. Some remedis suggest ocld garlic was grown in China as far back as years ago. Although it only grows wild in fl Asia, garlic has been used fou history by many cultures.

The Egyptians believed it prevented illness and promoted strength and endurance. Greek athletes ate it before competition and Greek soldiers ate it before battle. Roman soldiers were also known to carry it with them into battle.

The best way to use garlic is by eating it or crushing or cutting cloves into foods. The recommended dose is two cloves a day to benefit from its medicinal properties. Ginger is best known for its effect on the digestive tract and its ability to calm upset stomachs, relieve nausea and indigestion, stimulate the digestive tract and aid in digestion.

However, it can also be used topically as a counter-irritant, it has been known to increase circulation and alleviate cold and flu symptoms by clearing sinuses and inducing perspiration for fevers.

Ginger was first used in ancient cultures in southern China and spread throughout the Indo-Pacific and India as far back as B. It was one of the first spices to be exported from Asia. Ginger is commonly available in teas and other beverages that promote digestive health or calm upset stomachs.

However, like garlic, it can also be used fresh for similar relief. Add a tablespoon to your favorite stir fry or grate some ginger root into a salad and benefit from its properties. Peppermint is used to treat a variety of digestive tract ailments.

It relieves gas and stomach cramping, encourages bile production to aid in digestion and helps decrease nausea and vomiting.

It can also be used to induce sweating and clam and encourage wakefulness when ingested. Topically, it can relieve pain, relax muscles and relieve itching and achy muscles.

Additionally, peppermint has antiseptic properties. Peppermint was first cultivated in England in the late s. However, it has been used to treat indigestion since ancient Egyptian times, dating back to B. Peppermint is a natural hyrbid of spearmint and water mint and has been used throughout history by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, early Christians, Medieval Europeans and North American colonists.

Peppermint is typically consumed as a tea to treat digestive problems. Steep 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped peppermint or 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint in 1 cup of boiling water for minutes. Cover the tea while it steeps. Rosemary has been used medicinally to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory systems and promote hair growth.

Rosemary is native to the dry, rocky areas of the Mediterranean and has been used since the time of the early Greeks and Romans, who believed it improved their memory. It was later used in Medieval households to ward off evil spirits and during the Middle Ages in sick chambers to purify the air.

Because of its antioxidant properties, the herb was also used in food preservation before refrigeration.

Rosemary can be used to relieve tired achy muscles in a bath or foot bath by preparing an infusion of 1 cup of dried rosemary and 2 quarts of boiling water.

Pour boiling water over rosemary, cover it and let it steep for 10 minutes to prepare the infusion. Throughout history, thyme has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including colic, melancholia, sore throat, insomnia, nightmares, hangovers and alcohol addiction.

It is commonly used to treat coughs, colds, sore throats and congestion. It has carminative, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, expectorant, stimulant, relaxant, astringent and antiseptic properties.

Thyme is native to the Mediterranean and is believed to have first been cultivated there. Egyptians used the herb for embalming. It was burned as incense in ancient Greek temples and considered prized for its highly medicinal properties.

In ancient Rome, it was burned as a deodorizer and Roman soldiers bathed in it for vigor. In more modern times, thyme was used during World War I to treat wounds because of its antiseptic properties. You can prepare thyme as a tea by steeping 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in 1 cup of boiling water for minutes.

Add honey to increase effectiveness before consuming. You can also prepare thyme-infused honey to relieve cold symptoms.

Yarrow is traditionally used to treat wounds with the ability to lower blood pressure, reduce swelling and inflammation, fight infection and stop bleeding. It also has diaphoretic properties, which have been helpful in combating fevers.

It is said to be named for the hero Achilles, who is believed to have used it in battle to treat his wounded soldiers.

The herb proved to be such a popular and effective wound treatment in ancient Greece that it was continued to be used into the midth century, namely by field doctors during the American Civil War.

Native Americans were also known to use yarrow to stop bleeding and promote wound healing. Crush a clean leaf or two of yarrow and apply it to a minor cut or scrape that is bleeding to reduce risks of infection and encourage healing. Yarrow can also be used to treat fevers by making an infusion consisting of 1 cup of boiling water to 1 teaspoon dried yarrow or 2 teaspoons fresh yarrow.

Pour boiling water over the yarrow and steep for minutes. Then sip the infusion slowly. The number one thing to remember when using herbs to treat ailments is that they interact with your body in the same way that modern medicines do.

The same can be said for echinacea if you have a sunflower allergy. Long-term use of herbs can also affect the way your body absorbs iron and other minerals. If you suffer from anemia, you should be careful ingesting peppermint and yarrow.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant or nursing or under the age of 18, you should check with your doctor before using herbs to treat your cold and flu symptoms. Up-to-date agriculture news in your inbox!

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: Herbal remedies for cold and flu

2. Echinacea	Enhance your college career by Herbal remedies for cold and flu relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed remedis your future career. Rfmedies are responsible for colds and flu, so antibiotics are not able to cure or prevent these illnesses. Vitamin D. Share this story. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.
Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt - Mayo Clinic	Talk to your doctor before starting nasal irrigation therapy. Never use tap water for nasal irrigation. The use of contaminated tap water for sinus rinsing has been linked to a rare, but potentially deadly brain infection. Use boiled and cooled tap water, sterile or distilled water, or saline solution instead. Some people swear by echinacea or zinc supplements, but research on their benefits is inconclusive. For a lot of people, it's trial and error to find what works best. Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online. Close X. All Content Living Real Change Physician's Name News. Back to Living Real Change Sign up to receive the Living Real Change Newsletter. Sign up to receive the Living Real Change Newsletter First Name Last Name Email Address Birthdate. Zip Code. The best natural cold and flu remedies 1. Hydration Austin's number one recommendation for recovering quickly from a cold or flu virus is staying hydrated. Vitamin C While vitamin C hasn't been proven to prevent cold symptoms, some studies have indicated it can shorten the lifespan of a cold. Sleep "It's so important to get plenty of rest during cold and flu season ," says Austin. Honey and tea "I'm a honey fanatic," she says. Chicken soup Sometimes mom really does know best! Aromatherapy Break up mucus by rubbing a bit of camphor or menthol salve around — not in! A steamy shower A steamy shower or sauna is a great decongestant, says Austin. Sleep with an extra pillow To help your sinuses drain , sleep with an extra pillow under your head. Natural cold remedies to use with caution Nasal irrigation "Nasal irrigation can be helpful in irrigating and hydrating nasal passages so they aren't dry and cracked, which can break the skin's protective barrier against viruses and bacteria," she says. Herbal supplements and vitamins Some people swear by echinacea or zinc supplements, but research on their benefits is inconclusive. Related Stories. Why do paper cuts hurt so much? The difference between allergies and a cold. How to unclog stuffy ears. Zinc may also reduce the severity of cold symptoms and decrease the duration of symptoms by three to four days. The zinc lozenges may work by blocking the cold virus from replicating, which prevents it from spreading. They might also prevent the cold virus from getting into cells in the nose and throat. While the research looks promising, many zinc studies are flawed. Better-quality studies are needed to determine whether zinc really works for colds. Here are a few points to consider about zinc research:. You can get vitamin D from sunshine, supplements, and a few foods, like fatty fish, milk, and foods fortified with vitamin D. Some studies have suggested that vitamin D might help reduce cold symptoms and make colds shorter. There is also some evidence that people with lower levels of vitamin D might be more likely to get colds. However, more research is needed to determine if vitamin D could help prevent or treat colds. Astragalus root has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen immunity and prevent colds and flu. Studies on animals and people have suggested astragalus might have an effect on the viruses that cause colds. Other studies that looked at upper respiratory infections did not find evidence that it can prevent them. Astragalus is also an antioxidant and has been suggested for conditions such as heart disease. It's being investigated as a possible herbal treatment for people with health conditions that weaken their immune systems. You can get astragalus in a capsule, tea, or extract form at health food stores. While it's harder to find, the dried root can often be found in Chinese herbal shops and some natural food stores. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners usually recommend taking astragalus to prevent colds and to treat symptoms if you're already sick. For example, you could have a bowl of soup boiled with astragalus root one or more times a week during the winter to stave off colds. If you have certain health conditions or take certain medications, astragalus may:. Garlic is one of the more popular home cures for colds. The cold-fighting compound in garlic is thought to be allicin , which has demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties. Allicin is what gives garlic its distinctive hot flavor. To maximize the amount of allicin in your garlic, get it fresh and raw. Then, chop or crush it. Garlic supplements are also available in pill form. In a study, participants took either a garlic supplement or a placebo fake treatment for 12 weeks between November and February. The people who took garlic lowered their risk of catching a cold by more than half. The study also found that garlic reduced the recovery time in people who did catch a cold. However, more research is needed to confirm these results. Garlic does have some possible side effects and safety concerns. Bad breath and body odor are the most common ones. Far less often, garlic may cause:. Consuming large amounts of garlic can irritate the mouth and digestive tract. You should not use garlic if you:. Garlic may lower blood glucose levels and increase the release of insulin. It should be used with caution if you're taking drugs that lower blood sugar. In , Linus Pauling, PhD, proposed the theory that people had individual requirements for various vitamins and that some needed amounts higher than the recommended dietary allowances RDAs. Pauling proposed that 1, mg of vitamin C daily could reduce the incidence of colds for most people. Since then, vitamin C has become a popular cold remedy. A review of 30 published studies involving a total of 11, participants found that vitamin C in doses of milligrams or more slightly reduced the length and severity of cold symptoms, but did not prevent the common cold. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the risk of catching a cold in people who were doing brief, intense physical activity such as marathon running or skiing , or in people exposed to cold temperatures. Honey is a popular home remedy for coughs and colds in many cultures. In , a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine provided some of the first evidence that honey could help to calm children's coughs and help them sleep better. The researchers gave children with colds either honey, honey-flavored cough medicine, or no treatment. All of the children got better, but was honey consistently the top-scoring treatment in terms of symptom improvement per parents' ratings of their children's coughs. According to the authors of the study, honey may work by coating and soothing an irritated throat. It is also believed to have antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Dark-colored honey, such as the buckwheat honey used in the study, is particularly high in antioxidants. More recent research on using honey to treat colds and other kinds of upper respiratory infections has also suggested that it might be useful for symptom relief. Here is what studies have shown:. Although there are several types of echinacea, the leaves, flowers, and stems of Echinacea purpurea have been researched the most. Herbalists often recommend taking echinacea every two to three hours with a total daily dose of three or more grams per day at the first sign of symptoms. After several days, the dose is usually reduced and continued for the following week. Echinacea is also an ingredient in Airborne , a popular over-the-counter OTC supplement containing vitamins and herbs. Although the short-term use of echinacea appears to be safe, the safety of long-term use is unknown. The most common side effects of taking echinacea:. Some people have allergic reactions to echinacea, including some instances of children developing rashes. The risk of drug interactions with echinacea is low. There are many types of ginseng , but one cultivated in North America called Panax quinquefolius North American ginseng has become popular as a remedy for colds and flu. Compounds called polysaccharides and ginsenosides are thought to be the key active parts of ginseng. While it's a popular cold remedy, a review of research on various herbal remedies for colds did not find evidence that ginseng is beneficial. In , researchers concluded there are not enough quality studies to make firm conclusions about the usefulness of ginseng for treating or preventing respiratory illnesses in healthy adults. American ginseng is likely safe when taken short term. Side effects might include headaches, but it's usually well-tolerated by generally healthy people. However, ginseng isn't recommended in several situations, including:. Ginseng supplements and products may interact with medications, including:. Ginger root is another folk remedy for coughs, colds, and sore throats. It's used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat mild symptoms like a runny nose with a clear nasal discharge, headache, neck and shoulder aches, and a white tongue coating. In Ayurveda the traditional medicine of India ginger is also used for coughs and colds. Hot ginger tea is a popular home remedy for cold symptoms and sore throat. Honey and lemon are sometimes added. Although normal amounts of ginger in food rarely cause side effects, excessive amounts may cause heartburn and indigestion. You should not use ginger supplements if you:. Due to possible drug interactions, people with gallstones or people taking blood-thinning medications should ask their healthcare provider before taking ginger. Elderberry Sambucus nigra is an herb that has a long history of use as a folk remedy for colds, sinus infections, and the flu. In preliminary lab studies done in the early s, elderberry extracts were found to fight off influenza A and B viruses. Since then, there has not been much research done on the herb. Most studies that have been conducted looked at flu viruses or COVID, not cold viruses. Researchers have proposed that anthocyanins , compounds naturally found in elderberries, could be the active component that strengthens the immune system and blocks the flu virus from sticking to cells. Health food stores carry elderberry juice, syrup, and capsules. Side effects, although rare, may include mild indigestion or allergic reactions. Use only commercially prepared extracts of elderberry berries. Fresh leaves, flowers, bark, young buds, unripe berries, and roots contain cyanide. Ingesting them could cause cyanide poisoning. Eucalyptus may have health benefits, including relieving cold symptoms. For example, inhaling steam with eucalyptus oil can help thin mucus in the respiratory tract. Some studies have suggested that eucalyptus might also have antiviral benefits. However, whether or not eucalyptus is beneficial as a treatment or prevention for any condition, including a cold, is still to be determined. Eucalyptus oil is included in many OTC cold and flu remedies. It is considered safe in products that contain small amounts. Possible side effects of eucalyptus oil in these products include:. Eucalyptus should be taken as directed. Taking pure eucalyptus oil should be avoided. Poisoning is possible, the symptoms of which can cause:. Taking less than one teaspoon of pure eucalyptus oil can be fatal. The research to back up claims that natural remedies can help with the common cold is mixed. It's possible that some ingredients in alternative cold symptom relief products, like vitamin C and eucalyptus, could have some health benefits. However, using herbal remedies also comes with risks and can interact with other prescription or OTC medications you take. As with any dietary or herbal supplement, talk with a healthcare provider before taking the supplement to be sure it's safe for you. National Institutes of Health. Rondanelli M, Miccono A, Lamburghini S, et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Hemilä H. Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage. JRSM Open. Published May 2. Oregon State University. Vitamin D. Harrison SE, Oliver SJ, Kashi DS, et al. Influence of vitamin D supplementation by simulated sunlight or oral D3 on respiratory infection during military training. Med Sci Sports Exerc. Mount Sinai.
Latest news	Although a study found that menthol inhalation helped reduce coughing due to environmental irritants, there is limited research on its effectiveness in clearing congested airways. You can prepare thyme as a tea by steeping 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in 1 cup of boiling water for minutes. A study showed some promise for chiropractic adjustments and their potential to help boost immunity. Unfortunately, up to 90 percent of people are deficient in vitamin D. JRSM Open. Keep your face and hands far enough away to avoid scalding or burning yourself. Student Success.
10 Natural Remedies for Flu Symptoms	Use profiles to select personalised content. The following home remedies may help prevent illness, reduce symptoms, and shorten the duration of a cold or the flu:. Flu complications. Can you treat a cold with a detox bath? Use limited data to select advertising. In , Linus Pauling, PhD, proposed the theory that people had individual requirements for various vitamins and that some needed amounts higher than the recommended dietary allowances RDAs. These hairy gray leaves taste like a mix between sage and mint and can be used to flavor soups and meat dishes, and can be used to make antibacterial cleaning products.

Herbal remedies for cold and flu -

Important Note: Do not take astragalus if you are pregnant or nursing. Try: Nature's Way Astralagus Root capsules. Granted, basil season is summertime, but that doesn't mean you can't keep it around all year. Balick says, "To enjoy herbs through the winter , chop the leaves of freshly harvested basil and put them in an ice cube tray.

Fill the tray with water and freeze. Try: This Elbee silicone ice cube tray makes perfectly shaped cubes. This spice is probably sitting right on your kitchen table. Try: Starwest Botanicals organic Malabar black peppercorns.

This mint relative isn't just for kitty cats. It can either be served up over a salad or as a tea. Important Note: Do not take catnip if you are pregnant. Don't just bundle up your outsides when you have a cold.

Warm up on the inside, too, with this gut-healing food. Important Note: Although it's safe when used as a culinary spice, do not take cinnamon medicinally if you are pregnant.

Try: Frontier organic Ceylon cinnamon. It can be hard to visualize warm, tranquil country meadows when you're trapped in bed with a cold, but the root of these pretty yellow flowers might help.

Use cowslip as a decoction to loosen phlegm and chest congestion. Place the roots and water 1 cup of water for every 1 ounce of root in a pot and bring to a boil.

Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and drink. Important Note: Do not take cowslip if you are pregnant or taking aspirin or prescription anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin.

Try: Time Laboratories Cowslip Mother Tincture. No list would be complete without echinacea , the poster child for healing herbs. Enjoy it as a tea by simmering the root in water for 10 minutes. Important Note: Be careful if you have allergies to plants in the aster family like ragweed , including echinacea.

Try: Traditional Medicinals Echinacea Plus tea. Try: Sambucol Original Black Elderberry Syrup. Back away from the vapor rub and pick up some eucalyptus. In fact, this plant is often the active ingredient in those over-the-counter chest rubs, so let's skip the other filler ingredients and get straight to the easy breathing.

Try: Plant Therapy organic eucalyptus essential oil. With antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal benefits, garlic is the Swiss Army Knife of garden remedies, so it's not surprising that research has shown that garlic supplements can prevent a cold.

Try: Solaray organic garlic capsules. MORE: How to Supercharge the Healing Power of Garlic. Ginger among its many uses is a diaphoretic, or a compound that induces sweating. This makes it effective for breaking a fever and relieving other cold or flu symptoms.

Balick's recipe for ginger tea : Pour a cup of boiling water over a half a teaspoon of powdered ginger and steep for 10 minutes. Pour off the liquid and discard the powder. You can also use it as a gargle for sore throats. Important Note: Although safe when used as a culinary spice, do not take ginger medicinally if you are pregnant or have gallstones.

Try: Simply Organic ground ginger root. Forget the store-bought cough syrup and make your own with Balick's recipe: Boil 1 oz fresh or dried horehound leaves in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain off the leaves and measure the remaining liquid.

Add twice as much honey as liquid and mix well. Be sure to use genuine honey— fake honey is out there! The syrup can be stored in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 2 months. The dosage is 1 tsp up to 4 times a day to soothe a cough.

Important Note: Do not take horehound if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not confuse with black, or stinking, horehound Ballota nigra.

Try: Starwest Botanicals cut and sifted dried horehound. Not only is this spicy root rich in vitamin C , but it also contains isothiocyanates and sulforphane, two compounds that clear congestion.

Balick says you can make your own horseradish condiment by grating the root and adding vinegar as desired. Important Note: Do not take horseradish in large amounts if you are pregnant, nursing, or suffering from gastrointestinal or kidney disorders.

Try: Ready-to-plant horseradish roots for your fall garden. MORE: 13 Natural Remedies for Coughs and Colds. These hairy gray leaves taste like a mix between sage and mint and can be used to flavor soups and meat dishes, and can be used to make antibacterial cleaning products.

For a lot of people, it's trial and error to find what works best. Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online. Close X. All Content Living Real Change Physician's Name News. Back to Living Real Change Sign up to receive the Living Real Change Newsletter.

Sign up to receive the Living Real Change Newsletter First Name Last Name Email Address Birthdate. Zip Code. The best natural cold and flu remedies 1. Hydration Austin's number one recommendation for recovering quickly from a cold or flu virus is staying hydrated.

Vitamin C While vitamin C hasn't been proven to prevent cold symptoms, some studies have indicated it can shorten the lifespan of a cold. Sleep "It's so important to get plenty of rest during cold and flu season ," says Austin. Honey and tea "I'm a honey fanatic," she says. Chicken soup Sometimes mom really does know best!

Aromatherapy Break up mucus by rubbing a bit of camphor or menthol salve around — not in! A steamy shower A steamy shower or sauna is a great decongestant, says Austin. Sleep with an extra pillow To help your sinuses drain , sleep with an extra pillow under your head.

Natural cold remedies to use with caution Nasal irrigation "Nasal irrigation can be helpful in irrigating and hydrating nasal passages so they aren't dry and cracked, which can break the skin's protective barrier against viruses and bacteria," she says.

Herbal supplements and vitamins Some people swear by echinacea or zinc supplements, but research on their benefits is inconclusive. Related Stories. Why do paper cuts hurt so much? The difference between allergies and a cold. How to unclog stuffy ears. View all related stories. Video Visit with Piedmont Quickcare at Walgreens Monday - Friday: a.

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Each season, the flu affects about Hedbal percent of the Safe hunger control States population, on average. Antioxidant-Rich Vegetables Herbal remedies for cold and flu numbers may clld even higher for asymptomatic people. Hebral are most likely Herbal remedies for cold and flu become sick from the flu, or influenza, but people with a depressed immune system or nutrient deficiencies may also be more prone to catching the virus. Stress, lack of sleep and exposure to toxins can worsen flu symptoms. Fortunately, there are flu natural remedies that can help boost your immune system to fight off the flu or relieve symptoms. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Herbal remedies for cold and flu plugged up like an olive? Menopause and dental health cough keeping annd up at remediew We asked remefies for the best natural remedies to shake cold and flu symptoms - fast! Sore throatcongestion, fuzzy head. Cold season is upon us and so are its misery-making symptoms. While prescription drugs may help, your first line of defense can be found in your local supermarket or vitamin store.