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Colds and flu are common disorders that come knocking by every now and then, especially during winters. The simplest solution to keep cold and flu at bay is to boost your immune system so that it fights the virus and bacteria causing it.
This can be done by eating a balanced and nutritious diet and using herbal remedies. Here are some of the best herbal remedies for colds and flu.
Herbal Remedies For Colds And Flu
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has strong antiseptic, antibacterial and expectorant properties that aid in relieving symptoms of colds and flu and preventing it all along. Eucalyptus, in fact, is a major component in many cough syrups, vaporubs and lozenges.One way to use eucalyptus is to put some fresh eucalyptus leaves into boiling water and make tea. You can also gargle with this solution. You can also use eucalyptus essential oil for steam inhalation.
Elderberry
Elderberry or black elder is quite popular as a natural remedy for colds and flu. It contains bioflavonoids as well as other essential proteins that protect the cells against viruses causing colds and flu. It contains quercetin that accounts for its therapeutic actions.Apart from this, it contains vitamin C that fight off colds and boost immune system. Elderberry helps you recover from colds and flu much faster (your symptoms will disappear within 4 days of its use). Studies prove that elderberry extract is useful in fighting as many as 10 virus strains.
Garlic
The active compound ‘allicin’ in garlic has strong antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Hence, garlic helps a great deal in naturally treating colds and flu caused by rhinovirus. The best and perhaps the easiest way to use garlic as a remedy is to chew a garlic clove daily.This would boost your immune system and make you less prone to viral diseases. Garlic supplements are also easily available if you choose not to eat the raw garlic detested by its strong odour.
Thyme
Thyme has strong expectorant properties that break up the mucus and relieve symptoms of cold and flu. It makes cough productive thereby helping the lungs clear the mucus sooner and in a better way. Thyme is available as dried herb or an essential oil.You can make thyme tea by putting some fresh thyme into boiling water. You can also get relief from colds and flu with thyme steam bath. To prepare thyme steam bath, take some hot water in a bowl. Put some thyme essential oil into it. Cover your head with towel and lean over that bowl. Inhale the steam to loosen the mucus in chest.
Also Read
Best Home Remedies For Cold And Flu
Food Remedies For colds And Flus
Top Home Remedies For Wet Cough
Licorice Root
The active compound in licorice root i.e. glycyrrhizin has strong antiviral properties and it protects the body from serious viral diseases like SARS, HIV, etc. Hence, it is effective in warding off conditions of colds and flu caused by avian flu virus.Besides, licorice root has strong expectorant properties that help relieve symptoms of cold and cough. Licorice is available in the form of tea and supplements. Prior consultation with doctor is a must since licorice tends to interfere with certain medications.
Angelica
Native to Asia and Europe, Angelica has been in use since times as a remedy for bronchitis, colds and chest congestion. Angelica root contains coumarins that fortify the immune system. The best way to use angelica as a remedy for colds and flu is to make tea from angelica roots. Otherwise, you can garnish your regular salads with fresh angelica leaves.
