Immunity Booster:
- Ginseng: To the Cherokee, ginseng was known as the “plant of life.” Building the resistance to illness, ginseng is a powerful herb. It is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. If you feel a cold coming on, take ginseng to restore the body back to health.
- Elderberry: Flavonoids are to thank for the effectiveness in elderberry fighting off colds. These antioxidant properties help to prevent cell damage, doing wonders in combating nasty cold viruses and boosting the immune system.
- Echinacea: Mostly known for its immunity boosting effect, Echinacea should be consumed at the first signs of an oncoming cold. It fights infection and reduces symptoms.
- Andrographis: Often referred to as the “Indian Echinacea,” andrographis is an herb commonly used in Ayurveda for treating the common cold. Similar to Echinacea, it alleviates symptoms and is taken to shorten the length of the cold.
Body Aches
- Ginger: Ginger warms the body and improves circulation. Gingerol is responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects that aid in reducing body aches. The anti-viral and expectorant properties are an added boost in restoring the body back to normal health.
- Yarrow Root: The anti-inflammatory properties ease body aches and control muscle spasms. Inducing sweating, yarrow root helps break a fever. Sometimes, the best way to rid the body of cold toxins is to sweat them out.
Decongestant
- Peppermint: The calming, cooling effects of peppermint tea have long been used as a home remedy in fighting the common cold. The menthol inside peppermint provides the decongestant properties necessary to fight congestion.
- Eucalyptus: Rubbing eucalyptus oil on the chest can aid in a good night’s rest if suffering from congestion. Breathing in the oils breaks down the mucus in the airways. A few drops of this expectorant breaks up congestion, allowing you to breathe freely.
- Goldenseal: Irritated mucous membranes are no match for goldenseal. This herb calms the membranes and fights bacteria that cause infection. The immune system will thank you for goldenseal.
Sore Throat
- Marshmallow: Marshmallow is a demulcent. It acts as a mucilage, coating inflamed membranes and causing a soothing effect. If a sore throat is a symptom of your cold, take marshmallow to reduce irritation.
- Wild Geranium: Anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties in wild geranium help to ward off the cold virus. It has been used as a type of mouthwash to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by a sore throat. The anti-septic properties aid in fighting the bacteria that cause an inflamed throat.
- Osha: Chewing on Osha root can soothe an irritated throat. It contains antiviral and decongestant properties that fight viruses. Relaxing the muscles, it can be used to treat coughs. Try using it in a tea to alleviate symptoms.
