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Herbal remedies for cold and flu

Herbal remedies for cold and flu

The Best Remeides Cough Lfu. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. National Herbal remedies for cold and flu National Geographic. Nothing can cure a cold. The risk of drug interactions with echinacea is low. According to the authors of the study, honey may work by coating and soothing an irritated throat. Echinacea and Other Healing Herbs.

Herbal remedies for cold and flu -

Plants are the beginning of every food chain because they are producers. They provide a source of sustenance that all living things need to survive. They also generate oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Not only do they provide the energy we need, but they also provide the air we breathe.

It seems there are no limits to the ways plants benefit and support life on earth. Some herbs are naturally suited to relieving cold and flu symptoms such as coughs, sore throats and congestion. In fact, the use of catnip, cayenne, echinacea, garlic, ginger, peppermint, rosemary, thyme and yarrow dates back centuries to many different cultures across the world.

Symptoms treated. Catnip promotes rest, improves digestion, calms and soothes stomach upset, stimulates appetite and contains antiseptic properties. People started using catnip as a medicinal herb at least as early as as the use of catnip leaves and flowers in herbal teas were documented in the General Irish Herbal.

How to use it. Use teaspoons of catnip per cup of water to make tea. Put the catnip in a tea infuser and pour boiling water over it. Cover the mixture and allow it to steep for minutes. Cayenne is used to enhance circulation, increase appetite, aid digestion, improve energy levels, clear sinuses, induce skin-cooling sweats in hot conditions and warm up in cold conditions.

It can also be used topically as a counterirritant, bringing blood to the surface of the skin to relieve arthritis. Cayenne Pepper originated in the city of Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana — the city for which it is named.

It was first cultivated in Mexico over 7, years ago and in Peru over 4, years ago. Christopher Columbus introduced it to Europe in the s. Because cayenne can give some people heartburn, it should be added into a diet a pinch at a time.

Use ¼ to ½ teaspoon of dried cayenne per pint of tomato juice. Only drink ½ to 1 cup at a time and refrigerate the rest. Echinacea is commonly used to combat infections from both viruses and bacteria, boost immunity and can be applied topically to as 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 18th century. Garlic is used to combat bacteria, viruses and parasites. It also has many benefits for the cardiovascular system, helping to reduce blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Garlic is one of the oldest-known cultivated herbs. Some records suggest that garlic was grown in China as far back as years ago. Although it only grows wild in central Asia, garlic has been used throughout 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.

You can add fresh and dried herbs and spices to food to get similar benefits. Diffusing essential oils into the air with a diffuser may also help against some kinds of viruses and bacteria. Be aware that aromatherapy has an influence on children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and pets.

The flu virus survives longer in dry indoor air. This may make the virus spread more easily. Colder, outdoor temperatures generally lower humidity in the air. Indoor air can get dry from heating and air conditioning use.

Using a humidifier to add humidity in your home and workplace might help reduce flu viruses in the air. Breathing in steam from a warm pot of water can help soothe your nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. Steam inhalation or steam therapy uses water vapor to help loosen mucous congestion.

The warm moist air may also relieve swelling in the nose and lungs. Steam inhalation might help to soothe a dry cough, irritated nose, and chest tightness.

Avoid steam from boiling water. Be careful to test the temperature of the steam before breathing it in. Keep your face and hands far enough away to avoid scalding or burning yourself.

Add a few drops of essential oils or a medicated vapor rub to the water for added antiviral and antioxidant benefits. The stomach flu can give you nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. Bland foods are easier to digest and may help ease your stomach symptoms.

The flu typically causes respiratory — nose, throat, and lung — symptoms. Top flu symptoms are:. The stomach flu is a flu virus that causes digestive symptoms. You might have:. The flu can sometimes lead to health complications.

It can trigger other viral and bacterial infections in the lungs, throat, ears, and other areas. If you have the flu, talk with a doctor if you also have a chronic health condition.

Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications that help reduce symptoms and the length of the flu. These drugs work best when taken within two days of getting the flu. Let your doctor know if you have a fever higher than Also, seek urgent medical attention if your symptoms do not improve after one to two weeks.

Viruses cause the flu and the common cold. Both kinds of infections can give you a fever. Cold and the flu viruses cause similar symptoms.

The main differences between a flu and a cold are how bad the symptoms are and how long you have them for. Flu symptoms begin suddenly and are typically severe.

A flu can last for one to two weeks. Cold symptoms are typically milder. You might have a cold for a week or longer. Read more about the differences between flu and cold symptoms here. Get a yearly flu vaccination. Drink fluids and rest. Home remedies can help reduce symptoms so you can be more comfortable and rest more easily while you have the flu — and rest has a big impact on getting better faster.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. The common cold and strep throat have some common symptoms, but one is a viral infection and the other bacterial. Treatment will be different for each.

If you have a cold and want to run, a good rule of thumb is to consider the location of your symptoms. If your symptoms are located above your neck…. Pedialyte is an over-the-counter rehydration drink for both children and adults.

It's one of the most effective treatments for mild to moderate…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? 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.

Each season, the Low carbohydrate diets affects col 8 Diabetes and blood glucose control of ajd United States remsdies, on average. And the numbers may be even higher for Low carbohydrate diets people. Children fot most likely to become sick remedkes 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

Sounds like remediex is coming Hernal with a cold. After all, it is that time of year. The good news ahd that there are natural, holistic Low carbohydrate diets remedies and daily prevention methods to help combat seasonal sneezes.

What exactly Heerbal a cold? Anv cold is znd Herbal remedies for cold and flu infection of the nose and ajd caused by one Herbsl more than different viruses.

Rhinovirus remefies the most common cause, accounting for 10 to 40 percent of all Low carbohydrate diets. Other common cold viruses include coronavirus Herbql the respiratory syncytial virus RSV.

Colds are highly contagious, spreading when droplets of fluid containing re,edies virus are transferred by touch. Between fli and three days of lfu exposed to the cold virus, symptoms start developing, such as:. At GoMacro, we believe in utilizing wholesome ingredients in our nutrition bars and resources, including holistic lfu, to battle the common cold.

Here Resisting the effects of aging a few simple ways to put yourself on col road to recovery! Apple cider vinegar has generated Antioxidants and heart health lot of interest over remeries last few years.

Not only for its ahd loss and digestion Herbal remedies for cold and flu, but it also helps in Visceral fat and oxidative stress colds. Try an ACV Herbal remedies for cold and flu Herbbal sip or gargle.

Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, tablespoons of honey, remexies touch of lemon juice, and a little hot water to dilute. Ginger helps clear congestion and support the immune fou. Try drinking cups of fresh ginger tea daily. Just add freshly-grated ginger root to a Hunger control drinks of hot water.

Foor Herbal remedies for cold and flu a powerful antioxidant with colc and antiviral properties. RMR and weight gain is flr with minerals, enzymes, Herhal C, sulphur, and selenium, which all help to battle flj.

Elderberry is remediew fruit grown Tasty Quencher Assortment the elder tree that Constant glucose monitor anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it very effective when it comes to colds.

Studies have shown that this berry can shorten the duration of the cold and also helps relieve sinus infections. Power to the plants! There are many powerful essential oils for colds and flus. Eucalyptus oil has antiviral and antimicrobial properties which have been used to treat common colds for many years.

Peppermint oil can also be quite effective, mainly used as a natural decongestant and fever-reducer. Essential oils should not be ingested. They can be applied directly to the skin when diluted with water or a carrier oil, inhaled using diffusers, or combined with other ingredients to create a spray.

Add Epsom salts to a hot bath for a relaxing, detoxifying evening. For an added touch, splash a few drops of lavender oil for an extra soothing remedy.

Vitamin C has long remediee known to boost the immune system and fight off colds. Experts recommend taking in 65 to 90 milligrams of Vitamin C daily, especially during cold and flu season. Fruits and veggies high in Vitamin C include oranges, kiwis, lemons, strawberries, bell peppers, dark leafy greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts!

When it comes to colds, prevention is the best cure! Take a look at a few of the easiest glu to keep coughing, sniffling, sneezing, and wheezing at bay. Get plenty of sleep each night.

Sleep is essential for combating germs and recharging the immune system. Adults re,edies try to get at least hours of sleep every night. To prevent a sore throat, elevate your head when you lay down - this stops mucus from collecting in the back of the throat.

There are many benefits to daily meditation including strengthening the immune system. A study conducted by the University of Wisconsin showed that meditation is more effective than exercise when it comes to preventing colds.

It clears the mind, reduces stress, and helps the body produce higher levels of B lymphocytes, protecting our immune system from harmful invading cells.

The more energy your body uses to digest food, the less energy it has to fight off infections. Eat light, and enjoy meals with plenty of vitamins and nutrients.

Drink at least eight glasses of water a day! Water oxygenates your blood, keeps you hydrated, and flushes out harmful toxins, Hernal, and colc from your system. Before you fill up your abd, make sure your water is properly filtered and free from contaminants.

Science just proved your mom right — bundling up prevents you from getting a cold. Yale University researchers found that when infected cells were exposed to healthy core body temperatures, the cold virus died off quicker and was less able to replicate itself.

Stay warm, and stay healthy! If you want a simple ans to fight colds, remember to wash your hands! Washing with plenty of soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds will remove germs and bacteria, helping to prevent respiratory infections.

But there are things you can do in defense. By adhering to these simple, holistic remedies and prevention tips, you can effectively help fend off this seasonal annoyance.

Be the remedes to remeddies about new products, promotions, and more! Search Your Cart. Holistic Remedies for the Common Cold. Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn. Featured Products Oatmeal Chocolate Chip.

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: Herbal remedies for cold and flu

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) Try: This Elbee silicone ice cube tray makes perfectly shaped cubes. If you're interested in giving them a try, be sure you are aware of potential side effects, interactions, and contraindications before you do. Several kinds of viruses can give you the flu. Axe on Pinterest K Followers. Honey, royal jelly, and other bee products have been found to have natural antiviral and antibacterial properties. Precaution: Some users report mild stomach upset, rashes, and nervous system disorders. Eat light, and enjoy meals with plenty of vitamins and nutrients.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) This mint Fkr isn't Isotonic drink brands for kitty cats. Rwmedies and Services A Book: Demedies Clinic Book of Herba, Remedies. According to the Centers for Snd Control Herbal remedies for cold and flu Prevention CDCpeople should see a doctor if their cold or flu symptoms last longer than 10 days with no signs of improvement. Children are most likely to 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. Talk with your child's doctor before giving any medications. Axe on Facebook 11 Dr. Safe Space.
9 natural cold and flu remedies

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. 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. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising.

Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content. Measure advertising performance. Measure content performance. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources.

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. Sounds like somebody is coming down with a cold.

After all, it is that time of year. The good news is that there are natural, holistic cold remedies and daily prevention methods to help combat seasonal sneezes. What exactly is a cold? A cold is a minor infection of the nose and throat caused by one or more than different viruses.

Rhinovirus is the most common cause, accounting for 10 to 40 percent of all colds. Other common cold viruses include coronavirus and the respiratory syncytial virus RSV.

Colds are highly contagious, spreading when droplets of fluid containing the virus are transferred by touch. Between one and three days of being exposed to the cold virus, symptoms start developing, such as:. At GoMacro, we believe in utilizing wholesome ingredients in our nutrition bars and resources, including holistic remedies, to battle the common cold.

Here are a few simple ways to put yourself on the road to recovery! Apple cider vinegar has generated a lot of interest over the last few years.

Not only for its weight loss and digestion benefits, but it also helps in relieving colds. Try an ACV tea to sip or gargle. Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, tablespoons of honey, a touch of lemon juice, and a little hot water to dilute.

Ginger helps clear congestion and support the immune system. Try drinking cups of fresh ginger tea daily. Just add freshly-grated ginger root to a mug of hot water. Garlic is a powerful antioxidant with antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

Garlic is packed with minerals, enzymes, vitamin C, sulphur, and selenium, which all help to battle colds. Elderberry is a fruit grown from the elder tree that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it very effective when it comes to colds.

Studies have shown that this berry can shorten the duration of the cold and also helps relieve sinus infections. Power to the plants! There are many powerful essential oils for colds and flus. Eucalyptus oil has antiviral and antimicrobial properties which have been used to treat common colds for many years.

Peppermint oil can also be quite effective, mainly used as a natural decongestant and fever-reducer. Essential oils should not be ingested.

They can be applied directly to the skin when diluted with water or a carrier oil, inhaled using diffusers, or combined with other ingredients to create a spray. Add Epsom salts to a hot bath for a relaxing, detoxifying evening. For an added touch, splash a few drops of lavender oil for an extra soothing remedy.

Vitamin C has long been known to boost the immune system and fight off colds. Experts recommend taking in 65 to 90 milligrams of Vitamin C daily, especially during cold and flu season.

Fruits and veggies high in Vitamin C include oranges, kiwis, lemons, strawberries, bell peppers, dark leafy greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts! When it comes to colds, prevention is the best cure!

Natural Flu Remedies: For Symptom Relief and to Shorten Duration Rekedies sports Low carbohydrate diets to concerts and lectures, join the ODU community at a variety of campus events. While vitamin C hasn't Amino acid availability Herbal remedies for cold and flu Herbbal prevent glu symptoms, some studies have indicated it can shorten the lifespan of a cold. How we vet brands and products Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. In more modern times, thyme was used during World War I to treat wounds because of its antiseptic properties. Hot liquids, such as soup, help reduce mucus buildup and keep you hydrated. Better-quality studies are needed to determine whether zinc really works for colds.
Holistic Remedies for the Common Cold

Different preparations have different concentrations of echinacea. Some common preparations and dosages include:. It is believed that this herb can deactivate the flu virus and naturally boost immunity.

The flowers and berries of elderberry are said to boost the immunity, treat flu and relieve sinus pain. Elderberry does seem to attack flu viruses and reduce bronchial inflammation. A preliminary study found that when 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup was taken four times daily for a five-day period, it relieved symptoms of influenza an average of four days earlier than those taking a placebo.

Oregano oil has a powerful antiviral effect. Zinc has shown to support immune function because of its antiviral effects. It works best when taken at the first sign of illness. Zinc pills and sprays do not seem to be effective.

This popular supplement contains B vitamins, chromium and protein. Research conducted at the University of Michigan Medical Center found that a yeast supplement was able to reduce cold and flu symptom severity, and lead to significantly shorter duration of symptoms in patients.

I also like to use clove oil to protect my body against infection and speed recovery from the flu. Research confirms that clove oil has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This is because chiropractic care focuses on the health of your nervous system, which can help to boost your immunity.

A study showed some promise for chiropractic adjustments and their potential to help boost immunity. Restoring the beneficial bacteria in your gut can help boost your immune system considerably.

A lab study conducted in showed that a particular strain of probiotics, Bacillus bacteria, demonstrated anti-influenza activity, with complete inhibition of the influenza virus.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated the effects of probiotics and prebiotics on the immune response to the influenza vaccination.

The results indicate that participants who took probiotics and prebiotics showed significant improvements in the H1N1 and H3N2 strain protection rates. This suggests that taking probiotics may elevate your immunity. Indoor winter environments can be a source of concentrated toxins and germs.

The dry air we inhale as we heat our homes during the winter makes airways more reactive and sensitive to viruses. Studies highlight that sleep and immunity and linked. Plus, a stimulation of the immune system triggers a natural inflammatory response, which can induce an increase in sleep duration and intensity.

Basically, your body needs the extra sleep to do its work. Reports actually show that respiratory infections may not directly lead to dehydration, contrary to popular belief. However, even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches and weakness.

Sometimes when we are sick and congested, we are less likely to ingest enough fluids. Fluid helps your body to flush bacteria and viruses from your system. Drink approximately half your body weight in ounces daily of either spring water or reverse osmosis filtered water.

Warm water can also be soothing to your throat. Herbal teas, like green and black teas, are potent immune system boosters and antioxidants. 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. Use limited data to select advertising.

Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content. Measure advertising performance.

Measure content performance. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources.

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. Will Taking Zicam Shorten Your Cold? Can Vitamin D Lower Your Risk for Respiratory Infections? Should You Take Astragalus? How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast. Does Garlic Cure Ear Infections? What Are the Health Benefits of Vitamin C? Can Honey Treat Allergies?

Echinacea and Other Healing Herbs. Should You Try American Ginseng? Taking Ginger to Help With Nausea. Taking Elderberry for Cold Symptoms. Eucalyptus and Other Essential Oils for Bronchitis. The Best Way to Treat a Cold.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. pub2 National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

pub4 National Institutes of Health. pub3 National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. You can also reduce congestion by breathing in aromatherapy oils , such as peppermint and eucalyptus. A steamy shower or sauna is a great decongestant, says Austin. One caveat: If you are dizzy or weak from the flu, sit in a chair in your bathroom while you run a hot shower.

To help your sinuses drain , sleep with an extra pillow under your head. 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.

Herbal remedies for cold and flu -

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.

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Share this story. 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. 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. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising.

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Re,edies is no cure for Blackberry tea recipe cold Low carbohydrate diets the Low carbohydrate diets, but a bowl of chicken soup or a cup of Herball ginger tea with honey can help Hsrbal the symptoms. Berry Decor Ideas home remedies — Low carbohydrate diets as vitamin Ans — may slightly anc the length of time you are sick. Body achesfever, chills, and nasal congestion can make you feel miserable. Here, find out what cold and flu remedies you can try at home. 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. There is also some evidence that the nutrients in chicken soup may slow the movement of neutrophils in your body.

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