4 herbal allies to aid in this cold and flu season!

3 MINUTE READ

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus

 

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

The Elder Flower Plant has been an important herb for the common cold/flu for centuries.

Research done by the German Commission E found that Elder has the ability to alleviate symptoms of the common cold and has the ability to shorten the duration of a cold or flu up to a few days.

One of my favorite ways to take the Elder Plant Is through syrup made with the berries. Elderberry syrup is tasty and effective; you can either make it yourself or buy it in your local health food store.

 

 

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Echinacea

Known for its ability to help boost the immune system and fight off the common cold Echinacea is an herb you should keep in your medicine cabinet.

Echinacea helps to increase the body’s production of readily available white blood cells, which help to destroy bacteria in the body and slow the speed of infection.

Best taken as a strong tea or in tincture form, Echinacea is available at health food stores.

 

 

 

 

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Ginger

Ginger is an excellent aid for digestion. It is said that the ancient Greeks used to wrap ginger in bread after meals to aid digestion.

Ginger also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and is very drying (excellent to use in instances of congestion).

One of my all-time favorite teas to drink when I’m sick is a combination of ginger, lemon and honey.

 

 

http://herbs.motherearthliving.com/yarrow-wonder-weed/

 

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

The use of Yarrow dates back to as early as the Neanderthals. Externally yarrow is the hero of wound healing and stopping bleeding. It is said that Achilles used yarrow in the Trojan War to stop the bleeding of fellow comrades.

Internally Yarrow is an amazing herb in helping with colds and flus. Yarrow has diaphoretic properties (meaning it has the ability to induce sweating) which helps both with cold and flu symptoms and to help with the healing process.

 

 

Sources:

1. Fundukian, Laurie J. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Detroit: Gale, Cengage Learning, 2009. Print
2. Tierra, Michael, and David Frawley. Planetary Herbology: An Integration of Western Herbs into the Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Systems. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus, 1988. Print.