If you are suffering with a cold right now like me, here are 5 herbs that can help!
1. Echinacea
Echinacea - which supports the body’s natural immune function as well as directly fighting infection, so can be taken both preventatively and acutely. Research shows that Echinacea reduces the number of recurrent colds by 59% and decreases the number of sick days, while also reducing cold symptoms and the need for pain relief by up 52%.1 It also limits the number of secondary infections, such as the chest or sinus infection that often comes after a cold, and reduces the need for antibiotics by up to 80%.2
2. Elderberry
Elderberry which is a traditional immune remedy, used by wise women across the UK and Ireland for centuries! The berries contain vitamin C, antioxidants and immune-supporting polyphenols.3 The raw berries can cause stomach ache though, which is why they are traditionally cooked into a syrup or tea.
3. Pine and Spruce needles
Pine and spruce needles are full of vitamin C which supports the immune system, and the aromatic menthol compounds in pine are also great for the respiratory tract.
4. Garlic
Garlic is great for the lungs. You know the classic garlic breath? This is essentially healing phytochemicals leaving your body through your lung tissue, so the molecules get exactly where they need to be when you have a chest infection.
5. Ginger
Ginger is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and helps your body sweat which is an important part of our natural immune response.4 To make a stronger tea called a decoction, boil some ginger in a pot with the lid on for 15 minutes and drink 3 cups daily (with honey and lemon if you like).
Get better soon ?
