How to Use Herbal Remedies to Fight a Cold

Rediscover these natural remedies for colds, coughs and congestion. Herbs can be used not only to soothe the symptoms of the common cold but to fight virus and bacteria as well. Here's some of my favorite herbal cold/flu remedies.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Recipe of Herbal Cold & Flu Tea
   
   This combination of herbs contains those to soothe the symptoms of the common cold/flu with herbs that fight viruses and bacteria.
   
   To make 1 cup of Herbal Cold & Flu Tea Blend:
   1/4 cup dried peppermint leaves
   1/4 cup dried lemon balm leaves
   1/4 cup dried elder flowers
   1/4 cup dried yarrow flowers
   (blend and seal in airtight container)
   
   To make 1 cup of tea:
   1 cup water
   1-2 tsp Herbal Cold and Flu Tea Blend
   1/2-1 tsp grated ginger
   honey - to taste
   lemon juice - to taste
   
   Bring water to a boil and remove from heat. Add tea and ginger and steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain; add honey and/or lemon juice as desired.

2. Elderberry Tea
   
   That's right, elderberries are tasty cold/flu fighters. Elderberries contain compounds to inhibit the enzyme that flu viruses use to penetrate our cell membranes. So if it's a fight you're looking for try drinking this tea up to 3 cups per day. It's easy to brew.
   
   Elderberry Tea:
   Simmer 1 Tblsp dried elderberries in 2 cups of hot water for 15 minutes. Strain and enjoy!

3. Saline Spray
   
   Saline nasal sprays and drops are a great way to loosen nasal congestion. And here's how you can make your own solution.
   
   Saline nasal spray:
   Mix 1/4 tsp table salt with 1 cup warm tap water. Mix fresh each day and put into a spray bottle or a dropper. Use as needed.

4. Herbal Steam and Bath
   
   This last herbal cold remedy is tried and true. It's the herbal steam and bath. Herbal steam is a natural remedy that when inhaled acts as an antiseptic and decongestant. And when you're done inhaling steam you can add the solution to your bath to soak in! How's that for recycling!
   
   Herbal steam recipe:
   4 cups water
   3 Tblsp. eucalyptus leaves
   2 Tblsp. Thyme leaves
   1 Tblsp. Rosemary
   1 Tblsp. Peppermint
   In a large sauce pan bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and add herbs. Steep, covered for 5 minutes. Remove from stove and carefully pour water into a bowl and place on sturdy table. Put a towel over your head and hold your face at least 12-16 inches away from the steam. If the feels comfortable, take an experimental breath. If the steam feels good, drape towel around our head and breathe deeply -through your nose if possible for a cold or sinus infection - through your mouth for a cough. Obviously use caution -you would never want to have the steam too hot, so please be prudent. And after inhaling the steam, strain out herbs and pour into you bath!

Tips & Warnings

• Commercial syrups and lozenges with elderberry extract are available -follow package for directions.
• Herbal Tea Blend may be stored in airtight container away from feat and light for several months.