The time is upon us, where the average person gets hit with a fever, chills, stuffy nose, muscle aches, coughs and sinus issues. The symptoms you feel are a combination of the virus itself and your body’s immune system trying to fight the virus. Turning to plant medicines may help shorten how long you have the flu or even prevent the onset all together. What can you do to boost your immune system? Here are 5 unique herbs with medicinal properties to help you get through the cold winter months.
1. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): this versatile plant in which, both the fruit (elderberries) and flower extracts can be used to help fight infection, is found in many cold and flu formulas in health food stores today. Elderberry extracts have been shown to reduce cold and flu symptoms by 3 to 4 days by inhibiting the commonly known H1N1 virus. Whether consumed as a homemade jam, tea, tincture, syrup or juice, you will likely use this botanical as a household staple.
2. Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus): AKA: Eleuthero, is best known as an adaptogenic herb to strengthen the immune system to combat fatigue, exhaustion and stress-related immune suppression. Used regularly, Siberian Ginseng helps adapt to daily stress and life changes and may even show benefits such as improved energy, less sick days, improved stamina and better jet-lag recovery.
3. Mullein (Verbascum thapsis): this gentle and pleasant tasting plant is most well known for strengthening the respiratory system and managing symptoms associated with ailments such as asthma, laryngitis, chronic bronchitis, and dry coughs. With a 2000 year old history, the leaves help break up stubborn mucous, while the roots can be made into a tea to soothe dry and irritated lungs. Recommended for both children and adults, flower oil infusions are most popularly used to treat earaches.
4. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): this triple action root has been used for thousands of years to treat upper respiratory, digestive, and urinary tract infections with its anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and immune-activating properties. Licorice is commonly used to help with bronchitis and can be consumed as a tea to strengthen digestion, lubricate the lungs and replenish vital energy when affected by fatigue and immune deficiency.
5. Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) contains immune-stimulating properties that act as your body’s first line of defence against fighting and warding off both bacterial and viral infections. The active ingredient “andrographolide” contained in its leaves help speed up the body’s response to illness whereby reducing the duration of fevers, eliminates inflammation, and prevents the reoccurrence of illness. This herb is best taken as a preventative at first suspect of an upper respiratory infection.
Please note: This information is solely for educational purposes and is not intended to treat or cure disease. Please consult with one of our licensed naturopathic doctor before taking any/all of these medicinal herbal supplements. For more information on herbal supplementation, please contact the Nature Doctors.