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Best Herbs for Cold, Flu and Immunity

Best Herbs for Cold, Flu and Immunity

Natural Remedies and Immunity Boosting Herbs

Now more than ever, we need to bolster immunity through natural remedies. Herbs for cold and flu along with eating vibrant garden-fresh foods whenever possible is the best preventive medicine.

Instead of a medicine cabinet full of pharmaceuticals, my family always has drawers, jars and boxes full of herbs for cold, flu and immunity on hand. This article is written by a trained and licensed herbalist, and herbs have been used for centuries longer than traditional medicine. However…

Many people turn to the doctor or a bottle. Most gardeners turn to plants for age old cold and flu remedies. For those who prefer to seek out natural remedies for prevention and alleviation, here we cover some of the best herbs for cold and flu.

DISCLAIMER: Always consult with your medical professional over any health concerns. While this is traditional information shared from experience and research, it cannot be construed as medical advice or take the place of physician consultation. Also, if any symptoms worsen from natural remedies, immediately discontinue use and seek medical assistance. Some immunity boosting herbs can increase inflammation if present and subsequently work best as preventive and restorative post illness.[1]https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30628-0/fulltext

Cold and Flu Season

When we got Covid, this is one of the immunity boosting herb combinations we took in addition to our usual MANY helpful herbs and tinctures shared here.

Each season has its share of colds and flus, with an apparent concentration of this in winter months. Indoor climates—such as schools, office buildings, and other public spaces—expose us to a greater concentrations of germs.

The combination of less fresh air, and dramatic temperature and weather fluctuations can stress our bodies and leave us vulnerable from weakened immune systems, as indicated in a 2015 study on colds in winter. [2]https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20150106/researchers-probe-why-colds-are-more-likely-in-winter

With spring, we typically begin to see some relief from the cold and flu season. However, this is a great time to clear out some of your winter store of herbs to boost your immunity against spring colds and allergies. It’s also the time to plan your herb gardens with herbs for cold and flu.

Herbs for Colds and Flu

Elderberry

Elderberry for Cold and Flu, immunity boosting. Nature's medicine. #Elderberries #Elderberry#BestForImmunity #NaturalRemedies #HerbsForColdAndFlu #HerbalRemedies #NaturalHealing #PreventiveMedicine

Rich, dark purple elderberries (Sambucus nigra) shine as one of the best herbal remedies for immune boosting and helping to fight off certain viruses, especially types A and B influenza. 

Elderberries are also classed as safe for children, but best in the syrups and supplements and not the fresh berries.  Elderberries have long been used by herbalists to assist with upper respiratory infections, sore throats, and influenza, possibly by interfering with the virus’ ability to replicate itself. 

Elderberries for Cold and Flu, immunity boosting. Nature's medicine. #Elderberries #Elderberry#BestForImmunity #NaturalRemedies #HerbsForColdAndFlu #HerbalRemedies #NaturalHealing #PreventiveMedicine

Benefits of Elderberry

  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Sore throats
  • Influenza

Studies show that taking elderberry at the onset of feeling symptoms of cold or flu may prevent the infection from taking hold entirely or at least lessen the time that symptoms are felt.[3]https://imr.sagepub.com/content/32/2/132.long  

Elderberry syrup for Cold and Flu, immunity boosting. Nature's medicine. #Elderberries #Elderberry#BestForImmunity #NaturalRemedies #HerbsForColdAndFlu #HerbalRemedies #NaturalHealing #PreventiveMedicine

Syrups or tinctures of elderberry are both effective, with syrups being far more popular and easier to get a child to take.  Buy your syrup from your herbalist, a reputable seller, or consider making your own. It’s very easy, and we’ll provide a recipe link at the end of this article.

If you choose to make your own, use dried, ripe berries, or very ripe fresh berries only. Both the flowers and berries in the Elder plant can be used when properly prepared, but all leaves, sticks, and roots should be avoided, so no unripe berries, leaves, or woody parts).

Why you’ll want this next one in your natural herbal remedy chest. Hint: it’s a root. 

Astragalus Root

Did you guess?

Astragalus for Cold and Flu, immunity boosting. Nature's medicine. #astragalus #HerbsForColdAndFlu #HerbsForImmunity #NaturalRemedies #BestHerbs #HerbalRemedies #NaturalHealing #PreventiveMedicine

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a perennial plant that grows readily in China and other parts of Asia.  It has been used medicinally there for many years as a warming and tonic herb.  This sweet tasting root has become popular in the west. Astragalus is an adaptogenic, immune boosting, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory herb. It is considered safe for children. 

Astragalus Root for Viral Immunity Flu, immunity boosting. Nature's medicine. #Elderberry #BestForImmunity #NaturalRemedies #HerbsForColdAndFlu #HerbalRemedies #NaturalHealing #PreventiveMedicine

Benefits of Astragalus: