Herbal Cold Remedies

There's no cure for the common cold, but herbal cold remedies may help lessen symptoms and shorten your suffering. More and more people are turning to natural remedies to help ward off and lessen the effects from colds. We've often heard that bumping up your dosage of vitamin C can lessen a cold attack when you feel one coming on and the antioxidants found in herbs, fruits and vegetables can keep your immune system healthy so it can easily fight of viruses.

Some herbs have been used as cold remedies for hundreds of years, yet little research has been done on the effectiveness of herbs and colds. Since herbs have many benefits to your overall health, it can't hurt to take some of the herbs below when you feel a cold coming on. Of course, you'll want to talk to your doctor first as some herbs can react with medication and if you are ill or pregnant adding herbs to your diet may have adverse effects.

Herbal Cold Remedies

Echinacea
This much publicized herb is said to be an immune system stimulant and is reputed to help lesson symptoms and shorten illness when taken at the beginning of a cold. To treat colds a tincture is recommended.

Green Tea
Green tea is loaded with powerful antioxidants that give your immune system a helping hand by helping to combat free radicals. It is a modern wonder for your health and should be consumed daily whether you have a cold or not! It is reputed to be more effective than vitamin C in fighting a cold.

Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial properties that can help in everything from cuts and scrapes to colds. It is most powerful when mashed up and taken raw. Let it sit for about 10 minutes after mashing.

Ginger
This herb has several compounds that help to fight the cold virus. It is quite tasty when combined in a tea!

Goldenseal
This is an immune stimulating herb with antiseptic properties that activates the white blood cells which help destroy bacteria and viruses.

Of Interest