Herbal Cures: Colds & Flu

There are hundreds of different cold viruses. What's worse, many of them routinely alter themselves, posing new threats at every turn. With no cure in sight, the same remedies administered by our forebears remain our first line of defense: chicken soup, hot lemonade, tea with honey. None of these will cure a cold, but anything that eases the agony even temporarily is just what the doctor ordered.

Over the years the basic advice to cold and flu sufferers has not changed: Stay home in a warm (but not overheated) room, increase the moisture in the air with a humidifier if it makes you feel better (it will not help you get better faster), drink plenty of fluids, and get lots of rest. To relieve a sore throat, gargle with a solution of one teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water. Doing so will also inhibit the growth of bacteria, which can lead to strep throat. To keep a cold from spreading, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and wash your hands frequently.

Does chicken soup offer any real medical benefits? Most likely. Studies show that, for some reason, hot chicken soup is more effective at clearing nasal passages than other hot liquids are. It has also been shown to inhibit the movement of white blood cells, which contributes to inflammation of the lining of the respiratory tract. And, of course, the soup offers plenty of nutrition and fluids.

Hot lemonade, like any hot drink, decreases congestion, and it also provides a healthy dose of vitamin C, believed by many to help relieve the symptoms of a cold. Tea with honey also helps break up congestion and soothes a sore throat. Steam inhalations, to which camphor or eucalyptus may be added, help loosen the mucus in the respiratory tract.

Most colds will clear up within a week or so. Influenza is a more serious illness, and usually brings with it fever, chills, muscle aches, and sometimes back pain, in addition to cold symptoms. The flu typically comes on suddenly and can lead to secondary infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which require treatment with antibiotics. It can pose a serious health threat to the elderly. See a doctor if your fever lasts for more than three days or if your temperature is over 102?F. Never give aspirin to a child with a virus; this increases the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare and life-threatening disease.

When you have the flu, drink plenty of liquids in order to prevent dehydration and loosen mucus in the respiratory tract, which may reduce the risk of complications, such as bronchitis.

Herbal Remedies

Garlic High hopes exist for garlic's power to boost the immune system and fight viruses. Some herbalists advise eating raw cloves at the onset of cold or flu symptoms (if you cook or dry garlic, it most likely loses its antibiotic properties). Garlic capsules are becoming increasingly popular. Look for enteric coated pills, which pass through the stomach to the small intestine without being neutralized by stomach acid--and also cut down on lingering odor. But some experts believe that covering up the smell removes some of the potency in garlic.

Echinacea In the late 19th and early 20th century this was the most widely used plant drug in the country, but only recently have scientists discovered its ability to stimulate the immune system. In at least one study, echinacea was shown to relieve the severity and duration of flu symptoms. If you have a cold or the flu, take two capsules of freeze-dried extract or a dropperful of tincture in water four times a day. To prevent an illness, take half that dose for two weeks, then discontinue for two weeks. Do not take echinacea for more than eight weeks in a row, as it may overstimulate the immune system.

Eucalyptus This is a common ingredient in vapor rubs. Put 4 drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of steaming water. Place a towel over your head, lean over the bowl, and inhale for a few minutes. To clear your nasal passages, breathe through your nose. This will loosen the mucus, which you can then clear by blowing your nose. To clear chest congestion, breathe through your mouth. Eucalyptus oil is not only soothing, it also kills some bacteria, helping to fight off secondary infections. Other substances to try as steams include menthol, camphor, rosemary, pine, and thyme.

Linden flowers Also called lime tree flowers, linden flowers contain mucilage, which soothes the throat. To make a pleasanttasting infusion, steep 1 to 2 teaspoons dried flowers in a cup of hot water. Strain, then drink.

Mullein This herb contains ingredients that coat and soothe sore throats. It also acts as a mild expectorant. To make a tea, pour a cup of boiling water over 3 to 4 teaspoons crushed flowers. Steep, then strain.

Tip: Mother Was Wrong

The old saying, "Feed a cold, starve a fever," can lead to trouble. Even with a fever, the body needs nourishment; fasting will only make you weaker.