Herbs for Cold & Flu

We are coming on that fateful season when basically everyone is a walking germ. Having a few common herbs and herbal preparations on hand can really help make getting through this time of year a lot easier. The following is a list of some of my favorite herbs for cold and flu as well as some of their preparations. Many of these you can be bough in stores and I will try to link them where I can, as well as include recipes for those that are not as easily found. This list can be a great resource for building your personal apothecary.

Echinacea
One of the most commonly used herbs to help boost the immune system, echinacea is also great for combating infections and viruses. Be sure to only use it in the short term (3-4 weeks) as long-term use can end up overworking the immune system. I love this tea for seasonal use.

Peppermint
Good for soothing an upset stomach, and mitigating nausea that may come with illness. Mints are also good for soothing achy muscles and clearing sinuses, making them a great option for sinus steams. Peppermint features in both my Spiced Mint and Sinus Ease (licorice also features in these).

Lemon Balm
This is one of my favorite illness herbs as it can help with soothing sore throat, reducing fevers, and is a strong anti-viral. I combined this with Licorice to create a syrup that helped reduce my cough and helped move mucous out of my system. It’s great for kids and a recipe to make a kid safe glycerite can be found in both my Children’s Herbal and my new book!

Licorice
Not only can licorice root stimulate the immune system, but it also is mucilaginous, which means that it helps the body create new clear mucous, moving out the old. It's anti-inflammatory and soothing to the respiratory system. Here is a glycerite that I use with my kids when they have a cough.

Ginger
Mostly known for its power as a digestive aid, ginger is also very stimulating and good for boosting immune function. Try ginger as a tea, in cooking, or as a cough drop.

Chamomile
Often used for calm and relaxation, chamomile is also good for soothing the symptoms of a cold. It can help reduce inflammation, soreness, and boost the immune system. I often combine it with hibiscus and honey to make popsicles for my kids, since they don’t love the taste.

Garlic
A culinary favorite this herb is also known for boosting the immune system, and being a powerful antibiotic. It is also a heart tonic and has been shown to improve both cognitive and athletic performance (think easing sore muscles from the inside). Add this to broth, soups, or make the delicious fermented honey from my book!

While I hope you all stay healthy this season, at least you now have a few herbs to help you through if things do get a little dodgy. As always feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need some specific help!