Natural Cold and Flu Remedies
By Colin Ng Reynolds
Well the cold and flu season is well and truly upon us so we thought we would share a little of our wisom with you and share some of the secrets to a natural remedy for cold and flu. Herbal medicines for cold and flu ailments do not directly attack the viruses. They exist to help boost your immune system, since only your own body can help you fight off these problems. Your immune system is the key to fending off viruses!
Whilst there is no better treatment for cold and flu than prevention we don't often realise this fact until it's too late and reach for the lemsip and night nurse etc but there are natural cures for cold and flu symptoms which dot require you to fill your body with pharmaceutical drugs. The same herbs that keep colds and flu at bay, will also help you get rid of it faster!
The common cold is caused by any one of 200 different viruses. Symptoms range from a sore throat, running nose, nasal congestion, hacking coughs, headaches, and fever. Most colds only last for 7-10 days but it can be a miserable 7-10 days!!
In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus root is often used to help boost the immune system. Astragalus Root Powder is an immunomodulator. It contains Glycosides, Polysaccharides, Choline, Betaine, Rumatakenin, and Beta-Sitosterol. It activates the immune system, thus enhancing the body's natural ability to fight disease and protecting the body against a number of toxins
One particular herb which has recently had a lot of press coverage is Echinacea. Echinacea has in fact been used by America Indians for hundreds of years. It is native to the North America Plains, but varieties of the species are now found on most continents and has become one of the top selling herbs in the United States. Echinacea activates the body's immune system increasing the chances of fighting off any disease. The most important immune-stimulating components are the large polysaccharides, such as inulin, that increase the production of T-cells and increase other natural killer cell activity
Its anti-bacterial effect makes it a good herb for treating many viral and bacterial infections. Echinacea is also an excellent blood cleanser which helps to sweep dead cells through the channels of the lymphatic system and dispatches white blood cells to fight the infection. So when you feel the cold coming on - reach for the echinacea tincture. As with any of these herbal remedies it is important to try to take echinacea before the full onset of a cold or flu to give the best chance of a swift recovery.
Herbalists have also been using liquorice to soothe chest and throat complaints since the third century BC for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, throat problems, colds and coughs. Liquorice contains anti-viral compounds that induce the release of interferon, the bodies own anti-viral constituents. It is an expectorant and anti-inflammatory which makes it excellent for stubborn coughs and lung infections. (Please note that large doses can act as a laxative!)
Bee pollen is another natural cure for the common cold and flu that we would strongly recommend. As Bee Pollen has the full-spectrum of blood building and rejuvenating properties it is also particularly beneficial for people recuperating from illness and is generally recommended for strengthening the immune system. The nutritional diversity of Bee Pollen makes it an ideal dietary supplement as a complement and boost to a well-rounded diet. The nutrients in Bee Pollen are very concentrated and extremely high quality. This nutritional density means that even small amounts provide effective and valuable levels of important nutrients. Have you ever tried hot milk and bee pollen? This is one remedy that all of us here at naturally green use at the first sniff of a cold or flu. It's also worth mentioning that in over 5 years nobody here has ever had a cold or flu!!
Naturally Green are specialists in natural herbal remedies and superfoods from across the globe. Naturally Green also stock a wide range of eco friendly household products.
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