| PDF (Download) | ColdsFlusHerbal Therapies | | Date: September 17, 1996 | HC# 010672-101 |
Re: Herbs for Colds & Flu
Meserole, Lisa and Eric Yarnell. Flu Season: Herbal Tonics From Nature's Pharmacy Alternative & Complementary Therapies. :.
This article focuses on herbal medicines useful in the prevention and treatment of common, seasonal viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, collectively known as the 'flu.' Symptoms of the flu include runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, headache, muscle ache, and fatigue. Unlike drugs used to treat the flu, herbs, because of their complex chemical composition, are less susceptible to the development of microbial resistance. Herbs can also be used to boost the body's own immune response to the flue.
Prevention is the primary goal, and proper nutrition is a fundamental base upon which to add the use of tonic and therapeutic herbs. The following types of herbs have a history of traditional use in the preventino and treatment of flu: digestive alteratives, sudorifics or diaphoretics (plants that enhance sweating), vitamin-rich plants, and plants high in immunomodulating polysaccharides. Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) is a digestive alterative, and can help correct constipation. Although no knows studies exist on the effects of an emptied colon on disease resistance, it is well-known in herbal traditions and is theoretically plausible. Diaphoretics, such as the flowers of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and elder (Sambucus nigra) can help prevent flu by stimulating mild fever which has a beneficial effect on the immune system. Diaphoretic cooking spices include cayenne pepper and jalapeņos (Capsicum spp.), mustard seed (Brassica nigra), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and horseradish (Cochlearia armoracia). Herbs rich in vitamin C include rose hips (Rosa canina) and black currant berries (Ribes nigrum) can also be helpful as preventives and tonics during flu season.
Once you have the flu, there are many herbs that can be used therapeutically. Demulcent herbs such as marshmallow (Althea officinalis) can reduce inflammation and irritation, and soothe mucous membranes of the throat, bronchi, and the sinuses. Relaxing expectorants such as mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and wild cherry (Prunus serotina) can be used to soothe bronchial spasm and loosen mucous secretions. Elder flower and sage (Salvia officinalis) can be used as astringents for the nose, sinuses, throat, and mouth. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is valuable as an antispasmodic, as well as for the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of its volatile oils. The polysaccharides in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and echinacea (Echinacea spp.) exert immunomodulating effects, and can be helpful for fighting infection. Other choices are Lomatium dissectum, propolis, and wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), or tea made from cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.), ginger, and cardomon (Elletara cardamomum). |