Herbal Remedies for Cold and Flu

January 7, 2010 · Filed under diy, Environmental Detox, Health Care, Herb Recipes, herbs, Natural Remedies, Personal Care · Tagged cold, cough, diy, flu, foraging, handmade, healing, health, herbs, homemade, how to, natural, non toxic, recipes, remedies, safe, sickness

Here we are in the middle of a deep freeze and cold and flus are rampant. With the addition of H1N1 to our concerns, the need for vaccines and other preventatives have never been higher. But if you are among those who are not high risk for swine flu or who refuse the vaccines for whatever reason you may prefer to use herbal remedies for the everyday coughs and sneezes as they come along. Personally I am always in favor of the most natural solution to any illness or everyday need.

Here are some of my favorite fixes for coughs, colds and flu. Depending on how bad your brand is, it will be up to you to decide which remedy might help and when it is time to run up the white flag and head to the doctor. But for most of us, a sore throat or cough usually just means Vitamin C tablets and Echinacea tea and this can often be good enough. But in case you are looking for more ammunition in your arsenal, here are some good ideas.

BREATHING DIFFICULTY / CONGESTION

The remedies work well for breaking up congestion and freeing up the airways. I suggest also washing your sinuses with salt and baking soda in warm water. If you continue to be breathless, heavily congested or unable to breathe, please go to the doctor and get treatment for the infection. Also, take some garlic. Lots of it. This helps the system fight it.

ROSEMARY STEAM

Ingredients:

Water
Dried Rosemary Leaves and Stems

Method:

Necessary Test: Test sensitivity to steam. Boil water and put it in a glass bowl. Put a towel over your head and hold your face at least 12 inches away from the steam. If steam causes coughing or wheezing, stop and do not make steamers for your Asthma.

Steamer: If you can tolerate steam, then proceed with steamer. Simmer 1/2 cup of dried Rosemary in 4 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain hot water into glass bowl. Put towel over back of your head and hold your face at least 12 inches away from the steam. Breath deeply.

If you tolerate this well, then continue use. You may want to try this steamer with Peppermint or Thyme, as well. If you like, you try it with essential oils. Remember, though that essential oils are greater in strength than fresh herbs and only a small drop should be added to hot water and only AFTER the water has been removed from heat and placed in the glass bowl. If they cause coughing or wheezing, return to using fresh herbs.

HERBAL STEAM BATH

Ingredients:

1 tbsp Chamomile Flowers
1 tsp chopped Eucalyptus leaves
2 cups Water

Method:

Bring water to a boil over medium heat. Add in Flowers and leaves. Allow to boil momentarily and reduce heat. Remove from heat, cover and allow to infuse for 10 minutes. Strain and pour warm liquid into a ceramic or glass bowl and microwave for 1 minute, until hot and steaming. Place bowl in a sturdy place and leave over. Place a towel behind your head to catch the steam and inhale! You may also add the hot, steaming tea to a prepared bath and climb in! The aromatherapy will clear the air passages.

COWSLIP FLOWER SYRUP

Ingredients:

1 large handful of Cowslip Flowers
1 tbsp dried Coltsfoot
1 tsp Aniseed
1-1/2 cups Honey

Method:

Warm the Honey slowly over low-medium heat in a medium saucepan. As it warms, add in Cowslip Flowers, Coltsfoot and Aniseed. Allow to come to a light boil over low heat. If there is scum on the surface of the Honey, skim it off with a spoon. Allow to boil lightly for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cover. Allow to infuse for 30 minutes as the Honey cools. When cool, strain the Honey through a small colander or tight sieve, removing all of the flowers, herbs and seeds. When the Honey seems brownish and clear, you may bottle it in a glass, stoppered bottle and store in the refrigerator. Take a tablespoon at a time for coughs. You may dose up to 3 times a day to calm cough. A decongestant.

PEPPERMINT INHALANT

Ingredients:

1 tsp dried Peppermint
1 tsp dried Lime Flowers
1 tsp dried Chamomile Flowers
1 tsp dried Basil
1 tsp dried Sage
4 cups Water

Method:

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Put the herbs into a large jug or pitcher and pour boiling water over them. Breath in the vapor by placing a towel or cloth over your head and bending over. Do not get closer than 12 inches or it may burn your eyes or skin. DO NOT REHEAT. Make fresh as needed.

GOLDENROD INFUSION

Ingredients:

2 tsp dried flowering stalks of Goldenrod
1 cup Water

Method:

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan over medium/high heat. Add in Goldenrod. Boil for 1 minute and remove from heat. Cover and allow to infuse for 10 minutes. Strain out Goldenrod and drink tea hot. You may drink an average cupful (4-6 oz) up to 3 times a day.

BRONCHITIS / CONGESTION

If you develop bronchitis and have had it before, you know the regimin. Put down those cigarettes! If you think you have a lung infection or are close to pneumonia, please get to a doctor and let them do their thing. Otherwise, these recipes will help break it up and give relief.

COLTSFOOT INFUSION

Ingredients:

1 tsp fresh or dried Coltsfoot
1 cup Water

Method:

Bring water to a boil in a teapot or saucepan over medium heat. Add in Coltsfoot. Allow to boil for 1 minute and remove from heat. Cover and allow to infuse for 15 minutes. Strain through a seive or coffee filter, being sure to remove all of the Coltsfoot hairs from the water. Strain several times if necessary to be sure. Drink warm or cold up to 3 times a day. An average dose is a small cupful (4-6 oz) at a time.

ELECAMPANE INFUSION

Ingredients:

1 tsp shredded Elecampane Root
1 cup Water

Method:

Place Root in a cup or bowl. Pour cold water over the Root and cover. Allow the Root to infuse in the cold water for 9 hours. After 9 hours, strain out the shredded Root. When ready to drink, pour tea into a mug or cup and microwave until hot. Drink quickly. Standard dose: 4 oz, 3 times a day. Drink HOT.

COLTSFOOT TISANE

Ingredients:

1 tsp dried Coltsfoot Leaves
1 tsp dried, ground Ivy Leaves
1 tbsp dried Marshmallow Root
2 cups Water

Method:

Bruise the Marshmallow Root and soak in the water for at least 30 minutes or as long as overnight. Heat and bring to a boil. Put the remaining leaves in another pot and pour the boiling water and Root over them. Cover the mixture and allow to infuse for at least 15 minutes. Strain carefully through a fine sieve or cloth and be sure to catch the fine hairs from the Coltsfoot leaves. Strain again if necessary. Drink one “wineglass” full at a time. You may drink this dose up to 3 times daily.

HOREHOUND COUGH SYRUP

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup Honey
1-2 teaspoons dried Mullein leaves
1-2 teaspoons dried Horehound Herb
1-2 teaspoons dried Rosemary
1-2 teaspoons powdered or chopped Cinnamon bark
1-2 teaspoons dried chopped Ginger
1 pinch of Cayenne

Method:

THIS SYRUP WILL DECONGEST YOUR LUNGS!!

Combine all the ingredients in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Simmer, uncovered, until the mix has reduced by about 1/2. Remove from heat and strain. Cool to room temperature. Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful as often as every 2 hours. Store in the refrigerator and use as needed.

SUNFLOWER AND HONEY DECOCTION

Ingredients:

1 oz Sunflower Seeds
2-1/2 cups of Water
Honey

Method:

Boil water in a saucepan or teapot over medium/high heat. Add in seeds. Allow to boil for 5 minutes and then remove from heat and cover. Allow to infuse for 15 minutes. Strain out seeds. Add enough Honey to thicken the drink a little and make it go down the throat more slowly. (Suggested amount: 2 tbsp.) Drink all of it immediately and do not store. Make fresh as needed.

NOTE: This recipe makes one standard dose.

THYME AND ROSEMARY STEAMER

Ingredients:

Commercial Steamer, Steam Room or an old-fashioned pot of Boiling Water
Fresh Thyme Leaves
Fresh Rosemary
Fresh Peppermint Leaves
Fresh or dried Eucalyptus

Method:

Use 1/4 cup of fresh herbs for every 4 cups of water you add to the steamer or the hot boiling pot. If you want a stronger herb infusion, you may add essential oils of the same herbs to enhance their effect. Do not get closer than 12 inches to the actual steam. Allow skin and lungs to absorb the steam for as long as you like. You may add herbs or oils as you need them, if you want. Always start with 1/4 cup.

EUCALYPTUS STEAM BATH

Ingredients:

1 tbsp fresh or dried, chopped, Eucalyptus Leaves
2 1/2 cups Water

Method:

Bring water to a boil over high heat. Add in Eucalyptus leaves and allow to boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer for another 5 minutes and remove from heat. Allow to infuse for an additional 5 minutes. Pour water and leaves into a bowl and place on a sturdy table. Lean over. Place a towel behind your head to catch steam but do not stand closer than 12 inches or you may burn your eyes or skin. As this cools, you may microwave it to return to steaming. Use until the scent fades.

You may also strain out the Eucalyptus and add the tea to a hot bath and climb in. Inhale steam while enjoying the invigorating sensation of Eucalyptus as it enters your pores and sinuses. Invigorating.

MUSTARD SEED POULTICE

Ingredients:

4 oz freshly ground Mustard Seeds
Warm water as needed

Method:

Thoroughly pound the Seeds to a paste, adding in small amounts of water to make it into a thick paste. Be careful not to add more than a tsp of water at a time. It should be thicker than thinner. Once the paste is thick but smooth enough to be spooned up, apply it to a dampened peice of gauze. Cover with another dry piece of gauze and place the gauze, DAMP SIDE DOWN, on the chest. Leave on for ONE MINUTE ONLY. This will loosen phlegm in the lungs. Take care not to inflame the skin. If the skin is reddened, rub with oil after use. Use this only ONCE per day for no more than 3 days during the course of chest congestion and coughing.

HERBAL STEAM BATH

Ingredients:

4 cups of Water
3 tablespoons of Eucalyptus Leaves
2 tablespoons of Thyme Leaves
1 tablespoon of Rosemary Leaves
1 tablespoon of Peppermint Leaves

Method:

In a large saucepan (not a teakettle), bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the herbs. Allow to steep, uncovered, for 3-5 minutes. Remove pot from burner. Carefully pour the water into a glass bowl or heat resistant bowl and place it in a sturdy place. Put a towel over your head and hold your face at least 12 inches away from rising steam. Inhale and allow steam to enter pores. Breathe deeply.

COUGHS

These are mostly simple cough syrup remedies and they will work for a cough, even those year round haggles we get from dust. However, these remedies are not for the overall treatment of a cold. Please combine them with the other remedies to get all the treatment you need.

ELDERFLOWER AND PEPPERMINT TEA

Ingredients:

1/4 cup dried Peppermint Leaves
1/4 cup dried Lemon Balm Leaves
1/4 cup dried Elderflowers
1/4 cup dried Yarrow Flowers

Method One:

Store this mixture in a baggie or dry container. Use as needed for tea by stirring into warm or boiling water. After infusion, make sure to strain the tea through a coffee filter before drinking. This mixture is know to encourage perspiration and subdue coughing. Very soothing.

Method Two:

Eliminate the Lemon Balm and replace it with 1 pinch of powdered, mixed Spices. You will also need some Lemon Juice. Infuse the flowers and leaves in 2 cups boiling Water for at least 5 minutes. Add the Spices and a tsp of the Lemon Juice. If you like you may add Honey to the tea while it is still warm. Strain and take a “wineglass” full every 2 hours as needed. This will help with a fever, too!

CAYENNE AND HOT MILK

Ingredients:

1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/2 cup Milk

Method:

Heat the Milk over medium heat but do not boil. Watch carefully to be sure it does not burn. Milk burns easily. When warm, stir the Cayenne into the milk slowly, allowing it to mix well. Sip slowly while still very warm and feel it warm your whole system and bring back your color! Drink this even when you are not ailing, as it is known for staving off diseases of all kinds!

GINGER WITH HONEY

Ingredients:

1 cup Water
1-2 teaspoons of any tea blend (including any recipe included under this heading)
1/2-1 teaspoon fresh grated Ginger
Honey & Lemon Juice to taste

Method One:

Bring water to a boil, then remove from heat. Do not boil long. Add Tea blend and grated Ginger to hot water. Ginger chases away the chilled feeling and improves to flavor of any tea. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the Ginger out of the tea and stir in Honey and Lemon. Drink as needed.

Method Two:

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan or teapot. Lower heat and stir in the Ginger. Allow it to steep for a few minutes. Strain the Ginger from the water and stir in Honey while still hot. Pour the tea into a mug or glass. Drink immediately. Do not store. This tea is best when hot!

MARSHMALLOW AND LICORICE INFUSION

Ingredients:

1 tsp powdered Marshmallow Root
1 tsp dried Horehound
1 crushed Licorice Stick
2 cups Water

Method:

Boil water in a saucepan over medium heat. Add Marshmallow and Horehound. Allow to boil for 1 minute and reduce heat. Stir and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add Licorice Stick. Cover and infuse for 15 minutes. Strain everything out through a cheesecloth or coffee filter. Get all of the powdered root. When the tea is clear, you may heat it up in microwave before serving in a mug or cup. Average dose: 4 oz. Drink up to 3 times a day.

PEPPERMINT TEA

Ingredients:

1/4 cup dried Peppermint Leaves
1/4 cup dried Lemon Balm
1/4 cup dried Applemint Leaves
Honey
1 cup of Water

Method:

Mix the herbs and bag them or store them in a favorite container. Use as regular tea. Boil water and infuse herbs for 10-15 minutes. Strain. Add Honey to hot tea and drink immediately.

ECHINACEA TEA

Ingredients:

2 1/4 teaspoons Echinacea Leaf
2 1/4 teaspoons Elderflowers
2 1/4 teaspoons Yarrow Leaves and Flowers
1 1/4 teaspoons Peppermint
3 cups of Water

Method:

Use either fresh or dried herbs. Place all but the Peppermint Leaves into the water and simmer over medium heat, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add the fresh Peppermint. Steep, covered, for 10 more minutes. Do not reheat. Strain herbs and discard. Drink up to 3 cups a day as needed. You may store liquid tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but no longer. Store the fresh or dried Herbs in the refrigerator, as well, for keeping.

HYSSOP AND LICORICE COUGH SYRUP

Ingredients:

A large handful of bruised Hyssop
1 lb Honey
1 tsp powdered Licorice or 1crushed Licorice Stick
1 tsp crushed Aniseed
1/2 tsp powdered Ginger or 1 crushed Ginger Root

Method:

Put the honey in a large saucepan and bring it slowly to a boil. As it boils, lift off any scum with a spoon. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer very slowly over low heat for 30 minutes or until the Honey has pronounced Hyssop flavor. Strain through a sieve until all the herbs are removed and the Honey is clear. Pour into pots, bottles, jars or cans. Cover or stop tightly and store. Take a spoonful at a time when coughing or have sore throat. You can add this honey to other hot tisanes or to elderberry or other cough syrups.

ROSEMARY COUGH SYRUP

Ingredients:

1 lb Honey
1 large handful of fresh Rosemary leaves
1 tsp dried Lemon Balm
1 tsp Aniseed

Method:

Put the honey in a large saucepan and bring it slowly to a boil. As it boils, lift off any scum with a spoon. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer very slowly over low heat for 30 minutes or until the Honey has pronounced Rosemary flavor. Strain through a sieve until all the herbs and seeds are removed and the Honey is clear. Pour into pots, bottles, jars or cans that can be sealed with a stopper or a rubber ring against moisture. Take a spoonful at a time when coughing or have sore throat. You can add this honey to other hot tisanes or to elderberry or other cough syrups.

FEVER

These will help with the fever that comes with the flu. They are also useful year around for other conditions that cause temps to rise. But remember when temps rise above 102, you should rush to the doctor. Also, you may continue to use aspirin or white willow as desired.

BASIL TISANE

Ingredients:

1 tsp dried Basil
Seeds scraped out of 1 large Cardamom Pod
1/2 tsp ground Cinnamon
2 cups Water
1/2 tsp Brown Sugar or Molasses

Method:

Boil the water and add the Basil and Spices. Infuse the spices in the water for 10 minutes, lowering the heat and leaving covered. Sweeten with the sugar and drink as it is. Take an average “wineglassful” every two hours to reduce fever and sooth pains in the joints. This is a common village remedy in India.

FLOWER MIX

This is gentle and tasty. Perfect for children

Ingredients:

A small piece of Licorice Root
1/2 tsp dried Lime Flowers
1/2 tsp dried Chamomile Flowers
1/2 tsp dried Elder Flowers
2 cups Water
Honey

Method:

Peel and bruise or crush the Licorice Root. Boil the water and add the Flowers. Add the Root. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to infuse for 10 minutes on low heat. Sweeten with Honey if you wish. Administer up to a “wineglassful” every 3 hours as needed until the fever comes down. This drink can be taken either hot or cold. Add as much Honey to taste as children would like.

SORE THROAT

These are soothing for the throat. Use when you have a cold and a sore throat from irritation or use them year round for laryngitis or voice exhaustion.

SAGE GARGLE

Ingredients:

1 tsp dried Sage
1 tsp dried Plantain
1 tsp dried Rosemary
1 tsp dried Honeysuckle Flowers
2 cups Water
Honey

Method:

Bring water to a boil over medium heat. Add all the ingredients, except the Honey. Allow to boil briefly and then lower heat. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cover, allowing to infuse for another 5 minutes. Strain out herbs and add Honey. Use as a gargle for a sore throat as needed.

HOT ELDERBERRY TEA

Ingredients:

1 tsp dried Peppermint
1 tsp dried Yarrow
2 cups Water
1 tsp dried Elderflowers
1 pinch powdered mixed Spices
1 tsp Lemon Juice

Method:

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add all the ingredients except the spices and Lemon Juice. Allow to boil for a minute. Add the spices, remove from heat and cover. Infuse for another 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea through a sieve or cheesecloth. Add Honey to taste and drink a “wineglassful” every 2 hours for a sore throat and/or fever.

GINGER AND CLOVE COUGH SYRUP

Ingredients:

1 tsp fresh, ground Ginger Root
3 Cloves
1 cup Honey
1 tbsp fresh Blackcurrants
1-1/2 cups Water

Method:

Boil the water in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the Blackcurrents, lower the heat and allow to simmer until the Blackcurrents are very soft. Strain the Blackcurrants and set aside. Warm the Honey over medium heat until smooth. Add Blackcurrents and spices. Boil for a minute and then reduce heat, stirring the mixture to a smooth thickness. Mash the Blackcurrents into the syrup as you stir. Remove from heat and strain through a sieve, leaving some of the pulp in the honey. Cool and take a teaspoonful at a time for a sore throat. If you leave this refrigerated, it will harden and you can take “chips” that you can allow to melt in your mouth like homemade lozenges. Works very well. If you want to use again as a syrup, simply microwave any amount you need and take it by the warm spoonful.

PURPLE SAGE INFUSION

Ingredients:

A large handful of Purple Sage
2 cups of Water

Method:

Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once boiling, toss in the Sage. Allow to boil for 1 full minute then reduce the heat. Simmer for 10 minutes longer. Remove from heat and cover. Infuse for another 10 minutes. Strain out the Sage. Drink 1/2 cup at a time up to four times a day. Use as a gargle as often as you like.

THYME THROAT GARGLE

Ingredients:

A large handful of fresh Thyme Leaves
2 cups of Water

Method:

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once boiling, toss in the Thyme. Allow the herb to boil for 1 full minute and then reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes longer. Remove from heat and cover. Allow to infuse for another 10 minutes. Strain out all of the tiny Thyme leaves, using a tight sieve or coffee filter and straining more than once if you have to. Once the tea is clear, you may use it as a gargle. Use 1/2 cup at a time as often as you like. It is very tasty and soothing.

CAYENNE INFUSION

Ingredients:

1 tsp Cayenne Powder
1 cup Water

Method:

Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once boiling, add the Cayenne. Allow to boil for a full 10 minutes. Strain out carefully through a coffee filter or cheesecloth and be sure that all of the pepper powder has been removed. When the tea is clear, take 1 tbsp of this mix and top it off with 1/2 cup of hot water and drink before meals. You may use this as a gargle, too. Don’t top off with water and use straight. Gargle and spit it out. DO NOT SWALLOW THIS FULL STRENGTH OR ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. If you are going to drink it, do so before meals.

FENUGREEK AND AGRIMONY GARGLE

Ingredients:

1 tsp Fenugreek Seed
1 tsp dried Agrimony
1 tsp dried Self-Heal Herb
1 cup Water

Method:

Bring water to a hard boil over medium/high heat in a medium saucepan. As soon as boiling, toss in the herbs and seed. Allow to boil vigorously for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cover. Infuse for another 10 minutes. Strain out herbs and seed. Use mixture as a gargle any time your throat is sore.

These recipes make great homemade resources for simple colds, coughs and flus. Remember if you think you have something more serious, you should to the doctor for the current medications like Tamiflu or to get a shot. I am leery of vaccines so I tend to make use of more natural resources when available. If you are like me, prefer to live a more natural lifestyle or have religious reasons for avoiding commercial medications, these natural remedies can be a godsend. Remember to stay warm, stay out of stuffy crowded areas and take care of yourself. Enjoy the winter.

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