Modern medicine offers a large number of drugs for the treatment of various diseases. People are so used to medicines that they don’t even think about their benefits and harms. Especially many side effects of antipyretic, antiviral drugs and antibiotics. Very often we assign them to ourselves at the slightest ailment. Today I want to tell you about the enormous power of plants that were used in ancient times to treat various diseases. Let's get together what herbs to drink with a cold.
How herbs work
All herbs that are used to treat flu and colds can be divided into the following categories according to their effect: lowering high body temperature, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulants. The effect obtained from herbal preparations directly depends on the nature of the disease and the combination of various plants.
Is influenza and the common cold one disease?
The common cold is a popular name, it combines all the diseases associated with the upper respiratory tract. It occurs with an adverse effect on the human body (for example, with hypothermia) in combination with pathogenic microbes. The latter include bacteria that contribute to the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the nose, lungs, bronchi, and throat. Subcooling significantly reduces the body's defenses, which allows microorganisms to activate their vital functions. Symptoms of a cold include:
- increased body temperature (from 37 to 38 ° C);
- a sore throat;
- labored breathing;
- runny nose and nasal congestion;
- cough.
Influenza is a viral disease that has nothing to do with the symptoms of a cold. Symptoms of the flu:
- headache (very severe), especially in the forehead;
- muscle pain, severe back pain;
- temperature reaching 40 ° C;
- weakness.
Herbs for colds and flu
Influenza infection is best treated with herbs that have an antipyretic effect and increase sweating. It is known that, along with sweat, various toxins are formed that are formed under the influence of pathogenic microflora and as a result of metabolism. Such herbs have the same substances as medicines, but they act more gently and safely. Of the most effective fruits and herbs for colds, plants containing:
- salicylates - raspberries, elderberry and linden flowers, willow bark;
- Vitamin C - currants, lemongrass, rose hips, lingonberries.
Drink decoctions based on these herbs should often (up to 5 times), but in small doses - 2 tbsp. spoons.
From a cold and a cold
When using complex treatment, herbal supplements help to improve well-being, remove inflammation and significantly strengthen the immune system. What herbs to drink with a cold? Healers have used them since ancient times, and they are familiar to us from childhood:
- from cough - coltsfoot, plantain, clover;
- from sore throat - thyme, eucalyptus, currant leaf;
- from fever - foliage and fruits of raspberries, linden blossom, chamomile;
- from a runny nose - ledum, sage, St. John's wort;
- as an immunostimulant - echinacea, dogrose, lingonberry.
Most herbs have several therapeutic actions at once, and therefore can be used comprehensively for the treatment of diseases.
Cold remedies
Even skeptics do not doubt the effectiveness of herbal treatment for colds. Each of us in childhood was treated by parents with linden tea, raspberries, licorice root. With a mild form of the disease, such treatment can completely replace synthetic drugs, and with complex forms, it can enhance the effectiveness of drugs.
Folk remedies help alleviate the symptoms of the disease and improve the general condition. We offer you to get acquainted with the most popular medicinal plants of this group. We bring to your attention a selection of cold medicine herbs.
Mother and stepmother
Infusion of leaves of coltsfoot has a diaphoretic and expectorant effect. It contains saponins, mucus, essential oils. During treatment, they envelop the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, due to which irritation is removed, tracheobronchial secretion (sputum) is diluted. It should be noted that the prepared herbal decoction based on coltsfoot is one of the most effective cough suppressants.
Chamomile
This plant is one of the most popular herbal remedies, it contains the active substance chamazulen, it determines the disinfecting, diaphoretic, antibiotic, antipyretic properties of the drink. If during the day to drink herbal tea prepared from herbs (for colds) three to four times, you can get rid of coughing in a short time. A concentrated infusion during gargling envelops and heals the mucous membrane of the larynx. Herbal inhalations based on this plant are good for tracheitis, bronchitis, and flu.
Linden blossom
Speaking about which herbs for colds should be drunk, one cannot fail to mention one of the effective remedies - linden flowers. They are a universal remedy for colds, including infections, and a good diaphoretic. Herbal tea from linden stops and localizes inflammation, thereby preventing the pathogen from penetrating deeper, in addition, it is an excellent way to lower the temperature. With coughing attacks, expectorant properties of the plant help. When used to rinse a decoction prepared from fragrant linden flowers, pain, swelling is reduced, and the inflamed tissues heal quickly.
Elecampane
This plant is used to make infusions to help deal with a debilitating cough. It contributes to a better discharge of sputum. It can often be found in chest collections for the treatment of severe bronchitis, pneumonia. Some herbalists claim, based on the name, that it contains nine forces.
Liquorice root
This herb for colds is considered the best herbal remedy for cough. Licorice root has anti-inflammatory, expectorant properties, helps cleanse the airways of pathogenic bacteria. Taking the decoction inside facilitates seizures with tracheitis, bronchitis, laryngotracheitis. In addition, it has a calming effect on irritated mucous membranes.
Thyme
What grass to drink with a cold? It should definitely be said: thyme. This plant is considered indispensable, especially if the common cold is associated with the penetration of infection into the trachea, nasopharynx, lungs, bronchi and has a viral etiology. Thanks to its main component - thymol - there is softening and sputum separation, stimulation of the bronchial glands. It also has an antimicrobial effect. The active substances of this herb with a cold significantly soften the mucous membrane of the sore throat, reduce hyperemia, and contribute to the rapid regeneration of damaged tissues.
Dogrose
The beneficial properties of this plant have long been known. The infusion prepared from its fruits enhances the body's immune defense. It is recommended to drink it for the prevention of colds and, of course, during it. It contains a large dose of vitamin C, which stimulates the production of interferons, i.e. proteins with antiviral activity. Rosehip nourishes the body with minerals and vitamins, thanks to its diuretic effect, it helps to get rid of harmful substances.
Antiviral herbs
The use of these herbs not only helps fight viral infections, but also strengthens the immune system. We offer an overview of the most effective, in our opinion, plants possessing these properties.
Elder
This plant has a fairly long history as a medicinal product. Medical workers recommend using it to fight infections (herpes, flu) - bacterial and viral. Elderberry is used for the safe treatment of type A and B flu.
Echinacea
Such grass with a cold is recommended to drink. It has been proven that the chemicals in this plant have the ability to shrink tumors and destroy viral infections. And the Echinacein compound in it inhibits the development of viruses and bacteria, thereby protecting healthy cells. Echinacea helps to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve skin problems, and is successfully used in the treatment of upper respiratory tract.
Herbal treatment for colds
Based on herbs, you can prepare an infusion, tincture and broth. Medicinal raw materials can be prepared independently or purchased at a pharmacy. When coughing, breast collections help well.
Camomile tea
Preparing a decoction of herbs for colds: a large spoon of dried flowers is taken in a glass of boiling water. They are brewed in a thermos, insisted for half an hour, and then filtered. This infusion is used to rinse several times a day, and also drink like tea with the addition of honey and lemon.
Good results show inhalation with chamomile. About 400 ml of water is poured into the container, boiled, and a large spoonful of honey, dried flowers, and soda are brought into it. They breathe over the prepared product for about 15 minutes, covering their heads with a towel.
Sage and chamomile
The prepared infusion from these plants has a beneficial effect on gargling. In equal proportions, take chamomile and sage, grind and mix. A glass of boiling water is brewed 1 tbsp. l the resulting mixture. For half an hour we infuse the broth in a thermos, filter. We use a warm infusion to rinse your throat several times a day.
St. John's wort
To prepare a decoction of Hypericum perforatum follows 1 tbsp. l pour 1 tbsp. hot water and leave for several hours. Take the medicine 3 times a day for 1/3 cup, half an hour before meals. Grass gives a good effect in the fight against viruses.
Ledum
If there are problems with the discharge of mucus, it stagnates in the bronchi and trachea, exhausts coughing attacks, it's time to prepare a decoction of ledum. It has a mucolytic and antiseptic effect, creates favorable conditions for thinning sputum and its withdrawal, thereby eliminating the original cause of coughing.
- Take 5 g of rosemary and chamomile and brew in 300 ml of boiling water. We divide the resulting infusion into 3 doses and drink during the day.
- Mix a large spoonful of rosemary and nettles, brew them with a liter of boiling water. We drink the infusion in one glass 4 times a day.
It must be remembered that when preparing a decoction, the recipe should be observed very accurately. The fact is that in Ledum contains poisonous components.
How to make medicinal teas for colds?
It should be noted that medicinal drugs are brewed in different ways. Take medicines should be half a glass, two to three times a day, hot. The last dose must be carried out directly at night.
- Leaves and flowers should be brewed in a porcelain teapot, pouring them with boiling water. Such tea must be infused for 15-20 minutes.
- Bark and roots must be poured with cold water and boiled over minimum heat for no more than 10 minutes.
Contraindications
Despite all the advantages of medicinal plants, one should not forget that they all have a number of contraindications. Please note: their uncontrolled use can be very dangerous. This is especially true for children.
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to look at all the side effects of each plant, strictly observe the dosage and be sure to consult a specialist.
Pregnancy: Herbal Treatment
During pregnancy, with a cold, herbs should be taken with extreme caution in view of the fact that they can have a very strong effect not only on the woman’s body, but also on the fetus. Please note: thyme and elecampane contain active substances that are contraindicated during pregnancy. In addition, all alcohol tinctures containing immunostimulants are prohibited: echinacea, lure, ginseng, lemongrass, Rhodiola rosea.
What herbs to treat a cold during pregnancy? The following plants have no contraindications: medunica, chamomile, plantain, coltsfoot, birch leaves. A useful plant during this period is horseradish. It is an immunostimulant that does not give unwanted effects. It is prepared as follows: the peeled root is finely three and combined with an equal amount of sugar, we insist 12 hours. The drug is taken in a large spoon every hour during the acute period of a cold.
Herbal medicine for children
Children with colds should be given herbs, taking all precautions. With this treatment, they may experience allergic reactions. Therefore, observe the following rules when using grass:
- for children under 3 years of age, inhalation is contraindicated;
- honey, raspberries and a number of other drugs can cause allergies in children.
Linden tea
The infusion prepared from this plant has antipyretic, diaphoretic properties for influenza and colds. In addition, linden infusion has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Recommended for treating children. Preparation: two large spoons of linden flowers (necessarily chopped) are placed in a porcelain teapot and brewed with boiling water in an amount of 200 ml. We insist for 10 minutes. It is recommended to drink linden infusion 100-200 ml three times a day in a warm form, adding honey to it to taste.
Strawberry or raspberry fruit drink
With a cold, the cooked berry juice will help. In parallel, it is recommended to carry out steam inhalations: a little hot broth is poured into a small bowl and breathe over it, covered with a towel. Berry juice should be consumed two to three times a day, 200 ml. Inhalations are carried out up to 3 times, mandatory at night.