Five Herbs to See You Through Winter
The following list of herbs will help you avoid the colds and flu. (Swine or not)
Common cold and flu are caused by any of 200 different viruses. The viral infection and the immune system’s battle against the viruses produce all-too-familiar symptoms: sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, hacking cough and sometimes fever and chills. These viruses spread directly from person to person by coughing or sneezing or by hand-to-hand contact. The virus gets on one person’s hands and can spread to the hands of others. If the virus-contaminated hands touch your nose or eyes, you catch the cold. The virus can also live for several hours on everyday surfaces like counters and doorknobs. Your hands can literally pick it up that way as well. (That’s a good reason to wash your hands often during cold and flu season.)
The average American adult suffers two to three colds a year; the average young child has as many as nine. That adds up to something like one billion colds a year.
If you are getting more than your fair share of colds, your immune system may need help. Enjoy my pick of the Five Herbs that can help boost your immune system’s cold-fighting power this winter season.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
In a 1993 clinical study performed during a flu outbreak in Israel, Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu at Hadassah University in Jerusalem found that the extract reduces the severity and duration of flu symptoms compared to a placebo. Apparently, the extract’s compounds inhibit the ability of the flu virus to enter cells, and thus disarm the virus’s ability to infect or penetrate the cells. The Germans prescribe elderberry flower to treat fevers and increase bronchial secretions associated with colds. To make a tea, simmer 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowers in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes and drink up to three times daily.
Juniper ( Juniperus)
Juniper contains a potent antiviral compound (deoxypodophyllotoxin) that seems to inhibit many different viruses. Many herbalists recommend it as a cure for flu. During the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic, which killed around 20 million people worldwide, a number of hospitals tried to stop airborne infection spreading by spraying vapourized essential oils into the atmosphere of flu wards – juniper was one of the herbs which was found to be particularly effective. To make a tea boil a cup of water and add 1 tea spoon of dried fruit and simmer for 10 minutes, do not boil.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis).
This is one of the most traditional herbal cures for flu, and has been used for centuries. It is such a powerful antiviral that the active ingredient has been isolated by scientists, and it is currently sold in Germany as “Lomaherpan” to cure herpes. Lemon balm also relieves many of the symptoms of flu, bringing relaxing sleep, relieving cramps and gas, stopping spasms, and relieving pain. Use fresh or freeze-dried leaves in a tea. Lemon balm tea can be made using two tablespoons of the herb; by steeping the powdered herb for ten to fifteen minutes in 1 cup of boiling water
Licorice (black)
Licorice is a powerful antiviral. The licorice root contains numerous compounds, including glycyrrhizic acid (GA). GA inhibits the replication of several viruses in vitro including herpes viruses, HIV, and the SARS coronavirus. Licorice is also useful for treating symptoms of flu, including sore throat, bronchitis, cough, and arthritis. Licorice is widely available – but limit your intake. Low quantities of glycyrrhizin can build up over weeks and cause elevations in blood pressure, fluid retention, and alteration in potassium levels. Don’t take licorice if you are pregnant – it has been associated with premature births. It would be recommended just for the first few days of a cold or flu illness in patients without any chronic problems. Boil 1 cup of water and 1 to 2 teaspoons of the root and simmer for 10 minutes. May consume tea 2 to 3 times a day during the cold for 3 to 4 days only.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
It appears that moms are right when they make us consume ginger in time of flu. Ginger contains ten antiviral compounds. It reduces pain and fever, acts as a cough suppressant and is “warming” – it can help heat the body up, helping you to ’sweat it out’. Viral replication can’t happen once the body reaches high temperatures, and viruses will die in body temperatures that exceed 101ºF. Scientists have isolated several chemicals (sesquiterpenes) in ginger that have specific effects against the most common family of cold viruses, the rhinoviruses. Some of these chemicals are remarkably potent in their anti-rhinovirus effects. May add 1/2 a table spoon of fresh grated ginger to each cup of soup or a cup of the above mentioned tea or with honey for flavor.
Where to get the Herbs?
Please be advised that I would only recommend that you use organic herbs, Boil the water and make the tea in stainless steel pots and not aluminum. If you can’t find these herbs at Mother’s Market please stop by the office as I have all the selected herbs for convenience in the Fashion Island office in small 4 oz packages and they are all organic and a high grade quality herbs.
I call it: “Green Pharmacy for Colds and Flu”.
Remember, herbal medicine works on colds and flu in two ways: 1) By building the immune system 2) Fighting the virus. Use them frequently and let your children enjoy the tastes of the herbs to help them grow Healthy Naturally. Stay tuned for the Spring Newsletter or sign up on my website www.DrBar.org under the contact page.
Iman Bar M.D.
