Herbal Cold Remedy Provides Flu Relief

Black Elderberry Extract, Catnip Tea, Garlic, Effective Against Flu

Sep 28, 2009

Looking for an herbal cold remedy? Black elderberry extract, catnip tea, and garlic are only three of the many herbal flu remedies that have been used for centuries.

An herbal cold remedy that's safe and effective is what many people are looking for when cold and flu season starts. After all, folks used natural remedies for centuries before modern cold treatments filled the shelves at the local drugstore. Black elderberry extract, catnip tea, and garlic are three herbal flu remedies with a long track record for safety and effectiveness.

Black Elderberry Extract

Tea made from the flowers of the black elderberry bush is a time-honored cold and flu remedy. Now modern research studies have shown that black elderberry extract is high in antioxidants that stimulate the immune system. Elderberries also contain a high level of anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory effects. This is probably why the extract relieves the aches and pains that come with a cold or flu.

Sambucol is a black elderberry extract that's very popular in Europe. This product is starting to become more well-known in the United States, too. It's safe for both adults and children, and has no side effects, like drowsiness. People who take Sambucol often recover from the flu in half the time it normally takes.

Elderberry syrup can be used to prevent catching the flu. Take one teaspoonful morning and night. To get over a cold or the flu faster, take two teaspoonfuls of elderberry syrup four times a day.

Catnip Tea

Since most people think catnip is only for cats, they're surprised to learn that catnip tea is an old herbal cold remedy. Inhaling the steam from a hot cup of catnip tea will help to open up the sinuses, and also relieve chest congestion. Drinking catnip tea promotes sweating, which helps to bring fevers down.

Catnip tea is also an herbal insomnia remedy. It contains nepetalactone, which is similar to a compound found in valerian, a well-known herbal sedative. A side benefit of sipping catnip tea to fight a cold is that it promotes a restful night's sleep.

This herbal tea has a soothing effect on the digestive system, and is good for upset stomachs, gas, and diarrhea. A cup of catnip tea will help to settle a stomach under attack from the flu.

Garlic Supplements

People have been using garlic as a healing herb for centuries. Before antibiotics were discovered, garlic was used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and even dysentery. Modern studies have shown that garlic is quite effective, both for preventing colds and the flu, and also for treating them.

Garlic contains sulfur compounds that create the herb's distinctive odor. These compounds are also thought to be responsible for garlic's healing properties. Since these compounds are destroyed when garlic is cooked, it's recommended to eat it raw. However, it can cause stomach upsets, even when eaten with other foods. Liquid garlic extract is available for people who can't tolerate it raw, but who still want the protective effects of this herb.

Garlic is also known to be a blood-thinner, so anyone who is taking anticoagulant medications should check with his or her doctor before starting garlic supplements.

Fight back against cold and flu viruses with these safe, effective herbal flu remedies.

The copyright of the article Herbal Cold Remedy Provides Flu Relief in Herbal Properties/Benefits is owned by Darlene Norris. Permission to republish Herbal Cold Remedy Provides Flu Relief in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.