Herbs for colds

Causes

Adults get cold approximately two to three times a year, while children get it about nine times. For the chronic and weak patients and elderly, cold can be serious problem. That's why it is better to act preventive. Cold is a type of infection, which may be caused by a group of 200 different viruses. When a virus enters the body it leads to the well-known symptoms: sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, fever, malaise, muscle pain and cough. The viruses can survive for several hours on door handles, holders in the buses or infected hands, so frequent hands washing, not touching the nose, mouth or eyes and avoiding crowded places are very important.

Herbs for Treating Cold

Herbs are an excellent way in preventing and overcoming cold. There are plants that are able to enhance the defense capabilities of the organism. Most often it is about plants that contain hydro-colloid polysaccharides (flavonoids). These herbs include: lemon balm, plantain, licorice root, burdock, juniper, echinacea. Echinacea and the products made of it represent a hit. This herb is harmless and very effectively reinforces the immune system. It increases the level of properdin – substance found in human body that stimulates the defense capabilities of the organism. In addition phytotherapists use it in the treatment of allergies and sinus problems.

If people use echinacea, either to protect themselves from the infection, or to alleviate its symptoms, they should use it in the prescribed amounts continuously for four to five days. That will strengthen immunity if the body is in a state of emergency. But, it's not good that the body gets used to it, so after five days, it is recommended to make two days pause. Echinacea causes tingling and numbness of tongue, which is a harmless reaction. Herbs that contain essential oils have the antiseptic, antimicrobial, fungicidal and antiviral effect, so they can be very useful in the treatment of cold, flu, sinusitis and other infections. Among the strongest antiseptics are :

thyme savory basil oregano, hyssop Tea made of some of these herbs will be of great help in cold preventing even if person is forced to stay in places where there are many infected people.

Inhalation has the great benefits to the upper respiratory tract infections, sneezing and sinusitis. Dried herbs and essential oils - concentrated substances which contain a multitude of fragrant component will help in staying healthy or being healed as soon as possible.

One of the best essential oils for this purpose is eucalyptus. It is necessary to add few drops of oil in warm water and breath in the steam. Also, combinations of eucalyptus, pine, mint and tea tree oil are very effective in overcoming respiratory infections. If one have a problem with slime eliminating from the respiratory tract, these oils should be combined with the lemon ethereal oil. One drop of eucalyptus oil in essential lamp-evaporator is able to destroy 70% of staphylococci in the air. It is well-known the beneficial effect of the old home remedies such as chicken soup, apple vinegar, hot lemonade, and vitamin C, which is increasingly confirmed by official science.

Recipes

Here are some recipes that may be very helpful for preventing and overcoming cold. Tea for strengthening the immune system: Lemon balm 20g Licorice root 20g Plantain 20g Thyme 20g Elder 20g Tea for cold, sneezing and sinusitis: Basil 40g Savory 30g Peppermint 30g Tea for fever: Elder 40g Lime 30g Chamomile 30g Tea for irritated respiratory tract and dry cough: Anise 20g Licorice root 20g Plantain 20g Elder 20g Thyme 20g