How to Use Western Herbal Medicine for the Common Cold and Flu James Christian, B.Sc., MNIMH, RH, Medical Herbalist www.askaherbalist.ca As we see the days getting shorter and the leaves on the trees changing colour, we realize that summer is gone and winter is on its way. One of the unpleasant parts of the winter is that the common cold and flu are more likely to infect people. But what is the common cold and what can we do about it?
Throughout medical history, strength and vitality has been represented by warmth and fire. So as the name itself suggests, cold, an infection by a virus to cause the flu or the common cold, is seen to reduce the vitality of the individual infected. Once infected, symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever (which is your body’s way of trying to counteract the “cold”) runny nose, coughing, aches and general fatigue. The viruses’ that cause our illness are around us all the time, but it is when we are weak or our reserves are depleted that we become vulnerable to them. But is there anything we can do to defend ourselves, or if we are already infected, is there anything we can do to fight it off more quickly? As a Herbalist, I can say definitely Yes!
Herbs to Use: Herbal Medicine provides us with herbs of various actions that are beneficial in the treatment and prevention of the common cold or flu. Herbalists use plants with immune stimulating, decongestant, diaphoretic (warming to the body) and healing actions. Echinacea angustifolia and purpurea (Purple Coneflower) are both very effective at boosting the immune system of the individual. A good quality Echinacea should cause your tongue to tingle for about 5 to 10 minutes after oral administration of a liquid extract such as a tincture. Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset) is a great herb for dealing with most of the symptoms of a cold. It helps relieve aches in the joints, helps manage a fever and reduce congestion. Allium sativum (Garlic) is a great anti-viral herb. The best way to get its benefit is to eat raw cloves of garlic either on their own or in other foods. Sambucus nigra (Elderflower) is an amazing herb for dealing with colds and flu. This plant helps with congestion of the lungs and upper respiratory tract. Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and Cinnamonum zeylanicum (Cinnamon) are great warming herbs used to help the body’s natural defense against a fever.
If you feel like you are coming down with a cold or flu, try having a strong tea made with fresh ground ginger and cinnamon. Grind an amount of each plant equal to the size of your thumbnail and let steep in hot water for 10 minutes, strain and drink up to 3 times per day. Also take a hot bath with some essential oils added to it such as Thyme, Eucalyptus or Peppermint to ease congestion and help you rest.
Lifestyle and Supplements: As I mentioned earlier, the viruses that cause our colds and flu are always around us. It is important to stay healthy so that we are able to defend our body’s and avoid being sick all together. To do this, remember to eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water and get adequate rest. All too often in our busy lives we neglect to give ourselves proper rest. For supplements, use Vitamin C, Zinc (high in Pumpkin Seeds), B-complex and Vitamin A. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Soup is very easy for your body to assimilate while it is weak, so hearty vegetable soups are great!
Every individual is different and different herbs may be required. For a more customized approach to your Cold or Flu, consult your local Medical Herbalist.
