A variety of herbs and herbal remedies may help reduce or soothe symptoms of colds and flu, including headache, congestion, stuffy sinuses and fatigue. For best results, try to take herbal remedies when symptoms first appear, suggests Holistic Online. You should be cautioned that herbal remedies for colds and flu symptoms have not been scientifically proven for their efficacy.
Echinacea
Echinacea is available in capsules, powdered extract, juice, whole dried root or as a tincture from your local vitamin or natural food store and is often used to help boost the immune system and reduce severity and duration of colds and flu. Taking roughly 900 mg of echinacea everyday may help reduce sick time by nearly half, according to Holistic Online, which suggests taking the herb for seven to 14 days without interruption at the first sign you may be coming down with a cold. Studies published in "The Lancet," a British medical journal, showed echinacea reduced the chance of catching a cold by nearly 60 percent.
Cold Remedy
Mix equal amounts of yarrow, peppermint and elder in one cup of hot water, suggests Holistic Online. If you want, add a dash of cayenne pepper or break a cinnamon stick or grate about 1 tsp. of fresh ginger into the brew. This remedy, when taken just before bedtime at the first sign of illness, helps produce a sweat that may stop a cold in its tracks and also is believed to help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. If you're currently taking prescription medications, discuss use of herbal remedies with your health care provider before self-treating.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng is known as an adaptogenic herb that boosts immune system function, suggests Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac., of PeacefulMind.com. Taking Siberian ginseng in capsule or granule or tincture form every day may help the body resist viral infections. You may take up to 500 mg three times a day, but discuss the use of Siberian ginseng with your health care provider if you're currently taking other prescribed medications or herbal remedies to prevent interactions and reduce efficacy of your traditional medications.
Elderberry
Elderberry comes from the flowers or berries of the elder tree and has been used in folk medicine for generations to treat symptoms of cold and flu. The elderberry contains a rich supply of anti-viral components and properties that may help soothe and reduce longevity of cold or flu symptoms, according to PeacefulMind.
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