Herbal remedies are the most widely used form of complementary and alternative medicine. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that a 2007 National Health Survey showed that 17 percent of adults used an herbal product or treatment that year. Herbal remedies use the flower, stem or even the root of the plant dependent on the remedy chosen. These parts can be made into teas or ground into powders for extracts. Although thousands of herbal remedies are available to treat a myriad of conditions, some of the most common ones are used to alleviate cold symptoms.
Step 1
Prepare an herbal tea remedy to alleviate a sore throat, congestion and discomfort associated with a cold. Mix the dried herbs elder, peppermint and yarrow in equal parts, such as 1 tsp. of each herb. In a tea ball or steeping container, steep 1 tsp. of the herbal mixture in hot water for one minute. Drink the tea while it is still warm, enjoying the brew before bedtime or up to three times daily at the onset of a cold. The tea may induce diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, which is believed to cleanse your system and is an expected side effect.
Step 2
Use dried herbal extracts, such as echinacea, in powder or capsule form to shorten a cold's duration. "The Sunday Times" in the U.K. found that by taking echinacea at the onset of a cold, users shorten their cold by almost one and a half days. Echinacea is the most widely used herbal supplement and is thought to stop colds by boosting the immune system. This herb may help increase your white blood cell count -- white blood cells are the body's natural killers of disease. The Holistic Online website suggests consuming 300 mg of echinacea three times daily by mouth until your cold symptoms dissipate.
Step 3
Breathe in relief with aromatherapy. Choose oil of eucalyptus, chamomile or thyme, depending on personal choice and availability. These oils are traditionally used to clear the sinuses and relieve nasal and bronchial congestion in a cold. Place drops of the essential oil in a large bowl of steaming water and gently stir. Bending over the bowl, inhale the aromatic steam for 15 minutes or as tolerated. For a more pronounced effect, a large towel can be placed over your head and bowl. You can use this treatment up to three times daily for symptom relief.
Things You'll Need
- Herbs of choice
- Teapot
- Tea ball
- Teaspoon
- Towel
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