Herbal Remedies For Sickness

Whether sick with the flu, sinusitis, a cough, cold or anything else that throws you off your game, most people want something to soothe the pain and make them feel better fast. Certain herbs, which are easy to find in the grocery or health food store, are safe if taken according to directions. However, some herbs can produce side effects, so always check first with your practitioner if you are taking something unfamiliar.

Sore Throat

Slippery elm bark makes an excellent sore throat remedy. It stimulates the body to produce a thin film of mucus that coats the throat, protecting delicate mucus membranes and soothing pain. Slippery elm is available from the health food store either in lozenge form or as a loose, dried herb. You can make either a herbal tea from the dried herb or a porridge by mixing the herb with some warm water or milk and a small amount of honey or maple syrup. When taken in this manner, it may offer relief for upset stomach and burning pain from vomiting or acid reflux.

Earaches

One of the most effective herbal treatments for an earache is garlic oil. Garlic possesses antibiotic properties and may be helpful for relieving an infection. You can peel, then crush several fresh cloves of garlic and soak them in warm olive oil for an hour or more to make a homemade earache treatment. Once the oil is made, drop a few drops of warmed garlic oil in the sore ear. Make sure the patient lies with that ear pointing upward for at least 10 minutes after placing the oil in the ear. Put a piece of cotton in the outer ear to prevent the oil from running out. Do not place liquids into an ear if you suspect there is a broken ear drum. Caution children not to push the cotton into their ear canal. Store leftover garlic oil in the refrigerator to prevent the formation of botulism spores.

Upset Stomach

Ginger, which is often used to relieve nausea and vomiting, is excellent for settling an upset stomach due to the flu, a viral infection or motion sickness. The best way to use ginger is by cutting a 1-inch piece of freshly peeled ginger root and placing in a pot of water to boil for 5 minutes. Lower the heat and allow it to simmer for another 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, take the ginger root out and allow the liquid to cool to make a soothing tea. Add a little bit of honey and drink in sips as needed to settle the stomach. Ginger can be used for an upset stomach even if you don't have fresh ginger root. Ginger ale has proven effective for settling a stomach ache. As long as the brand you use is made with real ginger, it should provide relief. Allow the soda to go flat and drink as needed to calm the stomach. Ginger can thin the blood, so use caution if you take blood thinners, and consult your health practitioner before using ginger medicinally.

Coughing

The herb sundew is used to treat deep, loud coughing and other upper respiratory tract problems. This herb helps soothe the throat and stops the tickle that causes many coughs. It relieves congestion in the chest and helps the bronchial tubes relax. In particular it may be helpful in cases where the cough is spasmodic and interferes with the person's breathing. It can return the breathing to a normal rate and relieve the intensity of the cough. Sundew is found in cough tonics and on its own as a dried herb. It can be made into an herbal tea and sweetened with a small amount of honey. Contact your health practitioner to confirm this is the correct remedy for your condition.