Home Remedies for Seasonal Flu

Fever and chills, dry cough, aching muscles, headache and nasal congestion are the typical symptoms of seasonal flu.  This year get a jump on seasonal flu by stocking up on some proven home remedies you will want to keep on hand.

Begin drinking Echinacea tea to build up your immune system before seasonal flu hits.  Echinacea is a daisy-like plant that is native to North America.  It is also called coneflower and was used in Native American medicine for respiratory infections.

Catnip isn’t just for cats.  This herb from the mint family works to reduce fever and also promotes a restful sleep.  The tops of the plant are used to make a pleasant-tasting tea.

To ease congestion and soothe sore throat, peel an inch or so of fresh ginger root.  Slice it into a cup of boiling water and sweeten with honey.  Anise tea stimulates the lungs and throat to secrete mucus and expel infection.  Mullein is another common herb that works as an expectorant and soothes sore throat.

Garlic is a powerful herb that can be used for respiratory infections.  Purchasing garlic extract in capsule form is an easy and pleasant way to reap the antiviral and antibacterial benefits of this strong-smelling herb.

Another herb to look for in capsule form is astragalus.  Astragalus has been used by the Chinese in their traditional medicine to fight infection by stimulating the immune system.  Recent research shows that astragalus helps the body to produce more white blood cells, macrophages and natural killer cells.  Use about 1500 mg. of astragalus daily before seasonal flu strikes.  A stronger immune system can mean lighter symptoms and a shorter duration of the flu.

All of these natural herbal remedies should be in your kitchen or medicine cabinet before seasonal flu strikes your area.  You can purchase medicinal herbs and teas online or in your local health food store.  These remedies are easy to prepare and are safe to treat seasonal flu for most people in the dosages mentioned.  Very few of these herbs have been known to cause side effect or interact with prescription medication you may already be taking.  Read the labels and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.