Using Herbs for Flu Symptoms

Using herbs for fighting flu and other respiratory tract infections has a long history.  From Chinese traditional medicine 5,000 years ago to cutting edge research in medical laboratories around the world we have documentation of how effective herbal remedies can be against flu symptoms.

Drinking enough liquid and staying hydrated is an important part of good health normally, but even more important when you have the flu.  The herbal teas and inhalants that are suggested here hydrate and medicate at the same time.

Immune Boosting Tea

Use one Echinacea tea bag and three slices of fresh ginger root in six ounces of boiling water.  Let steep for five minutes and drink.  Add the fresh ginger root to ginseng tea, chamomile tea or another herbal tea mixture that you prefer.  Sweeten the tea with honey rather than sugar and squeeze in a slice of lemon for an added boost of flavor and vitamin C.

An herb that might not be familiar is boneset which is used in Germany to treat the flu.  Make an infusion by using 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried leaves per cup of boiling water.  This should steep for 20 minutes.  Do not drink more than 3 cups of boneset tea per day.

Peppermint or spearmint tea tastes refreshing and helps to clear congestion caused by the flu.  Mullein contains mucilage, a substance that swells and becomes slippery when it absorbs water.    To soothe cough and sore throat, make an infusion with 2 teaspoons of the dried leaves, flowers or roots of mullein in a cup of boiling water.  Steep for ten minutes and sweeten with honey and lemon as it is bitter to the taste.

Inhaling Soothing Vapors

Use a humidifier to diffuse the essential oils of eucalyptus and lavender in your sleeping area.  Use a few drops of each to benefit from the decongestant action of the eucalyptus and the calming fragrance of the lavender.  Check your humidifier’s instructions to make sure it will function properly with the oils.

If you do not have a humidifier, another method is to boil three cups of water and add the oils as listed above.  Pour the solution into a large bowl and lean your head over the bowl to inhale the steam.  Placing a towel over your head helps to concentrate the vapors.  This herbal flu treatment can be repeated as needed.