Natural Herbs for Cold Prevention and Remedies

Colds are a common illness. They are caused by a viral infection and produce symptoms like sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fatigue and headache. Several herbal therapies might help prevent and treat colds. Herbal therapies are best used in conjunction with other natural methods. This holistic strategy addresses all aspects of your health. You should talk with your doctor or health care provider experienced in using herbal medicine before using these supplements. Alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil and the University of Maryland Medical Center offer several suggestions.

Using Herbs for Prevention

If you want to take herbs to prevent a cold, ideally, you should begin taking them at least several weeks before the cold and flu season starts, which is around November. This will give them time to build up your immunity. Consistency is important for maximum benefit. The following herbs can help prevent colds; ask an experienced health care provider about appropriate dosages. They include echinacea, garlic, astragalus, andrographis and ginseng. Do not use echinacea if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any immunosuppressant drugs. Do not use garlic if you take blood-thinning medications or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Using Herbs for Treatment

The following herbs can help treat symptoms of a cold like sneezing, mucus, congestion, coughing and sore throat and possibly reduce the length of the cold. Again, consult with an experienced practitioner to determine dosages. Elderberry eases congestion; use the commercial preparation Sambucol. Eucalyptus can ease cough and congestion. It is available in lozenges, ointments, teas and cough syrups. You can also add a few drops to steaming water to ease congestion. Licorice, marshmallow and slippery elm can ease sore throat. Peppermint is a natural decongestant and thins mucus.

Do not use elderberry or licorice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Licorice is also inappropriate if you take blood-thinning medication, have high blood pressure or heart disease.

Complementing Herbal Therapy

Whether you are using herbs to treat or prevent a cold, you should do other things to complement them. You can also keep your immune system strong by getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, avoiding or limiting inflammatory foods that weaken immunity like saturated fats from animal products, white flour and sugar, managing stress and getting plenty of sleep.