When cold and flu season hits, it’s important to have a game plan to keep yourself healthy. No one wants to be laid up in bed for days on end feeling awful. One of the best ways to fight off a cold or the flu is with herbal remedies. Here are five herbal remedies that can help you get through cold and flu season feeling your best.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that’s long been used to boost immunity and fight off infections like colds and flu. It’s thought to work by stimulating the immune system and increasing white blood cell production. You can take echinacea in capsule form, or drink echinacea tea several times a day.
Honey Lemon Tea
A simple honey lemon tea can do wonders for a sore throat or cough. Lemons are rich in Vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system, and honey is a natural cough suppressant. To make this remedy, simply squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a mug of hot water, add a tablespoon of honey, and stir well. Drink up and enjoy knowing you’re doing something good for your body.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is a great herb for settling an upset stomach and soothing nausea and vomitting. It’s also effective in relieving congestion and coughing. To make ginger tea, grate fresh ginger into a mug of hot water or steep ginger tea bags in hot water for several minutes. You can sweeten the tea with honey if you like. Drink up to three cups of ginger tea per day when you’re feeling under the weather.
Sweetgrass Tea
Sweetgrass is an anti-inflammatory herb that can help reduce congestion and soothe a scratchy throat. It’s also thought to have antibacterial properties that can help fight off infection. To make sweetgrass tea, simmer fresh or dried sweetgrass in water for 10 minutes, then strain the herbs and enjoy. Drink two to three cups per day when you’re feeling sick.
Honey Garlic Soup
This soup is not only delicious, but it’s also packed full of ingredients that are great for fighting off colds and the flu. Honey has antibacterial properties and garlic is a powerful antiviral agent. Together, they make a delicious and potent soup that can help you feel better fast. To make this soup, simply sauté garlic in olive oil until it’s fragrant, then add chicken broth, chopped carrots, celery, onion, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, then add some cooked shredded chicken and a tablespoon of honey right before serving. Enjoy!
‘Tis the season for colds and the flu—but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer! There are plenty of herbal remedies that can help you get through the winter feeling your best. The next time you’re feeling under the weather, reach for one of these five remedy options: honey lemon tea, ginger tea, sweetgrass tea, honey garlic soup, or elderberry syrup. With any luck (and plenty of rest), you’ll be back on your feet in no time!