How to fight colds and flu with natural remedies

How to fight colds and flu with natural remedies

We are all too familiar with this time of year when colds and flu viruses spread among us, causing us to run to the pharmacist and look for over-the-counter or prescribed medications, hoping that they will work the magic to take us away from that nasty sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, fever. However, the cold fact is that no medicine at all can prevent or cure the cold and flu, although the flu vaccines can provide limited prevention and some medications can relieve some of the symptoms. I personally don't recommend them unless a specific illness requires a flu shot or taking prescribed medications.

Of course, the best way to avoid taking medication is to try to avoid colds or flu in the first place. But even if you do get one, the most effective way to combat them is to use natural remedies. And believe me, they work - some act directly on the immune system and others are able to effectively relieve any symptoms that may arise when adapting cold or flu viruses.

There are many good herbal remedies that can effectively combat colds and flu. However, I will discuss what I have found to be most effective based on my personal experience and numerous information and research sources.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia) is at the top of the list when it comes to helping the body fight cold and flu symptoms as soon as they appear. Echinacea should be taken at the first appearance of a cold or flu and in large doses for best effect. It acts as a powerful immune stimulant; It stimulates white blood cell activity and destroys invading microbes. Echinacea is also perfect if you have a sore, swollen throat during an infection.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is extremely effective against viruses that cause colds and flu. It can be taken in food, in fresh form as cloves, in capsules or as a tincture. The good thing about garlic is that it can be taken preventatively during the winter season as well as for cold or flu symptoms.

Samento (Uncaria tomantosa) is another very powerful medicinal herb that can be used both preventatively and for colds or flu. Samento has been used by native Peruvians for centuries with great success for various ailments. There are two species of this herb with the Latin name Uncaria tomendosa, the well-known cat's claw and Samento. Both are good immune stimulators, but what makes Samento a hundred times more effective than Cat's Claw is the absence of the group of alkaloids known as TOA (Tetracyclic Oxindole Alkaloids) that are present in regular Cat's Claw. TOA can reduce the effectiveness of another group of alkaloids known as POA (Pentacyclic Oxindole Alkaloids), and it is the POA alkaloids that exhibit powerful immune system properties. And because Samento only contains POA alkaloids, it is unique.

Some research shows that there is no better protection against colds and flu than Samento.

Honey and lemon should be a must when colds and flu strike. Take the juice of a squeezed lemon with two teaspoons of honey and boiled water three times a day. It really helps.

There are also various herbal teas that can help with colds and flu such as thyme, tillia and chamomile. The one you should try is Rooibos or Red Bush Tea. It is rich in antioxidants, protects the immune system from free radicals and helps fight colds and flu viruses.