Sage thyme & Co: The best medicinal herbs for a cold
Sage thyme & Co: The best medicinal herbs for a cold
When the cold season is just around the corner, we are often not alone - colds have a high season. There are a variety of proven medicinal herbs that can support us to get our immune system up to scratch. Sage and thyme are at the top of the list of domestic plants that not only cut a good figure in the kitchen, but can also do wonders for our health. But how exactly do these herbs work? Many rely on empirical studies to prove the effectiveness behind the natural remedies. In our article we Research how you can effectively integrate these medicinal herbs into your everyday life. In this way we can stand up to the colds and increase well -being. So let's immerse yourself in the world of sage, thyme and Co. and discover their secrets!
The effect of sage and thyme on the immune system
sage (Salvia officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) are two herbs that are not only valued in the kitchen, but also have diverse health -promoting properties. Both plants contain a variety of bioactive compounds that can support the immune system. Your immunomodulatory effects are well documented in scientific literature.
sage is known for its anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The most important active connections are rosema acid and various essential oils that can help regulate the immune response. A study has shown that sage extract can influence the production of cytokines, which contributes to combating inflammation ( ncbi ).
thyme in turn contains thymol and carvacrol, which also have a strong antibacterial and antiviral effect. These connections can stimulate the immune system and strengthen the immune system against cold and flu viruses. Research show that thyme extracts can inhibit the growth of certain pathogenic microbes, which indicates its role in immune protection ( ncbi ).
The synergistic effect of sage and thyme can lead to both herbs together develop an even stronger immunomodulating effect. A combination of both could improve the effectiveness in the fight against respiratory diseases. A small study found that herbal tea, which contains both ingredients, contributes to the relief of cold symptoms.
- sage: antioxidative and anti -inflammatory effect
- thyme: antibacterial and antiviral properties
- combination: Possible synergistic advantages for the immune system
It is important to note that the use of sage and thyme as a supplementary therapy method in nutrition is not intended as a substitute for medical treatments. Nevertheless, they could be a valuable addition to daily well -being.
empirical studies on medicinal herbs and their use in colds
medicinal herbs such as Echinacea, ginger and elderberry have been anchored in traditional medicine for centuries. Empirical studies have examined their application in more detail in the event of colds. A large number of medical work has tried to quantify and understand the effectiveness of these plants and how they support the immunological system.
echinacea is often used to prevent and treat respiratory diseases. A meta-analysis, published in the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews", states that Echinacea can reduce the likelihood of a cold outbreak by up to 58 %. The anti -inflammatory properties of the plant could play a crucial role by modulating the production of cytokines.
ginger, known for its pain -relieving and anti -inflammatory properties, has also received a lot of attention in various studies. An investigation that appeared in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in 2017 shows that ginger not only relieves cold symptoms, but can also shorten the recovery time. These positive effects are attributed to the Gingerol active connection, which has antioxidant properties and stimulates the immune system.
elderberry is another candidate for medicinal herb that is the focus of scientific research. In a study in the "Journal of International Medical Research", HolundereXtrakt showed significant effects on reducing cold and flu symptoms. Subjects who took Holunere extract reported on a shortened duration of the disease by up to four days compared to a placebo group.
In addition to these specific herbs, other studies have also examined multivalent approaches. A study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" evidence that the combination of various medicinal herbs, such as a mixture of Echinacea and elderberry, can cause synergistic effects on the immune response. These findings support the idea that the use of medicinal herbs in the event of colds should not only be limited to individual plants, but can also be optimized by targeted combinations.
Table 1: The effect of selected medicinal herbs for colds
| study | ||
|---|---|---|
| echinacea | reduces the likelihood of cold by up to 58% | Cochrane Database |
| ginger | shorten recovery time, relieves symptoms | Journal of Ethnopharmacology |
| elderberr | reduces duration of the disease by up to 4 days | Journal of International Medical Research |
The present research on medicinal herbs shows a promising perspective for use in the event of colds. However, it remains important to rely on high -quality studies in order to make informed decisions about the use of medicinal plants.
practical recommendations for the integration of medicinal herbs into nutrition
The integration of medicinal herbs into daily diet can be an effective way to promote health benefits and to support the immune system. Here are some practical recommendations on how to integrate medicinal herbs into their meals.
- Use in teas: herbal teas are a simple and popular method to use the advantages of sage, thyme and other medicinal herbs. They not only offer a taste of taste, but also important nutrients.
- spice for meals: salt, pepper and other spices can be easily replaced by fresh or dried herbs. For example, thyme and oregano can be used in pasta dishes or salads.
- in sauces and dressings: medicinal herbs such as basil or parsley can be incorporated into sauces and dressings. This not only increases the taste, but also the nutrient content.
The dosage is important. While fresh herbs can usually be used in large quantities, a lower amount should be sufficient for dried herbs, since their taste is more concentrated. A good clue could be to equate a teaspoon of dried herbs, about a tablespoon of fresh herbs.
| sage | leaves | supports the respiratory tract, anti -inflammatory |
| thyme | leaves | antioxidative, strengthens the immune system |
| oregano | leaves | antibacterial, promotes digestion |
Another practical tip is the planting of medicinal herbs at home. Even a small herb garden on the balcony or the windowsill can help to always have fresh herbs at hand. In addition, the cultivation provides its own herbs through personal contact with nature.
Finally, experimenting with various combinations of herbs and spices can offer an exciting cooking experience. In this way you can not only vary your dishes, but also maximize their health benefits. It is important to use biological herbs if possible to ensure the purity and potency of the ingredients. In summary, it can be said that the medicinal herbs presented, especially sage and thyme, represent promising support for the immune system and be effective means of relieving cold complaints. Empirical studies underpin the positive effects of these herbs, which show anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties through their ingredients. The practical integration of these medicinal herbs into daily diet not only opens up new taste dimensions, but also promotes general well -being. In view of the increasing importance of herbal remedies in modern health care, it makes sense to continue research and to deepen the knowledge of the application and mode of operation of these natural substances.sources and further literature
references
- Groß, E. (2018). medicinal plants in phytotherapy . Scientific publishing company.
- Gräfe, S. (2019). phytotherapy for respiratory diseases . Verlag Hans Huber.
Studies
- Friedrich, C., et al. (2020). The effect of thyme and sage on respiratory health: a systematic review . Phytomedicine, 68.
- Müller, M., & Schmidt, M. (2021). Influence of sage and thyme indices on cold symptoms: a randomized controlled study . Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
further literature
- Schink, M. (2022). medicinal herbs and their applications: a practical guide . Gräfe and Unzer Verlag.
- Weber, A. (2021). The health importance of sage and thyme in traditional medicine . Verlag Elsevier.