Earth Medicine: How to Prevent and Treat Colds, Coughs, and the Flu Using Herbs

Being sick sucks- the runny nose, the sore throat, the coughing, the malaise. But for those interested in nature-based medicine, cold season is an opportunity to deepen your practice- to learn about your body, and to meet some of the Earth’s medicines.

What Causes the Common Cold 

We are ever-surrounded by viruses, especially the rhinovirus, which infects our upper respiratory tract and gives us the all-too familiar symptoms of the common cold. Most times our body’s immune system is able to fight off these viruses, and if we know we’re entering sick-season (April to March), we can use herbs to boost our fighting power to stave em off. But if you’ve already succumbed to the sickness, that means your body’s pathogen-fighting powers were compromised – inadequate sleep and poor nutrition are the most common culprits. This cold is a sign to embrace rest, to remove yourself from the hustle-bustle, and to take some time to nourish yourself.

Naturally, the time honored tradition of chicken soup, handed down by wise woman the world over,  will certainly help. Vitamins and minerals will help get your immune system in fighting order. The warm liquids and steam will help to decongest you. And chicken offers anti-inflammatory actions that can help you breath easy.

Also- a whole host of herbs will help prevent and treat cold symptoms. So get yourself some dried herbs (Mountain Rose Herbs is a great source), a tea infuser (be it a ball or disposable teabags), and curl up with nature’s medicine.

Herbs that Help Prevent and Treat Symptoms of a Cold

Echinacea is a powerful antimicrobial herb. It helps the body destroy or resist pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses by boosting the body’s own immune system. It is especially effective for upper respiratory tract infections such as laryngitis, tonsillitis, and for runny or stuffed up nose. It can be used to prevent illness as well. To prepare a decoction (an infused drink), put 1-2 teaspoons of the root in one cup of water and bring it slowly to the boil. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to three times a day.

Peppermint is helpful on many fronts. It helps treat a runny nose, promotes sweating to reduce a fever, helps treat nausea, and calms the nerves. Pour a cup of boiling water onto a heaped teaspoon of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. This can be drunk as often as desired!  

Ginger promotes sweating during a fever and can be used effectively as a gargle for sore throats. To prepare an infusion pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoon of the fresh root and let it infuse for 5 minutes.

Sage is a classic remedy for inflammation of the mouth, throat, and tonsils. It’s volatile oils soothe the mucous membranes and treat irritation. As a gargle, it will aid in the treatment of laryngitis and tonsillitis. Pour a cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of the leaves and let it infuse for 10 minutes.

Thyme has antimicrobial properties which are helpful when treating an infection, especially a respiratory infection. Use to treat laryngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and asthma as well as for digestive discomfort.To prepare an infusion, pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoons of the dried herb and let it infused in a covered pot for 10 minutes. Drink up to three times a day.

Hyssop has a range of applications for the common cold. It promotes sweating to treat fevers, can help treat coughs and congestion, and can also aid in the treatment of anxiety. To make an infusion, pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb and infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink 3 times a day.  

The Elder plant’s flowers and berries are bothideal for the treatment of colds and flu. It treats runny nose and congestion as well as sore throat. To make an infusion of flowers, pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoons of the dried or fresh blossoms and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 days a day. Elder berries are often enjoyed as a syrup. 

Oregano is best known as a pizza topping, but it is a powerhouse of cold and flu fighting. Antimicrobial properties make oregano a powerful cold-preventative and expectorant qualities help to rid the chest and nose of phlegm.

Garlic is one of the most effective antimicrobial plants around, acting to defend the body against viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It is helpful in treating infections of the lungs and sinuses. To brew an infusion, pour one cup of water for every clove of minced garlic.

Cayenne Pepper is spicy because of a chemical compound it contains called capsaicin. Capsaicin is a powerful decongestant, helping to rid the body of mucous. It’s antibacterial properties help to prevent colds as well by killing pathogens before they can multiply.

Horseradish works as a mild, natural antibiotic. It is useful in clearing the sinuses of mucus. It can be taken as a infusion by pouring a cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the powdered or chopped root. Leave to infuse for 5 minutes. Another way of enjoying this herb for sinus congestion is to make a compress by greasing the skin of the nose with oil, then holding freshly grated horseradish to the area with a cotton cloth. Be cautious with this method, as the horse radish can burn the skin. Remove when you feel a strong burning sensation.

Lemon’s antibacterial properties and high amount of Vitamin C means that it can help prevent and treat a cold. It will raise the body temperature and aid with fevers as well as help with sore throat.