Best Herbs For Colds and Boosting Your Immune System During Cold Winter Months

From fall to winter, the threat of cold and flu season abounds. Let’s face it, having a cold or flu is a miserable experience that no one wants. Fortunately, there are many herbs and all-natural herbal remedies you can incorporate into your daily diet that will not only strengthen your immune system and aid in speeding up your body’s recovery time, but you’re able to save money on over-the-counter medications. So, here are 5 herbs that are essential for your medicine cabinet and refrigerator during the season.

1. Elderberry

Elderberry is one of our favorite natural cold remedies. This berry has been scientifically proven to reduce cold and flu symptoms in studies, and it’s been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It’s packed with wonderful nutrients like vitamin A and C, which strengthen your immune system. It’s also full of healing antioxidants, which promote the removal of harmful free radicals that can damage the cells in your body. 

2. Echinacea

Echinacea is a flowering plant that provides powerful antimicrobial and antiviral benefits. This makes it the perfect home remedy, as either a tea or an extract, to take while you’re sick with the flu. Studies have shown that it can actually reduce the duration of your cold. This means that if you take echinacea, you may recover faster from your symptoms.

3. Ginger

Ginger is just one of several herbs that can aid your cold symptoms, such as nasal and chest congestion, runny nose, cough, and sore throat. It can also boost your immune system during the frosty winter months when it’s at its weakest due to a lack of vitamin D from the sun.

In a study from 2013, scientists found that fresh ginger may help support the health and recovery of the human respiratory system. Its warm, spicy taste soothes sore throats and opens up the lungs. It also contains antioxidants that aid cell repair.

4. Garlic

Garlic is not just a flavorful addition to your cooking, it’s also a well-known cold remedy! Fresh garlic can be an effective antibiotic, which kills infections. In addition, a study by American Family Physician showed that garlic (when taken regularly) helps prevent the frequency of the common cold.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties. It’s also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. With all those powers combined, it’s also anti-cold! Breathing in the pungent fumes of rosemary will help boost your immunity and soothe your respiratory system.

Below are some ideas for how to soothe your cold symptoms with some easy at-home recipes.

1. Make Fermented Honey Garlic

Fermented honey garlic doesn’t sound tasty, but it’s a potent combination that can help kill your cold virus. Both honey and garlic contain antioxidants and help your body fight off infections. Fermentation, meanwhile, ensures that the nutrients in the ingredients stay active so they are easily absorbed by the human body.

To get a jump on the winter season and the common cold before it hits your household, prepare some jars of fermented honey garlic. Just take a clean glass jar and place peeled fresh garlic cloves inside. Cover the cloves with honey, then seal it all in with a lid. Then leave it on the counter for three days.

At the end of three days, open the lid and stir the mixture, checking for bubbles. The bubbles indicate that the garlic has started the fermentation process. When you see them, put the lid back on and place the jar in the refrigerator for at least a week before using it.

If you or any of your loved ones get sick, pull out a jar of fermented honey garlic and have them eat the cloves. The taste is slightly sweet and the texture is chewy.

2. Inhale Steam From Boiled Rosemary Leaves And Stems

Fill a large pot or saucepan with water and add in a few handfuls of rosemary leaves and stems. Set the mixture to boiling.

When the water has been boiling for a couple of minutes, take it off the burner. Next, lean over the pot with a towel over your head and the pot, and breathe in the steam. The steam will open up your pores and the mucous membranes in your nose and lungs. The rosemary will help fight the cold virus.

3. Drink Elderberry Armor Tea

We had to have our tea on the list. At Tea and I, we offer a sweet, natural remedy for colds. It’s made with some of the herbs we listed above, such as echinacea and ginger. Together with elderberry, this blend will help you fight your cold symptoms, recover quicker, and come down with illness less frequently. It’s also delicious! You can purchase your own here.

Medicinal teas and herbal remedies are great options to incorporate to boost your immune system and prevent or shorten the common cold and flu. Be sure to consume in safe amounts and experiment with the right combination for you.

About Tea and I:  Tea and I is a wellness tea brand for tea lovers who want to feel their absolute best. Our tea is fortified with nothing but the finest all-natural herbs and ingredients, as it should be. Whether you want to feel healthier, be more energetic, or boost your immune system, we have a tea to fit your lifestyle. Add a cup of wellness to your daily routine so that you can be—and look like—a healthier, happier you.

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