Although possible any time throughout the year, during the cold and dry winter months, the flu begins to rear its ugly head, infecting person after person across schools and workplaces everywhere. Due to a sluggish incubation period, confusing symptoms that start as if mimicking a cold and a literal lack of treatment options, the flu spreads easily and quickly.
There is no treatment for the flu. Since flu is caused by any number of viruses and while viral medications do exist, they are often unlikely to have much effect on the flu due to the large number of variable strains. As such, treatment is often more related to symptom management coupled with increased fluid intake and long periods of rest.
There are many herbs that are found in nature that may be effective at both targeting the source of the flu, treating the symptoms and also shortening the duration of the illness. Most of them boast antiviral properties, and some can help relieve fevers, coughing, congestion and nasal symptoms associated with the flu. Many of them can be blended into herbal tea recipes for soothing and comforting relief.
One notable herb to consider for use in a tea for flu relief is echinacea. This is the go to herb for people looking for symptom relief and has long been used in folk medicine as a cure for everything from snake bites to infections. Echinacea has been shown in some studies to be effective against some viruses responsible for flu development and also provides the immune system with a much needed boost to help it fight off the germs responsible for causing illness. Found within the body is an enzyme known as hyaluronidase which can reduce the body’s ability to fight disease. Echinacea has been shown to effectively counteract this defense destroying enzyme, furthering its illness battling reputation. It is an exceptional choice in a tea for flu infections and all around well being.
Elderberry is another age old remedy for an almost endless list of ails but most noted for its ability to fight off colds and the flu. Elderberry is useful in this application because it successfully can counteract the replication of the illness causing viruses. The herb is also known for an ability to bring about perspiration, which may hold detoxification and fever reducing benefits as well. Not only does it make an excellent tea for flu infections, it is also considered a very safe herb and has been used for children as well.
Studies have been conducted on andrographis, a staple of Ayurvedic medicine and a known folk remedy for coughs, cold and the flu. One study in particular pointed to the herb’s ability to both shorten the duration of the condition and also help prevent possible complications of the illness from coming about. Andrographis has long been used to treat the symptoms of sinus infections, upper respiratory infections and other bronchial ailments. In addition to source combating benefits, andrographis makes a perfect addition to a tea for flu infections for another reason, symptom relief.
Boneset is an herb that works both as an antiviral to help fight the source of an influenza infection and is also useful in a tea for flu relief for an additional reason, and that is immune system boosting. Many in the herbal medicine community feel that boneset is one of the very best choices in natural treatment for the flu. It brings about sweating, can help to flush toxins from the body, bring relief from chills and help to dry out mucus. This herb is normally taken in a tea for flu relief four to five times daily while illness is present.
There are many natural antiviral herbs that may be effective against the many viruses responsible for the development of the flu. They can help to relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness when used in a tea for flu relief. Some also can help to ramp up the immune system and prevent recurrent illnesses, especially during an active season. All natural remedies and herbal tea recipes should be used with caution and under the advice of a health care provider. Herbs are powerful and contain potent natural compounds that can have side effects, interact with medications and affect certain health conditions. Herbs can be used safely and effectively, but it is a good idea to check with a health care provider before use to ensure safe and healthy natural healing.
