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Medicinal plants: How to make cold remedies using herbs (includes recipes)
By joannewashburn // 2021-09-24
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Cold remedies are almost as common as the common cold itself. These remedies help ease your symptoms and keep you from feeling miserable. Plus, many of them are all-natural, having been made using herbs. Read on to learn about four tried-and-tested cold remedies and how to make them.

Cold and flu vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a remedy that many people swear by. It's believed to help relieve colds because of its antimicrobial properties. Unfiltered ACV also contains the "mother," which is a mixture of yeast and bacteria. In essence, they work as probiotics – live microbes that are good for you, particularly your gut. In 2018, researchers found that probiotics have an immune-boosting quality that helps the body combat colds. Ingredients:
  • 2 garlic heads, finely chopped
  • 1 whole cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 large red onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cups raw ACV
  • 1/4 cup ginger root, grated
  • 1/4 cup turmeric root, grated
  • 1/8 cup horseradish root, grated
  • 1/8 cup thyme, chopped
Directions:
  1. Place the herbs and cayenne pepper in a clean one-quart jar.
  2. Fill the jar with raw ACV, making sure the herbs are submerged completely.
  3. Secure the lid. Leave the jar in a warm area, like on a sunny windowsill, for a month. Shake daily.
  4. Strain and discard the herbs. Take a tablespoon of the mixture daily during flu season.

Cold and flu tea

Drinking hot liquids like tea relieves nasal congestion and soothes the inflamed membranes lining your throat and nose. If you're so congested that you can't sleep at night, try this cold and flu tea recipe. Ingredients:
  • 4 slices ginger
  • 1 chamomile teabag
  • Cayenne powder, to taste
  • Raw honey, to taste
Directions:
  1. Boil the ginger slices in 2 cups of water. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  2. Strain and discard the ginger slices. Steep the teabag in the ginger water for 5 minutes.
  3. Add cayenne powder and honey to taste. Drink three to four times daily to relieve cold and flu symptoms.

Cough syrup

If you're dealing with a bout of cough, try this all-natural cough syrup. Its main ingredient is honey, which has long been considered an effective cough suppressant. It coats and soothes the throat, effectively reducing the severity of coughs. Honey is generally safe for adults and older children. Avoid giving honey to infants and children younger than one year old. This cough syrup also uses powdered echinacea and elderberry. Native Americans have used the roots and leaves of the echinacea plant to treat infections. Experts believe echinacea's beneficial effects against respiratory infections can be attributed to powerful antioxidants known as flavonoids. Elderberry also shows promise in treating colds, the flu and other respiratory infections. It's typically sold as a syrup, which can be taken as is to reduce the severity of coughs. It's also available in powdered form. Ingredients:
  • 1 cup raw honey
  • 1/8 cup powdered echinacea
  • 1/8 cup powdered elderberry
Directions:
  1. Place all the ingredients in a clean jar. Place the jar in a double boiler and heat gently.
  2. Simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Don't let the honey boil or burn.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool. Once completely cool, secure the lid.
  4. Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the honey every two hours or as needed. Store in a cool, dark place.

Herbal steam inhalation

Steam inhalation is one of the most widely used remedies to relieve nasal congestion. It involves the inhalation of water vapor, which is thought to work by loosening mucus in the nasal passages, throat and lungs. For best results, throw your favorite cold-fighting herbs into the mix. Effective ones include eucalyptus, thyme, sage, rosemary, peppermint, ginger, mint, lavender and orange peel. Ingredients:
  • 4 cups boiling water
  • Preferred herbs
Directions:
  1. Place the herbs in a large bowl. Add boiling water.
  2. Drape a towel over the back of your head. Place your face over the bowl. Breathe deeply for 10 minutes.
  3. Repeat as needed. Close your eyes and don't shake or lean on the bowl to avoid burns.
Cold and flu symptoms can be relieved easily by using all-natural home remedies made with herbs. Try any of the remedies shared above the next time you feel under the weather. Sources: AskAPrepper.com ScienceDirect.com BBC.com VeryWellHealth.com
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