Cold Busting Herbs

Here are some of my tips for trying to stave off a terrible flu like I am just (trying) to get over that started out as a cold. I thought that I would post this in the hopes that I could save someone out there the hassle of waiting in the emergency room or going out and spending an arm and a leg for over the counter cold remedies that usually don't work anyway. Heres to good health and less colds to us ALL!

When it comes to treating a winter cold, there are plenty of natural ingredients that will help your body to heal itself, many of which are in your kitchen already.

A healthy diet all year round is a cold fighting essential. Be sure to pack your winter meals with foods rich in vitamin C (such as brocolli, and citrus fruits) and zinc (found in whole grains).

Stress also weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds. If you feel stressed, try to think positively and address any worries. Above all, ensure that your immune system has time to work by getting plenty of sleep.

Runny noses and congested coughs and sweating cause you to lose body fluids, leaving us dehydrated and thirsty. The obvious response is to reach for a hot drink but caffeine is also dehydrating, so regular tea and coffee only exacerbates the problem. Most herbal teas are caffeine free allowing you to enjoy your warm drink, without the dehydrating side effects.

Listed are some cold busting herbs that you may or may not have tried that you may already have in your kitchen cupboards.

Echinacea - Strengthens the immune system and can shorten the length of a bout of cold or flu. Drink a cup of echinacea tea every day from the start of winter as a preventive measure. (Available in dried herb form or in herbal tea bags)

Citrus fruits - Lemon, grapefruit and orange juices are all antiseptic and have uplifting properties, helping to beat the winter blues. Orange can bring down temperatures, grapefruit stimulates the lymphatic system and fights fevers, and lemon cleanses and purifies. Heat essential oils in a vaporizer or eat fresh fruit to boost vitamin C levels.

Eucalyptus - This antiseptic essential oil works on the respiratory tract, soothing the inflammation and clearing the head and sinuses. A few drops on a handkerchief inhaled at intervals will relieve nasal congestion. Place eucalyptus and lemon in a bowl of hot water to make a sinus clearing steam inhalation.

Rosemary - Available in an essential oil or dried or fresh herb, rosemary eases headaches and sore throats and can also raise the spirit. Gargle with a diluted syrup to ease a sore throat. Alternatively to treat an aching head, drink half a cup of rosemary tea every three or four hours.

Garlic - Whether in clove, powder or oil form, garlic's antibacterial properties help the immune system to fight infection. It is also an effective remedy for chest infections. Try to include garlic in your diet or take a fresh clove two to three times a day with meals.

Sage - Sage's chest clearing properties are useful for treating head colds and restoring the appetite. Drink in herbal tea throughout the day. (Pregnant women should avoid sage and thyme).

Thyme - Available as a fresh or dried herb or essential oil, thyme fights infections and relieves low spirits and exhaustion, fortifying the body against colds. Drink half a cup of tea, or take a half teaspoon of syrup three times a day.

Ginger - Available in root or essential oil form, this winter warmer is an antiseptic, a stimulant and expectorant all in one. Dilute the essential oil for a muscle rub. Grated ginger root can be made into a tea or added to foods.

Honey - This humble store cupboard standby soothes sore throats and tickly coughs. It also give relief from headaches and promotes relaxation. Use instead of sugar to sweeten herbal drinks.

To all of you who have stopped by, wishing you less colds or flu's in 2008!! ;)