Natural ways to help fight colds and flu

In the autumn and winter season, we observe an increase in the incidence of colds and flu. This may be related to temperature differences (the air in apartments and houses is dry and warm, while outside it is much colder), weakened immunity or even our diet and supplementation.  The factors that weaken our body’s immunity include:

• excessive stress
• physical and mental fatigue
• inadequate amount and quality of sleep
• irregular nutrition and improperly balanced meals
• stimulants such as alcohol, cigarettes and others
• irregular lifestyle (different working hours, frequent travel)

Colds are diseases caused by viruses, so we can only use antiviral agents that have symptomatic effects or those that will strengthen our body in the fight against the disease.

 What about antibiotics?

Unfortunately, antibiotics only have ANTIBACTERIAL, not antiviral, effects, so in viral infections (which include about 90% of such diseases), their use is unjustified. So why are they so eagerly used? It happens that during a viral infection, our nasal and oral mucosa become dry and irritated, so they are an easy source for bacterial infections.  Only when bacterial “superinfection” occurs does the use of antibiotics make sense.

It is important to learn to observe our body and start reacting to the first symptoms. Then we will most likely be able to limit both the development of the disease and the amount of chemical preparations consumed.

 Especially now, when bacterial resistance to antibiotics has reached such a high level, we should consciously and carefully use these drugs, only when they are really needed. In this way, we will help both future generations and ourselves by sparing ourselves from administering a drug for which there are no indications. 

How to fight the infection?

Let’s start with how to prevent infections and take care of your immunity. Of course, you should follow the rules of a healthy lifestyle, e.g.:

• clothes appropriate to the weather
• avoiding physical and mental fatigue as much as possible
• regular physical activity adapted to our abilities and comorbidities
• well-balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids
• adequate sleep and rest time

Natural substances for colds

1. Ginger, lemon, honey – a quick recipe for an infusion that will strengthen our body, has a warming and sweating effect.  Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties (active compounds contained in ginger root are responsible for these effects). Cut the ginger root into slices, pour hot water over it and infuse covered for about 10 minutes. Then you can add lemon, which will naturally replenish the vitamin C needed during infection. It is also worth adding honey, rich in vitamins and nutrients. Additionally, ginger also has a slightly expectorant effect and liquefiesce retained secretions, it will also be useful in case of cough with difficult expectoration.

The use of ginger is not recommended for people who take anticoagulants and antidiabetics, because ginger may intensify these effects. It should also not be used by people with digestive tract diseases, such as stomach and duodenal ulcers.

• Onion and garlic – are called “natural antibiotics”. This is true because they contain active compounds that inhibit the growth of many microorganisms, have antiviral, antiseptic and antifungal properties. They can be used alone in the initial phase of the disease or in more severe cases as a support for pharmacological treatment. They are perfect for preparing your own homemade syrup. To do this, you should: cut the onion and garlic into slices, put in a jar and cover with sugar. You can add lemon juice and/or honey. Then put in the fridge. After a few hours, drink the resulting syrup – 2 tablespoons 2-3 times a day

Garlic has many health-promoting effects, including reducing LDL cholesterol, increasing HDL cholesterol, lowering blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory effects. It prevents platelet aggregation, so it should not be used by people taking anticoagulants. You should also avoid garlic and preparations based on it before planned surgeries.

• Black elderberry – we use the fruit and flower of this plant for prevention and in case of illness. They are rich in flavonoids, tannins, mucus and minerals. It has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties and has a good sweating and antipyretic effect. Additionally, they increase the secretion of mucus in the bronchi and facilitate expectoration.

There are many preparations from these raw materials to choose from, such as: juices or syrups, teas, herbal mixtures or loose fruits and elderflowers for preparing your own infusion.

• Lime inflorescence and willow bark – Linden inflorescence has been known for a long time as a diaphoretic agent that helps in the fight against fever. It also contains mucous substances that protect and coat the mucous membranes of the throat, soothing irritations and helping with coughing. Willow bark is a source of natural salicylates, which are converted in our body to acetylsalicylic acid (popularly called “aspirin”, which has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties.

Willow-based products should not be used by people allergic to salicylates, pregnant women and children under 16 years of age.

• Marshmallow, coltsfoot leaf – These herbs are rich in mucous substances that soothe irritations, hoarseness and dry cough. Coltsfoot leaf facilitates expectoration, has antispasmodic and antibacterial properties. These herbs are ingredients of many syrups and lozenges. They are also available as loose herbs for self-preparation of infusions for drinking and/or gargling. Coltsfoot should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.

• Plantain and Icelandic lichen – Like marshmallow and coltsfoot, they are rich in mucous substances. They are most often used for dry, persistent cough, hoarseness, and throat pain and irritation. In addition to their protective effect, they have a good anti-inflammatory effect and soften retained secretions and facilitate expectoration.

• Sage and chamomile – perfect as raw materials for preparing a gargle for the throat and mouth. They have a good antiseptic and soothing effecto on the mucous membrane. Sage has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Infusions and preparations made from these raw materials can be used in case of sore throat, inflammation and minor damage to the gums.

Inhalations

• Essential oils for inhalation – they are a natural and invaluable help in the case of a wet cough with retained secretions and difficult expectoration. They can be used alone or in combination with a mixture of oils. The most frequently used oils include:
  • eucalyptus oil: facilitates expectoration of secretions, has a mild antispasmodic and antiseptic effect
• • pine oil: stimulates the movement of cilia in the respiratory tract, liquefies secretions and stimulates the cough reflex, additionally has a disinfecting effect
  • thyme oil: often used in inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and bronchi, it has a good expectorant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect.

           Let us remember that essential oils are strong substances with high concentrations of active compounds. Therefore, we should not use them on the skin of infants and small children, especially on the face. Contraindications include allergy to the ingredients of the oil. Of course, it is worth remembering that essential oils should not be used in inhalers (nebulizers), as they may damage the equipment. We use them traditionally with hot water.

For inhalers, we commonly use saline inhalations of 0.9% or higher concentration (hypertonic). Products with a concentration of 2.2% or 3% can be successfully used for wet cough, residual secretions and difficulties with expectoration. There are also products on the market with the addition of hyaluronic acid, which are perfect for dry cough and hoarseness.

Herbal mixtures

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the offer of our store, where you will find many original herbal mixtures that can be used for colds and flu.

https://medycynaziolowa.pl/sklep

Recommended products from our store

• Herbal mixture for colds and flu
• Herbal mixture for wet cough
• Herbal mixture for hoarseness

Natural herbal mixtures prepared by a master of pharmacy. See the entire store →