What herbs and spices can help fend off colds and flu?

Siberian ginseng root, ginger root, and cinnamon sticks can be especially helpful. They increase the body’s ability to resist infection, lessening the likelihood of picking up colds.

Ginger root’s anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties are most effective when it is freshly grated and eaten raw. Simply chew a teaspoon of it. It is often twinned as a herbal tea with cinnamon to warm and detoxify.

Elderberry appears to inactivate any given flu and virus strain. It helps to shorten and reduce symptoms and its severity. Elderberry has been used as a home remedy syrup for centuries to treat tickly coughs, colds and fevers and if taken at the onset, nastier versions like flu, bronchitis and pneumonia are less likely to progress. It is good taken throughout the colder winter months on a weekly basis, and daily during a cold. See your herbalist for personalised advice.

Yarrow can be bought loose, (dried and ground) or as a tincture (liquid extracts) from herbalists and online shops. If loose, use yarrow, peppermint and elderflower to create a powerful anti-viral tea.  Peppermint is also a great herb for the chest and will be useful to help with a lingering cough.  Other ways to ingest the herb are to boil the herbs in water, remove from the heat and then inhale the steam.

The cheapest way to attain the plant is of course to track it down in a meadow or field, but make sure it’s the right plant (Achillea Millefolium) and that it hasn’t been contaminated in any way.

Yarrow is an extremely versatile herb, perfect as an immune booster or digestive aid. It’s also good as an astringent (helps to stop bleeding after minor cuts).  It helps to ease upset stomachs, particularly diarrhoea, heavy menstrual bleeding, and can help to strengthen the skeletal structure.  Traditional uses include inserting a fresh leaf in the affected nostril to stop a nosebleed. To sooth the respiratory tract, combine yarrow with a mucilaginous (tissue soothing) herb such as marshmallow root or liquorice root.

For personalised advice, which is always best, consult a Herbalist.  A Herbalist who has also trained as a Naturopath is additionally qualified to provide dietary and lifestyle advice.

Herbal Medicine is the use of medicinal herbs to promote good health. It has a long tradition in all cultures and research has proven its huge benefits. As well as relieving symptoms, herbs work on a deeper level to help us return to full harmony

In an age when mainstream medicine has become complex and ever more technical, Herbal Medicine can offer a simple, natural and holistic way to support the body’s innate drive to heal itself.