
8 Herbs to Treat Viral Respiratory Infections
Cold and flu are some of the common viral infections. They are seasonal and can be handled easily at home using certain anti-viral herbs. Apart from the medications you take, try some of these cold and flu superfoods.
1. Ginger
One of the best herbs to treat cold and flu is ginger. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can bring down inflammation in the nasal passage and airways. It can also clear the nasal passage, bringing down congestion. You can boil fresh ginger pieces in water and enjoy hot ginger tea to get some relief.
2. Sage
Sage has immense antiviral and antibacterial properties and is a classic herb to treat cold and flu. Again, the fresh herbs are more effective than the dried ones. It is easy to grow your own herbs at home for their medicinal value.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary is a herb that can actually improve your circulatory system. It increases blood flow throughout the body and helps relieve problems like headaches that affect you during a cold or a flu infection.
4. Cloves
Cloves have a strong and spicy aftertaste and also make to this list of cold and flu superfoods. Cloves are anti-viral by nature and they can help bring down all symptoms of cold and flu like runny nose, cough, and sore throat. Use a pestle to roughly break two cloves and add them to boiling water. Strain and drink like tea. You can also chew cloves and swallow their juices for the same effect.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon, just like cloves, have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. These have high antioxidant content too. Cinnamon can be used as a spice when you are cooking and making tea.
6. Oregano
One of the best herbs that definitely belong to the list of cold and flu superfoods is oregano. Oregano has a lot of anti-inflammatory properties, and it can help bring down the intensity of your cold or flu. Fresh oregano is the best. Otherwise, you can use freshly-pressed oregano oil instead.
7. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a wonderful herb that has antimicrobial properties. It helps your body handle cold and flu symptoms better. Hot lemongrass tea can soothe the throat and also help make cough and sore throat better.
8. Holy basil
Holy basil is another wonderful herb that makes to the list of cold and flu superfoods. This has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can fight different infections, including cold and flu. You can make tea out of the fresh leaves and enjoy or chew them directly.
Make a note of all these cold and flu superfoods and use them regularly. They not only fight existing infections but can also improve your immunity and prevent you from having to deal with infections in the future.