Herbal Remedies for Cold Season

Since the average cold tablet leaves me feeling a little loopy, I have started seeking herbal remedies for colds and nausea. Next time you get sick, give some of these a try! They really work.

With cold and flu season rapidly approaching its seasonal peak, your first emphasis should be on prevention, not remedies. Make sure that you eat well, exercise, get enough sleep and keep stress levels low. These factors all affect how easily our bodies can fight off viruses, so be certain that you're living a healthy lifestyle. Remember that smoking, drug use, or excessive alcohol use also play a factor in how successfully your body fights, or doesn't fight off illness.

Experts also agree that taking 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily during the peak of cold and flu season can also decrease your chances of getting sick. Add a high potency antioxidant formula that include vitamins A,C, and E and you'll be well on your way to protecting your body from viruses.

When you do get sick, before you pop that cold pill, take stock of your symptoms because many of those medications treat all symptoms, even those that you may not have. Or better yet, check out these herbal remedies.

For a cough, steep some sage in freshly boiled water for at least 20 minutes. (A bit longer is better, but when I know that when I'm sick, I don't have the patience to wait nearly an hour for something that's going to make me feel better.) You can drink this hot or cold, even though hot liquid does ease the pain of a sore throat.

If you are suffering from head congestion, steep fenugreek in boiled water for 5 minutes, and drink the tea while it's warm. (And don't forget to use tissues that contain lotion to prevent and red, sore nose.)

If you are nauseous from coughing, or anything else, try steeping two tablespoons of freshly grated ginger in three cups of boiled water. However, don't drink this mixture. Instead, use it as a gargle or soak a hand towel in it, and place the towel to your head while resting. This should stop an upset stomach.

With cold season comes painful chest congestion. To ease this discomfort, steep the herbs mullein or lobelia in boiled water. Then saturate a hand towel with the warm liquid, place it on your chest and relax. A second way to ease chest congestion is to mix equal amounts of camphor oil and Vix in a small bowl, heat it in the microwave, and spread the mixture on your chest. Cover it with a towel, dress warmly, and go to sleep. When you wake up, you'll feel much better.

For an overall boost to your immune system, experts recommend a daily dose of the herbal antibiotic echinacea during the winter months as a preventative measure. If you find yourself surrounded by sick people at school or work, it's suggested that you increase your intake to 3 or 4 doses each day.

Just remember that the truest cold remedy of all time is still chicken soup, because it prevents dehydration and eases chest congestion. Personally, I eat when I'm sick because it's the best comfort food money can buy!