Herbal Remedies for Winter Illnesses

Everyone gets sick during the Winter months. Using herbal remedies to boost the immune system will help keep you healthy in this chilly weather. Once you get sick there are also herbs that speed up recovery and give relief from your symptoms. Here are a few herbal remedies and herbs perfect for the winter months.

Garlic can be used to fight bacteria, such as streptococci, clear chest congestion, reduce fevers and speed the healing of wounds. It is best eaten raw because cooking takes away its potency. Garlic, if not eaten raw, is available in pill and liquid form. Use it as a poultice (garlic and oil) and apply to scratches and minor wounds to make them heal faster. Take or eat some garlic if you feel sick or might be coming down with something. It will help your body fight off bacteria and viruses before they have a chance to spread. Garlic is used in many other herbal remedies. You might want to keep some (in pill form or raw) on hand at all times.

Echinacea (or purple coneflower) builds up the immune system making you less at risk for illnesses like the common cold. It is also fights infections inside the body and has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties. To make Echinacea do its job you must start taking this herb as soon as you feel like you're getting sick. Then take it every 6 to 8 hours after that until the symptoms are gone. One or two doses will be ineffective and this goes for most herbal remedies. Don't give to children less than a year old.

Goldenseal is best taken when already sick with congestion and need help breathing. It opens up your mucus membranes allowing you to breath. Goldenseal can also be used for ulcers, as a laxative, appetite stimulation and aides in digestion. It is very bitter and should be taken in pill form however holding raw goldenseal in your mouth will help you breathe in just a couple of minutes (if you can stand the taste). Taking it over a long period of time can reduce the bodies ability to absorb B vitamins. If you use any herbal remedy long term (two weeks straight or more) tell your Doctor to see if there might be any side effects.

An herbal bath is a wonderful remedy to soothe a sore and aching body or provide relief from nasal and chest congestion. To make an herbal bath all you need is the dried herb of choice (peppermint, chamomile, lavender, spearmint, catnip, elder flower, etc) and a couple empty tea bags or a cloth sachet. Stuff your bags with the herb (or a combination of herbs) and put it in the bath water. You can also hang it from the faucet and let the water run over it. Herbal baths can also be good for the hair and skin.

Talk to your Doctor about which herbal teas are good for mothers and babies. Babies are more at risk for illness during the winter months. You can start drinking herbal teas (that your doctor approves) and then breastfeed about 30 to 45 minutes later. This can help boost the babies immune system and even provide relief from runny noses, fever and coughing. Herbal remedies are safer with less side effects than over-the-counter or prescription medicines. However, since your baby is so young all herbs should be approved by a Doctor first.

To soothe a sore throat drink something warm. Herbal teas made from chamomile, peppermint, osha, licorice, marshmallow root, horehound, coltsfoot and wild cherry bark will give you comfort.. They will all help you breathe and soothe inflammation in the throat. Apple cider with cinnamon, cloves and ginger is a perfect winter time herbal remedy.