Herbalist's guide for the cold & flu.

jenn
5 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

How herbs can support you through a virus.

There are many remedies that you can create at home, using herbs, to reduce the severity of unwanted symptoms cause by a viral illness! From a simple tea, to a steam blend, or even an oxymel - the possibilities are endless. Dried herbs have a pretty good shelf life when stored properly (dark & cool location, in an air tight container), so it's safe to buy these in advance in order to have them already on hand when you need them. Preserving them through methods of vinegar or alcohol extracts can make them even more well preserved, versatile, and concentration (compared to a tea for example).

I will share simple recipes that you can create using the list of herbs below. While there are many other plants that can be useful for these aliments, I've chose these based on their well researched effectiveness and ease of availability.

How can you use herbs?

lower a fever, open the airways, clear mucus, reduce inflammation, prevent nausea.. and more.

Easy methods of preparation:

Water infusion - tea, decoction, bath, compress
Steam Inhalation
ACV & Honey (oxymel)
Alcohol (tincture) - vodka, brandy
Syrups - elderberry

What herbs are best?

Immune system herbs:

• modulating - Turkey tail (strengthens & balances immune system)

• stimulating - Elderberry (turns up immune response)

• supporting - Rosehips (rich in vitamin C)

Diaphoretic herbs for fever: Reduces temperature by inducing sweating and opening the pores.

▪︎ Catnip

▪︎ Chamomile

▪︎ Tulsi (Holy Basil)

▪︎ Yarrow

▪︎ Elderflower

▪︎ Ginger

Expectorant herbs for clearing the lungs:

Stimulating - encourages coughing, breaking up & clearing sticky excess mucus.

▪︎ Ginger

▪︎ Hyssop

Relaxing - ease a dry and unproductive cough / spasmodic coughing

▪︎ Mullein leaf

▪︎ Marshmallow Root

▪︎ Lavender

Herbs that can be both stimulating or relaxing (depending on individual condition)

▪︎ Licorice Root

▪︎ Thyme

▪︎ Plantain Leaf

Demulcent herbs for a sore / scratchy throat: these create a gel like coating to soothe irritation

• Marshmallow Root

• Licorice Root

• Slippery Elm

• Plantain Leaf

Herbs for reducing nausea:

▪︎ Peppermint

▪︎ Spearmint

▪︎ Ginger

▪︎ Chamomile

▪︎ Lemon balm

Herbal Recipes

Fever Tea

lower body temp by encouraging sweating

3/4 Tbsp Peppermint leaves

1/4 Tbsp Catnip leaves

8 oz water

Bring water to a boil. Add your tea and cover. Steep for 8 mins, then strain

Throat Soother Tea

ease coughing and reduce irritation

1/4 Tbsp Marshmallow Root

1/4 Tbsp Peppermint leaves

1/4 Tbsp Plantain leaves

1/4 Tbsp Slipper Elm Bark

8 oz water

Bring water to a boil. Add your tea and cover. Steep for 7 mins, then strain.

Anti-Nausea Tea

reduce stomach cramping, relax muscles

1/2 Tbsp Lemon balm leaves

1/2 Tbsp Chamomile leaves

1/4 Tbsp Ginger Root

8 oz water

Bring water to a boil. Add your tea and cover. Steep for 7 mins, then strain.

Breathe Easy Steam

gently clear the sinuses and soothe dryness

1/2 C Mullein leaves

1/4 C Peppermint leaves

1/4 C Lavender flowers

medium sauce pan with lid - filled half full of water

Add the herbs to the pot and cover with the lid. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and allow the steam to build up under the lid.
Once there is sufficient steam - carefully remove the lid and lean over the mist rising up from the pan (don't burn your face!)
Drape a towel over the back of your head to trap the herbal vapors. Take deep breathes. Allow the warm steam to clear your nasal passage. Stay for 5-10 mins.
Return pan to stove top to create more steam and repeat inhalation as needed.

Elderberry Oxymel

Boost immune system functions

1 C Dried Elderberry

2 Tsbp Ceylon Cinnamon

2 Tbsp Orange Peel

1 & 1/2 C Apple Cider Vinegar

1 & 1/2 C Raw Honey

1 quart mason jar (wide mouth is best)

Combine all ingredients into a clean & completely dry mason jar.
Add your dried herbs, then ACV, then Honey. Screw on the lid tightly and shake vigorously to incorporate the liquids.
Loosen the lid slightly and store in a cool dark place. Shake the jar occasionally over 4 weeks (remember to tighten the lid!)
Because the mixture will undergo a fermentation process, it is advised to place the jar on a plate or bowl - due to seepage.
After 4 weeks, strain the liquid from the herbs using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Store the liquid in a dark place for up to 6 months. Take 1-2 Tbsp as needed to boost the immune system.