Introduction
Its flu season again and you are probably stuck at home coughing, sneezing and having fever. But don’t worry mother nature has several herbal remedies for flu treatment at home. These herbal remedies reduce the duration of your illness and help you recover quickly. They also boost your immune system and prevent future infections.
In this blog post we will take up an in-depth yet lucid discussion of 17 of the best herbal remedies for flu treatment. Research shows that these herbal remedies for flu treatment at home, from herbal teas for flu relief to effective antiviral herbs, these can make you feel better naturally.
1.Echinacea for Flu Prevention
Packed with anti-oxidants, Echinacea boosts your immune system to fight off infections and viruses. This is the main reason why Echinacea is considered to be one of the most effective herbal remedies for flu treatment at home.
According to a study cited in the National Library of Medicine echinacea can effective boost your immune system to help you quickly recover from deceases.
Research shows that the herb can reduce the risk of an upper respiratory tract infection by 22%. However, there were not sufficient evidence of any substantial effect on the duration of illness.
“Echinacea purpurea preparations (EPs) have been traditionally used for the treatment of various infections and also for wound healing. Accumulating evidence suggests their immunostimulatory effects,” stated the study titled Immune enhancing effects of Echinacea purpurea root extract by reducing regulatory T cell number and function.
How to Use
You can start taking echinacea, an effective natural flu remedy, as a tea. It can also be taken as a tincture, or supplement when the symptoms started showing for the first time or during the flu season to prevent infection.
Dosage
Echinacea extract can be taken three times a day for acute treatment with the quantity being 300mg to 500mg.
2.Ginger Tea Benefits for Flu
Packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-viral components, ginger is considered to be a useful herbal remedy for flu. It reduces nausea, sooths inflammation and clears congestion. Ginger tea can soothe your throat and soothe your upset when you are recovering from flu.
How to Use
You can make ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger in boiling water. Then sip it to get your much needed relief for your sore throat and upset stomach during flu.
Dosage
Maximum of 4 grams of fresh ginger per day for adults and for pregnant women the dosage is 1 gram per day
3.Elderberry Syrup for Flu
By preventing the flu viruses from replicating and boosting your immune system, elderberry syrup can make the symptoms less severe. Research shows, black elder berry extracts and flower infusions cam be effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and duration of influenza.
How to Use
You can preventively use elderberry syrup, a home remedy for flu, by taking it when the first signs of flu start showing to boost your immune system.
Dosage
You can take 15ml of elderberry syrup four times a day or take 300mg of elderberry extract twice daily.
4.Garlic as a Flu Remedy
Garlic contains a compound called allicin which helps your body fight infections and strengthens your immune system. Moreover, garlic has antiviral and antimicrobial properties which makes it an effective flu treatment at home.
How to Use
You can have raw garlic during meals or as supplement during flu. You can crush and chop it to boost its medicinal properties.
Dosage
Take 600mg to 1200mg of garlic supplements per day divided into two to three doses. It can also be taken through food although at the risk of strong garlic-scented breath.
5.Herbal Teas for Cold and Flu Relief
Another herbal remedy for flu treatment at home are herbal teas made from chamomile, peppermint and ginger.
Chamomile Tea
A review published in 2010 that chamomile tea may help in boosting the immune system, and fight infection. However, the study titled Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future also says that more research is needed in this regard.
It further states that the health promoting benefits of chamomile was assessed in a study involving 14 volunteers who each drank 5 cups of the herbal tea daily for two consecutive weeks.
“Daily urine samples were taken and tested throughout the study, both before and after drinking chamomile tea. Drinking chamomile was associated with a significant increase in urinary levels of hippurate and glycine, which have been associated with increased antibacterial activity,” states the study.
Ginger Tea
A study published in 2019 titled Clinical aspects and health benefits of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern industry shows that ginger may be beneficial for relieving cold symptoms like sore throat and congestion. You can make ginger tea by sipping fresh ginger in warm water and sip it throughout the day to soothe your throat and give relief from upset stomach during flu.
Peppermint Tea:
According to a 2017 research paper titled Peppermint and Its Functionality: A Review peppermint has anti-microbial and antioxidant components that boosts the immune system to fight better with cold.
The menthol in peppermint also provides relief to those with clogged sinuses and making it easier for them to breath.
How to Use
Sip these teas intermittently throughout the day to get relief from flu symptoms such as headache and clogged nose. These herbal teas also boost your immune system.
Dosage
You can have up to 3 cups of peppermint tea a day. Since it has no caffeine, you can also have it in evening.
6.Licorice Root Benefits for Flu
Licorice root contains compounds such as glycyrrhizin. This component has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory which helps relieving sore throat. It also has anti-microbial components which helps fighting the flu.
How to Use
You can drink licorice root tea during the flu to get relief from sore throat and boost your immune system to fight the flu virus. Licorice root is also available in lozenges or tinctures.
Dosage
Licorice root can be safely taken up to 4.5 grams daily for up to 4 months. Taking it more than 5 grams or more daily for a longer period can result in severe side effects including heart attacks.
7.Honey and Lemon for Sore Throat
Honey and lemon have been well known herbal remedies for sore throat and boosting immunity. While honey functions as a natural antimicrobial, lemon provides vitamin C to strengthen your immunity.
How to Use:
You can mix honey and lemon in warm water. Drink this repeatedly throughout the day to soothe your sore throat and getting relief from flu symptoms.
Dosage
If you are looking for relief from cough take about 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 mL) of honey as required.
8.Turmeric for Immune Support
Research shows that turmeric has an active compound called curcumin which helps your body in fighting infections. It also reduces inflammation. Turmeric also boosts your immune system and helps you in getting an early recovery from flu making it a crucial part of any flu treatment home.
How to Use:
You can either add turmeric to your meal or make turmeric tea by simmering it with milk and honey to soothe inflammation and strengthen your immune system.
Dosage
Turmeric can be beneficial if taken in doses ranging from 500mg to 2000mg per day.
9.Ginseng for Flu Prevention
Ginseng boosts your immune system and also reduces the risk of getting respiratory infections like flu. A study published in 2005 says extracts of North American ginseng enhances immune responses.
How to Use:
You can either use ginseng as a tea or take it as a supplement. If taken regularly during flu season it will help preventing respiratory infections.
Dosage
According to research one can take 200 milligrams of Panax ginseng extract or 0.5-2 grams of dry root per day, When taken as capsules the dosage range from 100-600 milligrams per day.
10.Herbal Supplements for Flu Symptoms
Herbal supplements like elderberry, echinacea, garlic, and turmeric enhances your immune system and help your body in recovering quickly from flu.
How to Use:
You have to take the recommended doses of these supplements during flu season. Remember to always consult a doctor before combine herbal supplements with other prescribed medications.
11.Home Remedies for Seasonal Influenza
There are home remedies for seasonal influenza such as garlic, herbal teas, and honey that provide you considerable relief from flu symptoms. They naturally boost your immune system, reducing your dependence on medications.
How to Use:
You can combine herbal remedies such asgarlic, honey, and herbal teas to get relief from several flu symptoms. They provide relief from congestion, sore throats and improve your sleep quality.
12.Best Herbs for Respiratory Health
Herbs such as eucalyptus, thyme, peppermint are effective in improving your respiratory health. They also provide relief from cold and flu symptoms. They reduce congestion by clearing your airways.
How to Use:
You can use these herbs in several ways. For example, you can inhale eucalyptus steam or use thyme as a tea get relief from respiratory symptoms.
13.Tulsi Benefits for Cold and Flu
Tulsi also known as holi basil is effective in fighting respiratory infections and enhances your immunity. It also provides relieve from symptoms such as cough, fever, cough and congestion.
How to Use:
You can use tulsi as a tea or take it as supplement to fight the flu and recover quickly.
14.Herbal Immune Boosters for Flu Season
Research shows that herbs such as licorice roots, antiwei, North American ginseng, berries, Echinacea are effective in prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illness.
15.Natural Antivirals for Influenza
Herbs like elderberry, garlic, and licorice root can work as natural antivirals that help your body in fighting the flu virus. They prevent the virus from replicating and boost your immunity.
How to Use
You can use these herbs during the flu seasonal supplements, teas, or tinctures during flu season to keep infection at bay and to treat them.
16.Flu-Fighting Herbs List
Here is a list of herbs that are effective for flu treatment. You can add them to your daily routine to boost your immunity naturally and get faster relief from symptoms:
- – Echinacea
- – Elderberry
- – Garlic
- – Ginger
- – Licorice Root
- – Turmeric
- – Tulsi (Holy Basil)
- – Ginseng
- – Astragalus
- – Reishi Mushroom
- – Peppermint
- – Thyme
- – Eucalyptus
- – Cat’s Claw
Conclusion
In short, if you decide to use herbal remedies for flu treatment at home, you will get a safe and natural way of fighting against the flu. Whether you use herbal teas for cold relief or elderberry syrup for flu, these will boost your immune system naturally and you will get a faster recovery. So ready to declare the herbal war against flu? Let us know in the comments section.
FAQ
Can herbal remedies help with flu treatment?
Herbal remedies such as like elderberry, echinacea, and ginger contain antiviral and immune-boosting properties making them effective in reducing and providing relief from flu symptoms and helping you get a faster recovery.
What are the best herbal teas for flu relief?
From ginger to peppermint or chamomile herbal teas can naturally provide relief from flu symptoms like congestion or sore throat.
How can garlic help treat flu symptoms?
Packed with antiviral and antimicrobial properties, garlic can be an effective natural treatment for flu. It also boosts your immune system. By eating raw garlic or taking garlic supplements can help you fight the flu virus.
Is elderberry syrup effective for flu?
Elderberry syrup prevent the flu virus from replicating and shorten the duration of flu.
How does turmeric help with flu treatment?
Turmeric, packed with curcumin, soothes inflammation and boosts immunity and aids your body in recovering from flu.
Are there natural antiviral herbs for the flu?
Herbs such as elderberry, garlic, and licorice root have antiviral components that stop the flu virus from replicating and provides you a faster recovery.
Can ginger tea reduce flu symptoms?
Ginger tea is effective for preventing nausea, clearing up congestion, and soothing inflammation during flu.
Is echinacea effective for preventing the flu?
Echinacea boosts immunity and so you are less likely to get infected by the flu virus especially during flu season.
How do honey and lemon soothe flu symptoms?
The combination of honey and lemon is effective for sore throats, boosting immunity, and providing antimicrobial benefits.
What are the top herbs for flu prevention?
Herbs such as echinacea, elderberry, garlic, ginseng, and turmeric are effective for flu prevention and treatment as they boost your immunity.
