3 Herbs To Relieve a Cold

Each year as the cold season begins, thousands of people get a cold or catch the flu. While there are many different kinds of drugs and medication, still there are a lot of people looking for at least three herbs to relieve a cold. The advantage of herbs is that they are natural and usually they don’t have any side effects.

Thyme as one of the cold relieving herbs

It is a really good idea to always have at home some dried thyme or thyme essential oil. This herb can help you both in case of a cold or a flu. The herb is known to be an expectorant which means that the herb makes the coughs even more effective. This way the lungs will get cleared sooner and you will start feeling better in no time.

You should use this in the form of a tea. Brew a tea using two tablespoons of fresh thyme and add it to one cup of hot water. Let the tea set for 10 minutes. You also have the possibility to prepare a thyme steam bath.

In order to use this one of the herbs to relieve a cold in this manner, you should add a few drops of essential oil or a handful of thyme to a bowl of boiling water and lean over the water. Inhaling the steam will make you get better.

Licorice root

This herb is known for containing glycyrrhizin which has strong antiviral properties and it can help the body fight against SARS and HIV. The studies conducted in the field suggest that licorice root can make the common flu better and it could also heal the avian flu virus.

This herb is also considered as an expectorant in the Ayurvedic medicine. There are a lot of licorice-root teas and supplements. You could use these or you may buy actual licorice.

Some of the products that you may think contain licorice actually don’t contain any of this herb, but anise seed that tastes just like licorice roots. If you are planning on using the herb, you should talk to your doctor because it could interfere with some of the medication you might be taking.

Garlic

The herb has been known for its benefic effects and this is why it has become one of the three herbs to fight a cold. Its advantages include boosting the immune system. The people who regularly have some garlic have higher chances of not getting sick in the flu season.

However, it is true that if you use this, your breath will smell quite bad. Still, you could have it with honey and this way the taste won’t be too overwhelming.

You should make sure to give these herbs a shot because they could do wonders for your health, even if you don’t believe it at first.