9 Common Herbs for the Common Cold

Do you know you have a virtual goldmine in your kitchen? The spices and herbs you have hiding in there, waiting for that certain special meal, can be your best friend if you feel a cold or the flu coming on.

You might be wondering "Why bother when I can take Nyquil or Advil Cold and Sinus or something else like that?" Over-the-counter medications are made to suppress the symptoms, not treat the cause of the cold or flu directly. They can actually make it last much longer.

The best way to treat a cold or the flu is to stimulate your body's natural defenses, your immune system, as soon as you notice those familiar symptoms. The following herbs found in most kitchens can do just that. Some can even prevent a cold if you take them on a regular basis.

Garlic is the one take on a daily basis to prevent colds as well as a host of other infections. It strengthens your immune system and is useful for chest infections, coughs, sore throat, low energy and other cold and flu symptoms.

Basil can be used to treat fatigue, fever, headaches and aches and pains. This herb also stimulates the immune system to help you get rid of your cold a little quicker.

Cinnamon helps reduce the drowsiness that you usually feel with a cold or the flue, increases perspiration (to 'sweat it out') without increasing your temperature - it actually helps reduce a fever. It also helps relieve some of the achiness and nausea.

Clove is an antihistamine and expectorant; it'll help you get rid of the mucus and congestion in your lungs, bronchial passages and trachea. It can also relieve a runny or stuffy nose and sneezing, but won't make you drowsy like many antihistamines. Clove also helps reduce fever and nausea.

Ginger is about the best thing for nausea or an upset stomach. I've found it's second only to peppermint. Ginger lowers a fever, prevents drowsiness, relieves nasal and chest congestion, headaches and sore throats. It helps boost the immune system too.

Nutmeg will help you get a restful night's sleep (though it can make your dreams pretty vivid). It too can help with the nausea and headaches that can come with the flu.

Peppermint is the ultimate herb when it comes to settling your stomach and relieving headaches. It induces perspiration yet is cooling, relieving a fever. It helps ease muscle aches and pains and prevents drowsiness, as well as relieving chest and nasal congestion.

Rosemary can be used to treat chest and nasal congestion, achy muscles, nausea, and fatigue. Because it's an antidepressant, it can also help improve your mood.

Sage will reduce the perspiration and the fever, help clear nasal congestion as well as relieving muscle aches and pains and headaches. The reduction in perspiration usually starts about 2 hours or so after the sage is taken and can last up to a day or two.

The best way to take advantage of these hers is to make a tea. Boil 1 cup of water and then add 1 teaspoon of the herb; let it steep for about 10 to 15 minutes, strain it and drink. You can drink 2-3 cups daily until you find you're feeling better - which is usually much quicker than you'd think.

Go ahead, check your cupboards and see if you have any of these herbs. You'll be glad to have them when you feel those annoying symptoms of a cold or the flu coming on.

Please do not use these, or any medications, if you're pregnant without checking with your health professional first. And never give them to children under 6 years old; over 6 years old you should check with their pediatrician. Garlic is an anticoagulant so you've got to be careful if you're taking any other medications; make sure they're not blood thinners also. There are other health precautions, as with any type of medication, so please do your research before taking any of these herbs in a medicinal dosage.