Herbs have always played a major role in the health benefits of human since time immemorial. There are many kinds of herbs which are taken for various ailments and they have proved to be very effective. Here is a list of 5 herbs which is known to be an effective remedy for cold.
1. Ginger tea
How it works?
Ginger has always been traditionally used as an effective remedy for cold and relief of the sore throat. Ginger works by shrinking the blood vessels an acts as a good decongestant for the nose. It also soothes your body from the various cold associated symptoms of body pain and aches.
Recipe
Ingredients
2 fresh ginger roots
4 cups of water
Slice of lemon (optional)
One tablespoon honey (optional)
Preparation
a. Peel the ginger root and clean wash off thoroughly. Slice them up and keep aside.
b. Bring water to boil in a pan or kettle then add the ginger slices.
c. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
d. Remove and strain it and drink. Adding lemon and honey is an option. During severe flu and cold season, adding sweetener is not recommended.
How to use it?
Once you have strained the ginger tea, drink it slowly before it cools. It has an invigorating and spicy taste which clears up decongestant and sinus pains.
2. Basil tea
How it works?
Basil is a seasoning garden herb for various dishes like stew, soups and spaghetti sauces. It is enriched with nutrients, minerals and Vit K. Apart from its flavoring use, it is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial herb which is beneficial for soothing a cold and other health problems.
Recipe
Ingredients
3 sprigs of fresh basil leaves
1 cup of water for a person
Slice of lemon (optional)
1 tsp of honey (optional)
Preparation
a. Wash the basil thoroughly and select only the good leaves.
b. Bring way to boil in a pan.
c. Add basil leaves, lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
d. Strain and add lemon and honey if you find the tea too bitter.
How to use it?
This tea will soothe away the stress by giving you a relaxing, calming and sedative effect. It is also a diuretic so use has to be measured accordingly.
3. Peppermint leaves
How it works?
It is a useful natural remedy apart from its use as a kitchen seasoning. It contains the oil of menthol, Menthol piperita which is a great healing agent. Menthol is an effective decongestant which thins mucus and a good expectorant in releasing phlegm during cold cough. It also greatly soothes dry throat and calms the sore. It also has the great benefit of giving a sweet, refreshing breath.
Recipe
Ingredients
1 tsp dried peppermint leaves
1 cup of water for one person
Preparation
a. Bring water to boil in a kettle or pan
b. Add the fresh leaves or dried peppermint.
c. Cover with lid ans simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat.
d. Strain and cool slightly and drink. Can be taken several times a day.
How to use it?
This drink should not be taken by children and infants as they are not very receptive to menthol and may have an adverse reaction. Patients with stomach problems and heartburn must also avoid taking the infusion as it may aggravate their symptoms.
4. Rosemary tea
How it works?
Rosemary has great healing properties which are beneficial to the body. It is a powerful anti-oxidant, soothing effect for migraine headaches and can even be used topically on joint pain and arthritis. It has great effect on bronchitis, wheezing, catarrh and cold and good for children too in limited dose.
Recipe
Ingredients
Fresh sprig of rosemary (thoroughly washed and bruised)
4 slices of ginger
Peel of an organic lemon
8 cups water
1 tsp honey, which is optional
Preparation
a. Boil water in a big pan or kettle.
b. Put in all the ingredients.
c. Cover lid, infuse for 5 minutes on low flame.
d. Strain and drink. Add honey if desired.
How to use it?
Rosemary is known to promote hair growth. fights seizures and has anti-cancer properties. It also aids in gastrointestinal distress and digestion.
5. Oregano tea
How it works?
This is also another Mediterranean herb which has high thymol content and is also called pot marjoram. It can be effectively used as a remedy for coughs, cold and sore throat as it is a good decongestant.
Ingredients
1 tsp dried oregano
If you are using the fresh herb, then 3 tbsp of bruised fresh leaves
8 cups water
1 tsp honey which is optional
Preparation
a. Bring water to boil in a pan.
b. Add the oregano.
c. Close lid, simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
d. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired and drink.
How to use it?
It must not be taken by pregnant women. Since it is a stimulant, it should be administered with care for heart patients. If taken in large quantities it can be toxic. It is an effective remedy against bacteria, yeast, viruses and fungi.
