Herbal Cures for the Common Cold

The common cold can be treated with herbal medicines that help to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities. Coming down with a cold is a nuisance at best; with a few herbal cures from the health food store you can minimize symptoms and shorten the length of the illness. Ginger is antiviral and warming, Echinacea is a powerful immune system strengthener and lemon juice provides important antioxidants and vitamin C to help strengthen and stimulate the body's immune system.

Ginger

• When a cold is first coming on it is a good idea to stay warm and stimulate the immune system. Ginger is a powerful cold remedy that has antiviral properties. It is also stimulating and warming, two actions that help increase your body's ability to fight off a cold. Buy fresh whole ginger and grate a bit into a mug. Pour boiling water over the fresh grated ginger and steep for five minutes. If you prefer, remove the ginger particles from the water before drinking. Ginger has a spicy flavor so start out with no more than a one-inch piece. Add honey if you wish.

Echinacea

• Echinacea has immune stimulating effects and can improve your body's ability to throw off a cold. Taking 3 to 4 ml of tinctured Echinacea three times a day at the first sign of a cold can help to reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the cold. The tinctured extract can be added to juice or water. Echinacea is also available in capsule form, as a juice or as a tea. Echinacea is usually tinctured by adding the plant material to alcohol and allowing it to sit for several weeks. This draws out the active healing compounds in the plant. You can make your own tinctures or buy the readily available prepared remedies at the health food store.

Lemon

• Lemons have powerful antioxidant properties as well as providing important vitamin C. The antioxidants found in lemon juice help to strengthen the immune system and improve the body's cellular structure. Increasing your intake of lemon juice when you feel a cold approaching may improve the body's ability to throw off the illness while improving general health and immunity. Lemon juice should be squeezed from fresh organic lemons and added to warm water. Drink several glasses of lemon water a day to gently cleanse the system and supply the body with vitamin C and antioxidants.