It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? And the time when we are most prone to pick up those cold viruses and flu bugs that seem to just float outside the door, waiting to attack us when we dare to venture past our cozy little nests. Actually, it seems like they walk right on in our cozy little nests and attack us there, too. Colds and flus are just downright nasty. Instead of accepting them as a matter of course, fight back. But you can do better than the drug-packed shelves at the local pharmacy. Try a few of these natural, herbal solutions to deal with cold and flu symptoms, and to shorten the duration of those nasty invaders.

Hot Tea Blend with Honey and Lemon

Any herbal tea will do, but you get extra credit if you drink chamomile (which is relaxing and has anti-inflammatory effects) or peppermint (which contains menthol, a cough suppressant and decongestant). Heat your water to boiling, and pour into your mug over the teabag. Let the tea steep, covered, for three to five minutes. Uncover, remove the tea bag, and squeeze a lemon wedge over it. Stir in enough honey to sweeten it and start sipping as soon as you can.

The warmth and steam will help to unclog your nose. The warmth of the liquid and the honey will soothe your irritated throat. The lemon and the herbs will attack the virus cells. Drink as much hot tea as you can handle throughout the day and especially before bed, to help calm down your cough before sleeping.

Menthol and Camphor Rub

You can make this yourself or purchase it already made. It’s also easy to make at home. Use plain Vaseline or any lotion or cream and add a few drops of camphor essential oil and menthol essential oil. Blend well and rub onto chest, throat, and under nose.

Steam Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy itself is very beneficial, according to the herbs you use, and when you combine it with steam you get multiple benefits. First, the steam itself will help to clear your sinuses and any congestion. Second, the steam will moisturize the irritated membranes of your sinuses. Third, the moisture that is released will humidify the dry winter air. Fourth, the steam will open your pores and allow any toxins to be sweated out. And fifth, you get the effects of the herbs.

You can use essential oil or dried/ fresh herbs for steam aromatherapy. Simply fill up your bathroom sink with very hot water, and add the herbs or a few drops of the essential oil. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the sink, breathing deeply and slowly, until the steam dissipates.

Best Herbs for Steam Aromatherapy

Lavender – antifungal, promotes relaxation, relaxes muscles, reduces restlessness.
Peppermint – decongestant, cough suppressant, antiviral, expectorant, reduces achiness, relaxes muscles.
Ginger – reduces nausea, decreases inflammation, relieves congestion.
Lemon Balm – sedative and calming effects, relaxes muscles, antiviral.
Echinacea – boosts immune system, antiviral, antifungal.
Cinnamon – antimicrobial, pain reliever, cough reliever, helps clear sinuses.

Warm Herbal Baths

Especially great if you are dealing with a flu bug that leaves all your muscles aching and your skin sore, a warm herbal bath will help to relax your muscles and soothe your skin. Use one or a combination of the herbs mentioned above; if you have them in teabags, simple hang them under the spout of the bathtub. If you have loose herbs, tie them up in a piece of cheesecloth or other permeable fabric and hang on the spout of the bathtub so the water runs through the herbs as it comes out.

Run your bath water so it is comfortably warm, but not so hot that it will irritate your skin and cause your muscles to contract. Ease yourself into the water, get comfortable, and relax. Add fresh hot water when needed to keep the temperature comfortable. Keep the bathroom warm. When you get out, towel off gently, rub some menthol ointment on your chest and throat, dress in warm pajamas and socks, and slip into bed with a cup of hot herbal tea. Ah, health. Here it comes again.

Photo with motograf.