We are all very familiar with this time of year, when colds and flu viruses spread among us and make us run to the pharmacy and look for prescription or over-the-counter drugs and hope that they will do the magic: treat the unpleasant pain ourselves. sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, fever. The cold fact, however, is that no pharmaceutical product can prevent or cure the common cold and flu, although flu shots may offer limited prevention, and some medications may alleviate some of the symptoms. Personally, I don’t recommend them unless a certain medical condition requires getting a flu shot or taking prescription medications.
The best way to avoid taking any medication, of course, is to try to avoid getting colds or the flu in the first place, but even if you do get one, the most effective way to combat them is by using natural remedies. And trust me, they work – some act directly on the immune system and others can effectively alleviate any symptoms we may experience as we adjust to cold or flu viruses.
There are many good herbal remedies that can be used to effectively fight common colds and flu. However, I will mention the time, which according to my personal experience, as well as from numerous sources of information and research, I have done as more effective.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia) is at the top of the list when it comes to helping the body fight symptoms of the common cold and flu as soon as they appear. Echinacea should be taken at the first onset of a cold or flu and in large doses to be most effective. It acts as a powerful immune stimulant; stimulates white blood cell activity and kills invading microbes. Echinacea is also perfect when there is a sore throat that is inflamed during an infection.
Garlic (Allium sativum) is extremely effective against viruses that cause colds and flu. It can be taken in food, fresh as cloves, in capsules, or as a tincture. The good thing about garlic is that it can be taken during the winter season as a preventative, as well as when cold or flu symptoms are present.
Samento (Uncaria tomantosa) is another very powerful medicinal herb, which can be used as a preventative, as well as during colds or flu. Samento has been used for centuries by native Peruvians for different diseases with great success. There are two types of this herb with the Latin name Uncaria tomendosa, the well-known cat’s claw and Samento. Both are good immune boosters, but what makes Samento a hundred times more effective than cat’s claw is the absence of the group of alkaloids known as TOA (tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids), which are present in normal cat’s claw. TOA can reduce the effectiveness of another group of alkaloids known as POA (pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids) and it is the POA alkaloids, which have powerful immune system properties. And because Samento contains only POA alkaloids, it makes it unique.
Some research shows that there is no better protection against common colds and flu than Samento.
Honey and lemon should be a must when colds and flu strike. Take three times a day the juice of a lemon squeezed with two tablespoons of honey and boiled water. It really helps.
There are also different herbal teas that can help with common colds and flu, such as thyme, tillia, and chamomile. The one to try is Rooibos or red bush tea. It is high in antioxidants, protects the immune system against free radicals, and helps fight colds and flu viruses.