Medicinal plants against cold and flu

medicinal plants against flu

Coinciding with the arrival of the first cold weather, we have to talk about the inopportune flu viruswho decides to settle in the organization for a few days and who is estimated to It can affect three million Spaniards each year, with a special incidence among the chronically ill, children and the elderly.

The incubation time of the influenza virus is one to three days.and the symptoms that warn of its presence, which can be somewhat sudden at first, do not usually last more than five days in normal situations.

Those symptoms are the fever and a feeling of general weakness, sometimes accompanied by muscle aches, migraine and loss of appetite.

In case of flu you have to hydrate well, rest as much as possible, accept the fever, eat lightly and not be stubborn.

But fever, rather than cut it with aggressive drugs, it must be kept under controlas it contributes to self-healing taking its course. Only if it increases excessively and if seizures occur it is necessary to intervene with cold compresses on the chest or belly and administer some natural antipyretic.

And it is that In case of fever, what is really convenient is to keep the body hydrated. to compensate for the loss of water and minerals that occurs with sweat.

Some medicinal plants also show antiviral, febrifuge, antitussive and decongestant effects and can therefore help in case of flu.

hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

The hyssop is one of them. Taken in infusion or syrup It can lower fever, clear the airways, soften coughs, and relieve muscle aches. associates.

Properties

Antiseptic, febrifuge, antitussive, expectorant, antispasmodic, astringent.

How to use the flu swab

In simple or combined infusion, syrup, fluid extract, capsules, tincture, essential oil and in suppositories.

Ulmaria (Meadowsweet)

another classic natural antipyretic It is the meadowsweet, which contains flavonic derivatives that, in contact with the bacterial flora, give rise to methyl salicylate, which is why reduces tenths of fever and malaise.

the meadowsweet is digestive, reduces acidity of stomach and relieves joint pain.

Properties

Antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antibacterial, antiviral.

How to take meadowsweet against the flu

In simple or combined infusion, in syrup, capsules and liquid extract.

Jin yin hua or Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

Other chinese remedy against high feveruseful for the first stage of influenza, is the Japanese honeysuckle or jin yin hua, as it is used to remove heat from the respiratory passagesand that stimulates the circulation of the chi.

Your flowers cut cough and relieve muscle spasms.

used in rinsesrelieves throat irritation.

Japanese honeysuckle properties

Febrifuge, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, moisturizing, hypotensive.

how to take it

In infusion, in powders, in capsules and in rinses or gargles.

Lemon Tree (Citrus limonum)

And it doesn’t hurt to end a classic remedy when fever appears: the lemon treewhether taken in juice or in formulations, as it fights fever, reduces muscle pain and promotes hydration and remineralization of the body.

The fragrant juice of its fruit, the lemon, is used to flavor many recipes.

Properties

Antiseptic, febrifuge, moisturizing, remineralizing, diuretic, venous tonic, local hemostatic and antidiarrheal.

How to use the lemon tree in case of flu

In the form of the classic lemon juice, but also in maceration or decoction of the rind, in tincture, fluid extract and in popular remedies.

Healthy habits to prevent and improve colds

adopt certain Healthy habits It can undoubtedly contribute to preventing these problems.

At the table it is important to increase the consumption of foods rich in vitamins C, A and group Balong with those with the most antioxidant power.

Also helps avoid risky situations such as sudden changes in temperature between the exterior and interior of buildings or transport, ventilate rooms well and avoid smoke from industry or tobacco as much as possible.

This article has been prepared with the advice of Josep Maria Teixé, herbalist at El Manantial de Salud.