common cold: Herbal plants for treating the common cold

With the onset of autumn, a new wave of the common cold also arrives and spreads widely. If you are among those who, before anything else, reach for cold tablets when they are sick, hold on. In this article from Plants Folder, we intend to introduce the best and most effective herbal plants for treating the common cold, so that you can eliminate cold symptoms in the shortest time and without any side effects.

Which plants are beneficial for treating the common cold?

It is better to use natural and side-effect-free herbal remedies instead of chemical tablets for treating the common cold. However, please keep in mind that if you are pregnant or experiencing a specific illness, it is essential to consult with a specialist physician before using herbal plants to treat the common cold. In the following, we will become acquainted with the best and most effective herbal treatment methods for the common cold.

Basil

Basil is an herbal plant known as an effective treatment for the common cold. This plant contains vitamin C and flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of basil can also be effective in reducing cold symptoms. Consuming basil in the form of warm tea may also help soothe the throat and reduce fatigue.

Ginger

Ginger is recognized as a plant with notable medicinal properties that can be effective in reducing cold symptoms. This plant has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce inflammation and enhance the body’s resistance against infections. Ginger is also known as a throat soother; its anti-inflammatory properties promote throat healing and aid in reducing pain and swelling. Additionally, the compounds in ginger, including antioxidants, can strengthen the immune system and reduce mucus secretions due to its antibacterial properties.

Ginger may be used as a therapeutic plant for the common cold due to its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and immune-boosting properties. You can consume ginger as an herbal tea, or extract, or incorporate it into your meals to benefit from its properties.

Cumin

Cumin is an incredible plant with medicinal properties that can have an impact on the common cold. This plant is rich in vitamin C and powerful antioxidants, which play a significant role in strengthening the immune system and enhancing resistance against infections.

The specific compounds in cumin, such as thymol and carvacrol, have antibacterial and antiviral effects that can contribute to the effective reduction of cold symptoms. The anti-inflammatory properties of this plant are also utilized in reducing inflammation and mucus secretions, providing relief from throat pain and swelling. To benefit from these properties, cumin can be consumed as herbal tea or used as a spice in meals.

Yarrow

Yarrow is one of the most valuable plants in the world of herbal medicine, widely used in the treatment of colds. This plant has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help reduce pain and throat inflammation due to a cold. Additionally, yarrow contains compounds with antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can aid in combating microbes and respiratory infections, accelerating the healing process. The use of yarrow as an herbal remedy for treating colds may not only help alleviate the symptoms of the illness but also assist in strengthening the body’s immune system.

Dracocephalum

Dracocephalum is a medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of colds. This plant contains essential oils, tannins, and antioxidants, which are known to be effective in treating cold symptoms. The soothing properties of borage can have a significant impact on reducing throat pain and inflammation associated with a cold. Furthermore, its antibacterial and antiviral compounds can help fight respiratory infections and expedite the recovery process. The use of dracocephalum as an herbal remedy for colds is well-known, and brewing it as an herbal tea is one of the recognized methods of harnessing its properties for therapeutic purposes.

Licorice

Licorice is a plant with extensive medicinal properties that may have an impact on the management and treatment of colds. This plant contains beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils, which are known as effective and active ingredients in reducing cold symptoms.

One of the main characteristics of Liquorice is its soothing ability, which can help reduce throat pain and inflammation caused by a cold. This soothing property can alleviate throat discomfort and, consequently, improve the individual’s condition during a cold.

Furthermore, Liquorice has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can be effective in combating the effects of viral or bacterial respiratory infections. This plant may also help with the reduction of mucus secretions, aiding in the relief of sneezing and coughing. Using Liquorice as a tea or herbal infusion is a natural and easy way to promote health during a cold.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a medicinal plant that has many properties for treating colds. It can significantly improve an individual’s condition. The plant contains compounds like apigenin, which are known for their effectiveness in combating cold symptoms. One of the prominent characteristics of chamomile is its anti-inflammatory ability, which can help reduce inflammation in the throat and respiratory passages caused by a cold. Additionally, the antibacterial properties of chamomile can be effective in combating bacteria and respiratory infections, accelerating the healing process.

White horehound

White horehound, a flowering plant from the mint family with the scientific name “marriubum vulgare,” is abundantly found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. This plant is known for its medicinal properties and air-purifying abilities and can be an effective substitute for cough syrups.

To prepare homemade cough syrup using white horehound, steep 28 grams of the plant’s leaves in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes. Then separate the leaves from the liquid and add honey to it, mixing it well. Make sure to use natural honey. You can store this syrup in a tightly sealed bottle in the refrigerator for about 2 months and it is recommended to consume one teaspoon of it, four times a day. This natural and effective method can help alleviate cough and improve cold symptoms.

Summary of Herbal Plants for Treating the Common Cold

As we have read in this article, there are effective herbal plants for treating the common cold that have no side effects and show immediate results. It is important to reiterate that if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a specific medical condition, it is essential to use these herbal plants for treating the common cold under the supervision of your doctor.