Herbal Remedies for Acute Colds
A cold is an acute viral infectionof the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include sore throat, runny nose and sinus congestion.
The syndrome that we call a cold is thought to be a "healing crisis" in natural medicine. We can take a negative attitude about a cold or flu and resist it by taking strong pharmaceutical products like antihistamines and aspirin, but an alternative approach is to consider the whole process a positive one. The viral infection is putting our immune system through its paces, and may strengthen it in the process. When we have a cold, it is best to work with this opportunity and enhance elimination, relaxation, and immune activity. A good herbal program will include immune stimulating herbs, herbal decongestants, respiratory stimulants, diaphoretics to remove heat and toxins from the body through the sweat, and antivirals .
Herbs Used To Treat Acute Colds
| Herb | Treatment Support | Application |
| Arbor vitae | expectorant, immune stimulant | tea, tincture |
| Bayberry | astringent, stimulant, diaphoretic | tea, tincture |
| Chaparral | antiviral, antibacterial, expectorant | tea, tincture, capsules |
| Chives | decongestant | fresh leaves |
| Cinnamon | warming respiratory stimulant | tea, tincture, capsules |
| Echinacea | immune stimulant | tincture, tablet, capsule |
| Elder | diaphoretic | tea, tincture, tablet, capsule |
| Eucalyptus | decongestant, antibacterial | tea, oil |
| Hyssop | expectorant | tea, tincture |
| Ma Huang | decongestant | tea, tincture, capsule, tablet |
| Osha | antiviral; warming respiratory stimulant | tea, tincture, chewed root pieces |
| Peppermint | diaphoretic | tea |
| Pine Bark | expectorant, respiratory stimulant | tea |
| Sassafras | diaphoretic | tea, tincture |
| Spikenard | diaphoretic, expectorant | tincture, tea |
| Vervain | diaphoretic | tea, tincture |
| Wild Ginger | cold dispersing | tea |
| Yarrow | decongestant, diaphoretic | tea, tincture, capsule |
Herbs Used To Treat Specific Acute Colds Related Conditions
| Condition | Herb | Application |
| Colds With Fever | Catnip | tea, tincture, capsule |
| Early Stage Colds | Ginger | powder, tincture, tea |