Herbal Remedies for Cold and Flu Season

breshawna mccoy
Sep 6, 2025
2 min read

Nature’s Defense Against the Sniffles

As the weather turns colder, so do our chances of catching a cold or flu. But before you rush to the pharmacy, consider turning to the wisdom of herbal remedies. Our ancestors didn’t have modern medicine, yet they thrived using plants to build resilience and ease symptoms. Let’s explore some of the best herbal remedies for boosting immunity and staying healthy this season.

1. Elderberry Syrup: Immune Booster Extraordinaire

Elderberries have been a cold season staple for centuries, known for their ability to reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu.

How to Use: Simmer fresh or dried elderberries with honey and cinnamon to create a delicious syrup. Take a spoonful daily for prevention or more frequently when sick.
Historical Note: Elderberries have been used in traditional European medicine for over a thousand years.

2. Ginger Tea: Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory

Ginger is a warming herb that stimulates circulation and soothes respiratory symptoms.

How to Use: Slice fresh ginger and simmer in water for 10 minutes. Add honey and lemon for an extra kick.
Historical Note: Ginger has roots in ancient Chinese and Indian medicine, where it was praised as a cure-all for colds.

3. Echinacea: The Immunity Builder

Native to North America, echinacea was a key remedy among Indigenous peoples for fighting infections.

How to Use: Brew dried echinacea leaves into tea or take as a tincture to strengthen your immune response.
Historical Note: The Sioux and Cherokee tribes used echinacea to treat respiratory infections and wounds.

4. Peppermint: A Breath of Fresh Air

Peppermint’s menthol content helps clear sinuses and soothe sore throats.

How to Use: Steep fresh or dried peppermint leaves in hot water for a refreshing tea. Inhale the steam for nasal congestion relief.
Historical Note: Peppermint has been cultivated in Europe and the Middle East for centuries, prized for its medicinal properties.

5. Garlic: The Natural Antibiotic

Garlic is rich in allicin, a compound that fights bacteria and viruses.

How to Use: Crush a fresh clove and mix it with honey to create a potent cold remedy.
Historical Note: Garlic was used by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to boost immunity and ward off illnesses.

6. Thyme: The Respiratory Soother

Thyme is a powerful herb for easing coughs and supporting lung health.

How to Use: Brew a tea from dried thyme leaves or use thyme oil in a steam inhalation.
Historical Note: Ancient Romans used thyme not only for cooking but also to prevent respiratory infections.

The Importance of Ancestral Wisdom

Herbal remedies for cold and flu connect us to a time when people relied on nature for survival. These remedies are more than just effective—they’re a way to honor and preserve the traditions of our ancestors.

Why Choose Herbal Remedies for Cold Season?

Gentle on the Body: Most remedies have fewer side effects than over-the-counter medicines.
Culturally Rich: Using herbal remedies ties us to our roots and ancestral practices.
Accessible: Many of these ingredients are affordable and easy to find.

Try Herbal Healing This Cold Season

Don’t wait for the sniffles to strike! Start incorporating these remedies into your routine now to stay ahead of the season. Share your favorite herbal cold remedies and help spread the knowledge.