Autumn and winter are the times of year when we are most at risk of catching a cold. The change in temperature from the heat of indoor spaces to the cold outside weakens our immune system. Which ends up causing the appearance of the always annoying congestion, runny nose and cough. So that this season you can cope a little better, this time we are going to talk to you about the best plants to fight the cold.
Of course, plants cannot replace medicines, but they can be helpful both for strengthen our defenses as if to help us relieve symptoms of the cold.
The use of plants to treat colds: a history of centuries and of a global nature
There should be no place left in the world where plants have not been used as a medicinal remedy. In fact, they They are the ancestor of what we know today as medicines, and many are used today in the pharmaceutical industry for their curative and/or preventive properties.
The use of plants for medicinal purposes is deeply rooted in the history of traditional medicine.
In the case of the Chinese traditional medicine, It was common to use plants such as mint and ginger to strengthen the immune system and relieve the most common cold symptoms. While in the traditional african medicine The use of plants such as elderberry and umckaloabo root is common in the treatment of respiratory infections and to alleviate coughs.
In Europe, in medieval monasteries it was very common for monks to grow open plants such as chamomile or thyme, with which they then made remedies for colds and other conditions.
The best plants to fight the cold
Here are some of the most recommended plants and herbs to treat cold symptoms, as well as tips on how to take them.
Echinacea
Although there is nothing that can cure a cold (nor can medicine), echinacea is a great help when it comes to boost the immune system so that it fights the infection. As a result, Both the duration of congestion and cough and the severity of symptoms are reduced.
We can take echinacea in infusion form, although in the herbalist we find it in capsules and even in liquid extract. It is advisable to take it throughout the winter season or, if you prefer not to consume it every day, do so when you start to notice the first symptoms of a cold.
Ginger
For their anti-inflammatory properties, is considered one of the best plants to combat the cold. In addition, it is also an antioxidant, so it helps us feel better.
You can find ginger as a supplement and in capsule format, but the ideal thing when you have a cold is to take one. infusion made from fresh ginger. If you wish, you can add a little lemon.
As it has a slightly spicy touch, it is very useful against congestion, and it is also effective against throat discomfort.
Garlic
Growing garlic at home is very simple. In addition to adding a lot of flavor to our dishes, it has antibacterial and antiviral properties, so it turns out to be a great ally to deal with the cold.
In fact, you don't have to wait to notice congestion or discomfort. If you eat garlic frequently, you immune system will be strengthened and you will have less risk of catching a cold.
The ways to consume it are up to your choice. You can add it directly to your recipes, but you can also take raw garlic (some people do it on an empty stomach), make a tea with it, or take a supplement.
Mint, one of the best plants to combat the cold
Mint is a beautiful and easy to care for plant. In addition, we can add its leaves to our recipes to enhance the flavor, or make a delicious infusion with them.
Mint leaves are very good for relieving nasal congestion, and have calming properties. In addition to taking them as an infusion or through capsules, you can put some leaves in boiling water and make fumes to decongest you.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is very well known for their decongestant properties. As with mint, you can use its leaves to make vapors, if you are lucky enough to have this tree nearby. Otherwise, you can make the vapors with eucalyptus essential oil, which you can easily find at the herbalist.
What not everyone knows is that it also has antimicrobial properties. So by inhaling its vapors you will not only decongest yourself, but you will also be helping your body fight the infection.
Turmeric
Something similar happens with turmeric to what happens with ginger, which has notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, it is very useful when it comes to strengthening our immune system.
There are many ways to take it. Can add it to different dishes, and thus give them a slightly more exotic touch. But you can also make a delicious turmeric tea which will relieve and calm you, or take it in supplement form if you don't quite like its taste.
Oregano
Among the best plants for colds, we highlight oregano, because it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Hence, it is also a great ally in helping to reduce cough.
You can make a delicious oregano oil and use it to cook your favorite dishes, and thus strengthen your immune system little by little. But you can also take oregano oil capsules or make a tea with the leaves of this plant.
These are just some of the best plants to fight colds, such as cardamom, marshmallow or licorice root, among others. Of course, keep in mind that its effects may vary depending on the person and the situation. Therefore, it is best to combine the use of specific cold medications with plants that can help relieve your symptoms. Which ones do you usually take when you get a cold?