Fighting the Flu with Chinese Herbal Remedies

There is no cure for the cold or flu; there are, however, various herbal remedies that can help to alleviate the symptoms so you feel better faster. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the cold and the flu. Some herbal remedies are good for either the cold or the flu symptoms.

There are many remedies for the flu using herbs. These herbs help to relax muscles, calm nerves, and expedite the healing process by helping the immune system to function more effectively.

The Psyllium - Boneset Flu Remedy is not only very good for relieving the symptoms of the flu; it can be used to bring relief to those who suffer from backaches and headaches as well.

The remedy includes 1 tablespoon each of boneset, skullcap and white yarrow and 1 teaspoon of psyllium seed. You will also need honey or corn syrup and distilled water. Put the boneset, skullcap and white yarrow into a pint of water. Simmer for 30 minutes and then strain. Add 1 tablespoon of this liquid to 1 teaspoon of psyllium seed added to one cup of boiling water. You can sweeten with corn syrup. This drink should be consumed within 30 minutes of making it.

Echinacea is a Chinese traditional remedy for both cold and flu. Echinacea stimulates the immune system. It is recommended by herbalist to take 3 - 5 ml of tincture or if using root powder, take 300 mg 3 times each day.

Elderberry can also benefit those suffering from flu. This herb helps to keep the virus that causes flu from spreading to the respiratory tract. If allowed to spread to the respiratory tract, this is when patients become more severely ill. You can make a tea from the herb by steeping 3 to 5 g of dried flowers in one cup of boiling water (10 to 15 minutes). Drink one cup of elderberry-flower tea 3 times each day until the symptoms of flu are gone.

Elderberry flower is safe to take and side effects are very rare. It safety to use in children, pregnant or nursing women and those who suffer from severe liver or kidney disease has not yet been determined.

Astragalus root has been used in China for thousands of years to help stimulate the immune system against the flu and other viruses. It is recommended to take 500 milligrams of astragalus 4 times a day until the symptoms are gone. Then take one capsule two times a day for another week to prevent the symptoms from returning.

Garlic is especially helpful when fighting those illness that make you wonder if what you have is a cold or a flu. Garlic stimulates the immune system to fight off the symptoms of any virus and is known to be a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It can be effective against any cold virus and scientists have seen it fight off flu virus in test tubes. Practitioners recommend that a person take several cloves of raw garlic each day that you have the infection and products that contain garlic are also good such as hot garlic bread or garlic toast.

It is always important to consult with an herbalist or Chinese medicine practitioner when taking herbal remedies to be sure of dosage and to prevent the occurrence of side effects from other medications you may be taking.