Cold and Flu Season Herbal Remedies and How to Make Them

Natural Herbal Flu and Cold Support

Frankincense Essential Oil

There are a lot of good articles on the web and this is my summary.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: None of the health topics presented here have been evaluated or approved by the FDA. They should not replace personal judgment nor medical treatment when indicated, nor are they intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always talk to your and knowledgeable chiropractor  or naturopathic physician about the use of these or any other supplement supports.

Before using antibacterial/antiviral herbs, one should read an herbal medicine guide or consult a herbalist for exact dosing instructions. Your body is unique and your specific needs will likely be unique, too.  Dr. Kydonieus is very experienced in created customized Programs for patients in the office after he examines them  If you are not close enough to come in for a consultation then go the the www.Ulaninc.org website and inquire about finding a Nutrition Response Testing Practitioner in your area.

Antibacterial Herbs

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)1

Calendula can be used in first-aid to heal wounds, prevent infection and treat pink eye. The beneficial effects of using medicinal plants from the Balkan region to heal wounds according to traditional practices have been proven in many scientific studies.  Calendula can be prepared a few different ways, including infusions, tinctures, lotions and ointments. No known precautions.

Cinnamomum burmannii Blume (cinnamon stick) from Indonesia2

Cinnamon warms the body, aids in digestion and is used for its antibacterial properties. This study suggests that cinnamon stick and its bioactive components have potential for application as natural food preservatives.Cinnamon can be taken as a tea, added to food or used as a supplement.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)3,4

Clove bud is very useful when combating intestinal bacteria. It is one of the key ingredients in MediHerb’s Herbal throat spray along with a other of the herbs mentioned here.  Many people are familiar with its topical numbing effect but made into a tea or cooking with it can help the gut and relieve intestinal distress.

Antiviral Herbs

Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus)5

Astragalus is one of the antiviral herbs that works by boosting the immune system and  has great antioxidant activity.  Shown to help liver and kidney tiss recover from disease. Taken internally, either as a capsule, tincture or buy adding it to soup, astragalus root is known to increase your body’s defense against viruses.  Astragalus root is best used as prevention, so take it during flu season or before going places with large crowds of people. Avoid if you already have a fever.

Boswellia (Frankincense essential Oil)17

The “Biblical” herb dating back thousands of years has many uses but its antiinflammatory and nerve stimulation properties are world renowned.  Modern research shows that is has antimicrobial action as well.  Boswellia is a resin from a tress that grows in arid climates.  The essential oil is very potent if using a “medical” grade company like Doterra or Nuskin.

Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)6

In addition to being an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral herb, cat’s claw is also known for boosting the immune system, increasing your body’s protection against illness. Cat’s claw can be taken as a tea, tincture or capsule. Do not take during pregnancy.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)7

Cranberry is a potent defense against urinary tract infections due to its ability to make the bladder lining too “slippery” to adhere to. Full of antioxidants, cranberry also has antiviral properties and prevents plaque formation on teeth. Cranberry can be taken in a capsule or as juice (make sure it is unsweetened).

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)8

Elderberry is used as a remedy for viral infections like the flu and common cold. Elder stimulates the circulation, causing sweating, effectively cleansing the body. Elderberry syrup is the common delivery method and 1-3 tablespoons can be taken per day during infection. Leaves, roots, seeds, and berries of the raw plant contain cyanide-producing compounds and should not be consumed without cooking properly.

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)9

Ginger is another herb known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is used to prevent and decrease duration of the common cold. Ginger can be taken as a tea, in capsule form, or added to meals. It also is good for inflammation.

Lemon Balm Leaf (Melissa officinalis)10

An important compound found in lemon balm contains antiviral properties. Lemon balm leaf makes a tasty tea that can also relieve upset stomach and promote calm. I can help intestinal infections and even has been shown to aide colon cancer.11  It may be unsafe to consume during some pregnancies, so check with your doctor on that one.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)12,10

Licorice is antiviral and antibacterial. It is commonly used for gastric ulcers as it kills H. pylori13 that causes ulcers without upsetting the stomach. Steep these antiviral herbs as a tea and drink by itself or blended with other herbal teas. It can also raise blood pressure so pay attention and do not use if on blood pressure medicine.  Avoid during pregnancy.

Olive Leaf (Olea europaea)16

As antiviral herbs, olive leaf is used to treat the flu, common cold and herpes all are “encapsulated” viruses. Olive leaf can be taken as a tincture, capsule or tea mixed with mint. Avoid during pregnancy. There is evidence to support the use of olive leaf extract in Parkinson’s Disease, being useful for preventing the death of dopaminergic neurons in patients with PD.15

Dried Oregano Leaf (Origanum vulgare)14

In addition to adding great flavor to food, oregano also protects against viruses and bacteria as one of the best antiviral herbs available. It can be taken in a capsule to promote healing.  If using the essential oil be away that it will cause redness and has a very spicy hot  sensation which can be uncomfortable.  Cutting the oregano essential oil with fractionated coconut oil 2:1 is recommended.

How to Use Antibacterial and Antiviral Herbs

Tea

Herbal teas are simple to make and require only a cup, hot water and a way to steep your tea. To make an herbal tea, steep 1 tbsp of antibacterial or antiviral herbs in 1 cup hot water for 5-10 minutes. For children, use 1 tsp herbs in the same amount of water.

Infusion

Herbal infusions are simply antibacterial or antiviral herbs prepared in water. They differ from teas in that they use larger quantities of herbs, making a more concentrated preparation. They are steeped in water for several hours in a tightly sealed jar. Using a quart-size canning jar is best because they can hold up well to boiling water.

Once prepared you can drink them iced or heated, add them to baths for soaking wounds or sore muscles or used to make compresses or poultices.

Put a handful of dried herbs in your canning jar. Fill the jar to the fill line with boiling water. Secure the lid tightly and let it steep until the water has completely cooled. Strain out the antibacterial or antiviral herbs and enjoy.

Infused oil

Creating your own infused oil is easy! You can do it with just a few minutes of prep time (the rest is done in the oven).

You’ll need:

  • An oven-proof dish
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • 1 cup jojoba or coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup antibacterial or antiviral herbs (one herb or a combination)
  • Clean, dry jar(s) to store your oil in
  • Labels

Heat your oven to 200 degrees, then turn it off. To your oven-proof dish, add the oil and herbs, then stir them together. (If the coconut oil is solid, let it melt first in the oven, add the herbs and stir). Put the dish in the oven. After 3 hours take out the herbs and strain the oil into your clean jar(s). Label and store in a cool, dark place.

References:

  1. Traditional wound-healing plants used in the Balkan region (Southeast Europe).Jarić S, Kostić O, Mataruga Z, Pavlović D, Pavlović M, Mitrović M, Pavlović PJ Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Jan 30;211:311-328. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.09.018. Epub 2017 Sep 21. Review. PMID:28942136
  2. Antibacterial properties and major bioactive components of cinnamon stick (Cinnamomumburmannii): activity against foodborne pathogenic bacteria.  Shan B, Cai YZ, Brooks JD, Corke H., J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Jul 11;55(14):5484-90. Epub 2007 Jun 13. PMID: 17567030
  3. Essential Oil from Clove Bud (Eugenia aromatica Kuntze) Inhibit Key Enzymes Relevant to the Management of Type-2 Diabetes and Some Pro-oxidant Induced Lipid Peroxidation in Rats Pancreas in vitro.Oboh G, Akinbola IA, Ademosun AO, Sanni DM, Odubanjo OV, Olasehinde TA, Oyeleye SI., J Oleo Sci. 2015;64(7):775-82. doi: 10.5650/jos.ess14274. Epub 2015 May 21.  PMID: 25994557
  4. Phytochemical composition, antioxidant and anti-bacterial activity of Syzygium calophyllifolium Walp. fruit.  Sathyanarayanan S, Chandran R, Thankarajan S, Abrahamse H, Thangaraj P., J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Jan;55(1):341-350. doi: 10.1007/s13197-017-2944-6. Epub 2017 Oct 30.  PMID: 29358827
  5. A review of recent research progress on the astragalus genus.Li X, Qu L, Dong Y, Han L, Liu E, Fang S, Zhang Y, Wang T., Molecules. 2014 Nov 17;19(11):18850-80. doi: 10.3390/molecules191118850. Review.  PMID: 25407722
  6.  Review of antiviral and immunomodulating properties of plants of the Peruvian rainforest with a particular emphasis on Una de Gato and Sangre de Grado.Williams JE. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Dec;6(6):567-79. Review. PMID: 11804547
  7. Inhibition of herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 infections by Oximacro(®), a cranberry extract with a high content of A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs-A). Terlizzi ME, Occhipinti A, Luganini A, Maffei ME, Gribaudo G., Antiviral Res. 2016 Aug;132:154-64. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2016.06.006. Epub 2016 Jun 16. PMID: 27321663
  8. Antiviral potential of medicinal plants against HIV, HSV, influenza, hepatitis, and coxsackievirus: A systematic review.  Akram M, Tahir IM, Shah SMA, Mahmood Z, Altaf A, Ahmad K, Munir N, Daniyal M, Nasir S, Mehboob H., Phytother Res. 2018 Jan 22. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6024. [Epub ahead of print] Review.  PMID: 29356205
  9. Zingiber officinale: Its antibacterial activity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and mode of action evaluated by flow cytometry  Chakotiya AS, Tanwar A, Narula A, Sharma RK., Microb Pathog. 2017 Jun;107:254-260. doi: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.03.029. Epub 2017 Apr 4. PMID: 28389345
  10. An evaluation of the inhibitory effects against rotavirus infection of edible plant extracts. Knipping K, Garssen J, van’t Land B., Virol J. 2012 Jul 26;9:137. doi: 10.1186/1743-422X-9-137. PMID: 22834653
  11. Melissa officinalis extract induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in colon cancer cells through formation of reactive oxygen species.Weidner C, , Rousseau M, Plauth A, Wowro SJ, Fischer C, Abdel-Aziz H, Sauer S., Phytomedicine. 2015 Feb 15;22(2):262-70. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2014.12.008. Epub 2014 Dec 30. PMID: 25765831
  12. Anti-hepatitis C virus compounds obtained from Glycyrrhiza uralensis and other Glycyrrhizaspecies.Adianti M, Aoki C, Komoto M, Deng L, Shoji I, Wahyuni TS, Lusida MI, Soetjipto, Fuchino H, Kawahara N, Hotta H., Microbiol Immunol. 2014 Mar;58(3):180-7. doi: 10.1111/1348-0421.12127. PMID: 24397541
  13. Aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from liquorice roots (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) inhibit adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human gastric mucosa.Wittschier N, Faller G, Hensel A., J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Sep 7;125(2):218-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.07.009. Epub 2009 Jul 14., PMID:  19607905
  14. Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Cytotoxic Activities of the Ethanolic Origanum vulgare Extract and Its Major Constituents.  Coccimiglio J, Alipour M, Jiang ZH, Gottardo C, Suntres Z., Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:1404505. doi: 10.1155/2016/1404505. Epub 2016 Mar 9., PMID: 27051475
  15. The neuroprotective effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf on rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease in rat. Sarbishegi M, Charkhat Gorgich EA, Khajavi O, Komeili G, Salimi S., Metab Brain Dis. 2018 Feb;33(1):79-88. doi: 10.1007/s11011-017-0131-0. Epub 2017 Oct 16. PMID: 29039078
  16. Antibacterial Activity of Hydroxytyrosol Acetate from Olive Leaves (Olea Europaea L.). Wei J, Wang S, Pei D, Qu L, Li Y, Chen J, Di D, Gao K, Nat Prod Res. 2017 Aug 2:1-4. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1356830. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 287684
  17. Traditionally used herbal medicines with antibacterial effect on <i>Aggegatibacter actinomycetemcomitans</i>: <i>Boswellia serrata</i> and <i>Nigella sativa</i>.Maraghehpour B, Khayamzadeh M, Najafi S, Kharazifard M., J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2016 Nov-Dec;20(6):603-607. doi:10.4103/jisp.jisp_12_17., PMID: 29238140

 

 

The general layout of this article came from Nina Nelson’s blog.  She is a student midwife and writer and mother of four. She blogs regularly at Shalom Mama and loves helping others create wellness through simple living. Check out her website for more simple wellness tips and connect with her on her Nina Nelson Facebook page.

 

For more information call and make an appointment for your evaluation by Dr. Kydonieus.  434-481-2012, Ruckersville, Virginia

 

 

 

8 Comments

  1. Josef Martindale

    I am a 49-year-old man. My Parkinson’s disease appeared at the age of 47. My symptoms, at the beginning, were fine tremors and rigidity with joint stiffness. My neurologist prescribed entacapone with levodopa, carbidopa, and pramipexole. I opted not to go on prescription medicines but decided on using herbs instead, October 18, 2017 after being on the herbs you recommended, i had a total recovery from Parkinson’s disease with this natural herbal formula treatment. The tremors, Shaking, Joint Stiffness has subsided. When I stumbled upon you guys, it was just pure instinct. And from that day on it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. The caring that goes into explaining what herbs work for whatever ails me is astounding.

    Reply
    1. Dr D (Post author)

      This post(my blog) seems to have been hit by a bunch of internet marketers and salespeople all posing as individuals. This same “reply” as you see above has been submitted to my webpage for approval 5 times by 5 different emails! I have left this one up so you, the public can see it as a sales gimmick and not follow the links you may find on other sites when you see this ‘story’. I have taken out the email and the website information to reduce these types of things.

      Reply
  2. Jose Ava

    I noticed something different about my walk. It was difficult getting up from` a chair and getting out of a car. I was diagnosed a year later and i have to find a better solution and was introduced to try the help of herbal formula. I am now 59 tho and am fully cured from Parkinson’s disease.

    Reply
    1. Dr D (Post author)

      There is no total cure for Parkinson’s but I am glad you “feel” better. To my readers beware of sales pitches for “cures” or magic vitamins and newly discovered herbs. Many are great at helping the body be stronger but many are gimmicks and a waste of money and valuable healing time. Contact your herbalist or naturopath before buying any supplements online. I do this for my patients all the time. Feel free to email me with your questions, DrD@totalchiro.net

      Reply
  3. Kimberly Ferguson

    I am 63 year old who was diagnosed 8 months ago with Parkinson’s. I had severe calf pain, muscle pain, slurred speech, frequent falls, loss of balance, difficulty in getting up from sitting position, I was having a problem accepting my diagnosis, even though I read every thing I could find to read. I was put on Sinemet 3 times daily but it didn’t seem to be helping. After 4 months of been diagnosed I was having difficulty writing. Getting in bed, turning over. There has been little if any progress in finding a cure or reliable treatment. So this year our primary physician suggested I started on Natural Herbal Parkinson’s Herbal formula which eased my anxiety a bit. I am happy to report with the help of this natural preparation I have been able to reverse my symptoms using herbs, 8 weeks into treatment I improved dramatically. At the end of the full treatment course, feel much better.

    Reply
    1. Dr D (Post author)

      I am glad Kimberly that you had a good result with yoru herbal products but what works for one person doesn’t always works for another. Remember there are no “miracle cures” for anything. Lifestyle management and avoiding the environmental stressors that set your body down the path to poor health is the best any of us can do. That is why a good professional nutritional healer to guide you is so necessary these days.

      Reply
  4. susan thomson

    My husband was diagnosed of Parkinson’s disease 2 years ago, when he was 49. He had a stooped posture, tremors, right arm does not move and also a pulsating feeling in his body. He was placed on Senemet for 8 months and then Siferol was introduced and replaced the Senemet, during this time span he was also diagnosed with dementia. He started having hallucinations, lost touch with reality. Suspecting it was the medication I took him off the Siferol (with the doctor’s knowledge) and started him on PD natural herbal formula we ordered from Akanni Herbal Center, his symptoms totally declined over a 3 weeks use. He is now almost 51 and doing very well, the disease is totally reversed! 

    Reply
    1. Dr D (Post author)

      Glad your husband is doing better. Keep watch for sugar and wheat intake as that affect tremor diseases like Parkinson’s. Any stimulants too, like Ginseng and caffeine. We are offering telenutrition now so I can counsel anyone anywhere over the internet or phone. Go to http://www.doctorDSays.com and fill out the forms if you want to set up a session.

      Reply

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