Herbs That Assist to Treat Influenza

Seasonal flu or influenza is one of the most common illnesses that is infectious and may affect persons of any age. The infection involves the upper respiratory system and is caused by different types of viruses. Herbal treatment is known to be effective for influenza and there are many herbal remedies available that strengthen the body’s immunity against the infection. Here are the top five herbs that are effective in warding off the influenza infection and its symptoms.

Echinacea

For many years, Echinacea has been used to treat body infections such as colds, flu, snake bites and wounds. It can also slow down the growth of tumors. The University of Maryland Medical Center identifies the herb’s ability to alleviate the pain and inflammation brought by infections. But the best medicinal property of Echinacea is its ability to stimulate the immune system of the body. The extracts of the herb are used to fight off hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down the body’s defense system, making the body’s immunity more efficient and strong against influenza. The herb also increases the production of the white blood cells of the body’s efficient defense system.

Ginger

Ginger is considered to be one of the best herbal remedies against influenza from the Orient. This botanical plant has been traditionally used for treating different conditions like digestive ailment, common flu, painful menstrual cramps, and other flu symptoms. It also has a strong anti-inflammation property. Ginger has a strong immune booster property that helps fight off various types of infections. For colds, ginger tea is advocated as the best herbal remedy in the ayuverdic and Chinese medicine. Taking ginger as an herbal tea will give the body an immunity boost with its antiviral compounds that is best for treating influenza.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is very common as an herbal remedy for cough and cold symptoms. Its herbal extracts give the body soothing relief from pain and discomforts, taken either as a eucalyptus tea, a eucalyptus oil added to water or as an ointment. The herb is known for its ability to widen the bronchial tubes thereby improving the symptoms of decongestion to make breathing much better.

Andrographis    

The herb is also known as the Indian Echinacea because of its medicinal properties that are similar like the Echinacea herb. It is a traditional herb used for treating sinusitis and other respiratory infections in India and Asia and has become part of Ayuverdic medicine. It is known for its ability to reduce the symptoms of painful throats, fever, headache and coughs. Andrographis can shorten the duration of the recovery period from influenza than the conventional antiviral medicine Amantadine can. Taking the Andrographis herb can also reduce the risks for the infection to progress with serious complications.

Ginseng

In the Eastern Europe, ginseng is used as an herbal management for the prevention of different kinds of infections and diseases. The regular use of the herb can protect the body against the common colds. The Planax ginseng is known to be effective in stimulating the body’s immunity to be stronger and efficient in fighting viral infections such as influenza. Because of the strong immunity boosting properties found in ginseng, it is widely used for improving the body’s overall immunity to prevent various kinds of ailments.

Considerations

These herbal remedies are known as effective herbal treatments against influenza but its adverse effect on children, pregnant or nursing women, in the presence of other medical conditions and other medications are not clearly established. For safety and precaution, it is highly recommended to consult a professional to determine whether any of these herbs are safe or contraindicated in your condition.