Ugh. There’s a certain kind of misery to a headcold, and how much worse to have one when the weather is warming, and the sunshine is tempting us to come outside and play.
Spring colds, however, are all too common, as are spring allergies, and the sinus infections that can follow. So what can we do to stay healthy and keep our spring energy vibrant?
Good news! There’s plenty you can do! Sensible self-care, and the right herbs at the right time, can make all the difference. Here are a few simple remedies to prevent and treat spring colds.
Prevention
Good food, good sleep, plenty of water, fresh air, and exercise are your baseline of prevention for illness of all kinds.
Herbs to protect and support the immune system include Astragalus, Elderberry, Reishi, Lemon Balm, and Ginger Root. These herbs are all safe to take as preventatives, and can be taken all season to boost your immunity. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Herbs to protect against spring allergies include some of my favorite herbs! Nettles, Reishi, Ginger Root. These herbs are anti-inflammatory, which helps with some of the symptoms of allergies: itchy eyes, red nose, etc. Stinging Nettles are specific for allergies, as they contain anti-histamine properties. In combination, they provide excellent protection from seasonal allergies.
Anything that helps energy and stress in general also helps keep you from getting sick. Adaptogenic herbs help the body deal with stress, so consider: Ashwagandha, Eleuthero, Holy Basil, Bacopa.
Treatment
What if you actually get a cold? It’s not hard to do. Even if you take great care of yourself, the windy days, drastic temperature changes, and storms can make it easier to get sick.
You know the basics: drink plenty of fluids, stay warm, and get lots of rest. Try to stay home as much as possible, to keep from spreading those germs around.
Treat your immune system with heavy-hitting immune stimulating herbs like Echinacea, or medicinal mushrooms like Chaga, Reishi, Maitake. These herbs help activate your body’s own immune function, helping you get better, faster, and preventing secondary infections. If you have an auto-immune disorder, you should avoid immune-stimulating herbs.
Fight off viral infections (cold and flu) with Elderberry, Lemon Balm, Astragalus. These herbs specifically help prevent and treat viral infections.
Fight off bacterial infections (sinus infection, bronchitis) with Oregano, Garlic, or Goldenseal. These are powerful anti-microbial herbs that attack the germs that are making you miserable.
Reduce inflammation (a common side effect of being sick) with Ginger root, Turmeric root, Nettles. By reducing general inflammation, you help your body recover faster, and you feel better in the process!
I hope your springtime is free of colds and runny noses, but if you do get sick, these herbs can help!
In good health!
For More Information:
Smile Herb Blogs: Cold & Flu
Smile Herb Blogs: Immune Health
Natural Products for the Prevention and Treatment of Common Cold and Viral Respiratory Infections
Prevention and Treatment of Influenza, Influenza-Like Illness, and Common Cold by Herbal, Complementary, and Natural Therapies
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