When temperatures drop outside, your immune system usually drops as well. Cough, runny nose and Sore throat they are part of the daily life of many people in the cold season. But nature already has a whole pharmacy of effective helpers ready, completely free and without side effects. Our grandparents already knew this: with local herbs such as thyme, sage, Plantain plantain OR Linden flowers you can gently support the airways, loosen mucus and strengthen the immune system. In this article we will show you which plants have proven to be particularly effective, how to use them correctly and why it is worth adding some natural classics to your medicine cabinet.
Understand the power of nature when it comes to colds
In most cases, colds are viral. Medicines cannot stop the infection itself, but they can relieve symptoms. Come right here Medicinal herbs at stake: they have an antibacterial, expectorant, anti-inflammatory or immunostimulating effect. Thanks to their secondary plant substances, such as essential oils, flavonoids and saponins, they naturally support the body’s defenses. While synthetic remedies often treat only one symptom, herbs have a holistic effect. They promote the body’s self-regulation, stimulate the release of mucus and strengthen the respiratory tract without overloading the body.
1. Thyme – the natural expectorant
Timiano (Thymus vulgaris) is one of the most proven cough herbs ever. Its essential oils, especially thymol and carvacrol, are effective antimicrobialantispasmodic and promote the removal of mucus.
Application:
- Thymiantee: Pour 250 ml of hot water over 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, leave to infuse for 10 minutes and filter. Drink hot several times a day.
- Thymianhonig: Place fresh thyme sprigs in liquid honey, leave to infuse for 1 week – take a spoonful if you have a cough.
Suggestion: Thyme is especially effective in combination with plantain or plantain Marshmallowsas their active ingredients complement each other.
2. Plantain plantain – gentle help against dry cough
Plantain plantain (Lanceolate plantain) grows almost everywhere in meadows, paths and even on roadsides. Contains mucilage, tannins and aucubin, a natural antibiotic. This combination makes it a great home remedy for dry, irritable coughs.
Application:
- Plantain and plantain syrup: Wash a handful of fresh leaves, chop them finely and fill them in layers with honey or sugar in a glass. Leave to infuse for 2-3 weeks, filter.
- Tee: Pour 1 tablespoon of dried leaves with 250 ml of water and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
The syrup has a delicate flavor and is well tolerated even by children.
3. Sage – disinfectant for sore throat
wise (Salvia officinalis) is an all-rounder against colds. Its essential oils (especially thujone and cineole) are effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatorythey also soothe irritated mucous membranes.
Application:
- Gargle solution: Pour 200 ml of hot water over 1 teaspoon of dried sage leaves, leave to infuse for 10 minutes, filter and gargle several times a day.
- Sage tea: Works internally for sore throats and excessive sweating.
Important: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should only use sage in moderation, as large amounts of thujone may have a labor-promoting effect.
4. Linden flowers: reduce fever and promote sweating
Linden flowers (Lime from the heart) are among the classic home remedies against feverish colds. Its mucilages, flavonoids and essential oils have a diaphoretic and antipyretic action, thus promoting the body’s natural purifying reaction.
Application:
- Pour 250 ml of hot water over 1 tablespoon of dried linden flowers and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
- Drink it hot in the evening and then lie down in bed to stimulate sweating.
5. Elderflower: gentle support for the respiratory tract
elderly (Sambucus nigra) has been an integral part of folk medicine for centuries. His flowers work Dissolves secretions, antiviral and immunostimulant.
Hounderblütente: Pour hot water over 1 tablespoon of flowers, leave to infuse for 10 minutes, sweeten with a little honey. The classic elderflower syrup also strengthens the immune system in small quantities and can be used to prevent colds.
Other herbs tried
- Marshmallow root: It soothes the mucous membranes and helps with dry coughs.
- Peppermint: It has a liberating effect on the respiratory tract.
- Chamomile: anti-inflammatory and gentle on the stomach and throat.
These plants can be combined wonderfully, for example in cough teas, inhalations or homemade syrups.
Recipe: Homemade cough syrup made from plantain and thyme
Ingredients:
- 1 handful of fresh plantain leaves
- 1 handful of thyme sprigs
- 250ml of water
- 250 g of honico
Preparation: Bring the herbs and water to the boil, leave to infuse for 10 minutes, strain and leave to cool slightly. Then mix with honey and pour into a clean glass. The syrup will keep in the refrigerator for about 4 weeks.
Application: 1 teaspoon 3 times a day for cough or hoarseness.
Ready for the winter season in your garden?
With our Winter Starter Set you have everything you need to discover and use the best herbs even in the cold season! Our Starter set of wild herbs for the winter (available here) contains not only two of our books and an edition of our winter magazine on wild herbs, but also our year-round harvest calendar. The highlight: This calendar works without a fixed date and shows you month after month which herbs you can currently find in nature, year after year. In the upper area you will find the most common plants, supplemented by important tips and lesser-known herbs that you can still harvest in winter. You will also receive a set of winter patterned folding cards and our fast-growing wild herb seed mix. Also ideal as a gift. Get our winter starter set and get ready for your very own wild herb adventure! Available in the witches’ herbalist shop on www.die-moderne-Kräuterhexe.de
Strengthen your immune system with herbs
In addition to acute treatment, prevention plays a crucial role. Herbal immune boosters such as rose hips, sea buckthorn, nettle or Ginger they provide the body with valuable vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A daily herbal tea dog rose, Nettle AND Melissa strengthens the immune system in a delicate and natural way. Outdoor physical activity and sufficient sleep also promote the effect.
Nature is the best medicine cabinet
With herbs you can not only relieve symptoms, but also strengthen your body in the long term. They help restore natural balance and delicately support healing processes. Especially in winter it is worth stocking the pantry with homemade syrups, dried leaves or herbal teas. So you are well prepared for the next wave of colds.
Join us in the world of wild herbs
Do you want to accompany us into nature? Then you should follow our YouTube channel. We are available to answer your questions at any time. We look forward to exchanging ideas with you. Of course you can also find us on our other channels.
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