How Plants Can Help You Fight the Flu

Last Updated on November 15, 2022 by Gary Stephen

Having tea with fresh or dried rosemary can help you fight the flu. 

Use a teabag or place a few fresh leaves in a bowl of hot water. You can then breathe in the steam from the leaves. Another herb you can use is oil of oregano, which is used in traditional remedies to fight respiratory problems and fever.

And there’s more. Much more. 

Plants are the basis of almost all modern medicines and with as little as a pot plant and some sunlight, you can grow your own flu-fighting supplies to get you through the winter. 

Here are a few plants and their by-products that can help you give your immune system the boost it needs to battle whatever colds come its way.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has anti-viral properties and is a good herbal remedy for colds and flu. 

It can also help you sweat out a fever. It is a perennial herb and can be harvested several times a year. A cup of fresh lemon balm leaves in a glass of water will give you the same relief as a bottle of ibuprofen.

Several studies have proven that Lemon balm can help you fight the flu. In one study, researchers found that lemon balm extract significantly reduced H1N1 viral cells. This was likely due to the chemical composition of lemon balm, which inhibits cell reproduction. 

The herb can also boost your immune system. 

Echinacea

Research has shown that Echinacea can be helpful for fighting the flu. 

Its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties have been noted in numerous studies. Its effects on various lymphocyte subpopulations have been studied. In addition, it has been shown to help prevent acute respiratory infections.

Echinacea is an herb that can be found over-the-counter in many locations. It is available in various forms, including liquid extracts, capsules, and tea. 

Echinacea is also known to be a good source of antioxidants.

It is important to consult your doctor before taking echinacea. Some of its side effects include nausea and dizziness. In rare cases, it may even cause an allergic reaction. 

People with seasonal allergies should avoid taking echinacea.

Peppermint

Peppermint soothes sore throats and coughs. The active ingredient in peppermint is menthol, which thins mucus and loosens phlegm. Peppermint tea also helps to relieve sore throats and open the sinuses.

The Key Is in Antioxidants

Plants rich in antioxidants are especially useful for fighting the flu. Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to boost your immune system. 

The Mediterranean diet is packed with fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and healthy fats. In one study, people following the Mediterranean diet were found to have fewer respiratory illnesses. 

Also, they were less likely to get COVID-19, a virus that causes the flu.

Besides fighting colds and flu, plants also have air purifying properties. Their presence can make the air more humid, which can increase your body’s immunity. 

Many plants lose 90% of their water every day through transpiration, which means water is drawn from their leaves into the air. Higher humidity is better for fighting off the flu.

Cannabidiol 

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, could be a new weapon in the fight against the flu. 

CBD has been shown to have powerful antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potentially effective treatment for the flu. A recent study found that CBD was able to reduce the severity of the flu in mice, and it is thought that it could have similar effects in humans.

It also plays a role in reducing stress, which is one of the major contributors to weakening your immune system. Staying calm is a great weapon against the flu, and CBD oil can help tremendously with that.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil can help fight off colds and flu with its antiviral properties. 

It also works against infections like measles, mumps, and pox. These viruses build protective ‘cysts’ around themselves, but tea tree oil is able to rupture these cysts and kill the virus. 

It can also relieve congestion in the chest. To use it, apply it directly on the chest or put a drop in a face towel and breathe it in.

You can also use tea tree oil to purify the air in your home by adding it to an electric diffuser. For this purpose, you need to dilute it with two to three percent water. Three drops in a 100-ml bottle is enough.

Green Tea

Green tea is a good choice for its antioxidants, which boost the immune system and help you burn fat. It also contains a high amount of vitamin C, which helps fight foreign bacteria. 

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is another plant that is rich in antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, which helps the body fight bacteria. Moreover, it also contains iron, which can help boost your immune system.

Elderberry

Elderberry is another herb that helps fight the flu. It was originally used to treat sores and open wounds, but today, it is used primarily to combat respiratory problems. 

The chemicals present in elderberries can reduce mucus membranes and eliminate congestion. It can be found in fruit, liquid, and supplement forms.

More Plants that Can Help Fight Flu

Chamomile and other plants can help fight a flu virus by containing antibacterial and antifungal compounds. 

They have also been shown to have therapeutic benefits for stomach, uterine, and intestinal cramps. However, more research is needed to confirm their efficacy.

Chamomile can also help soothe a sore throat and cough. It also improves digestion. It is also good for skin and can make you feel more relaxed and sleep better. You can also apply unsweetened chamomile tea on your skin or hair to soothe it.

Flavonoids in black tea may work with the microbe in the gut to fight off infections. These flavonoids are plant-derived antioxidants and may help you fight the flu and other viral infections.

Nettle Tea

Nettle tea is known to help with many health conditions, from hay fever to asthma. 

It helps prevent inflammation and the release of chemicals such as histamine. It also helps the body store vitamins and minerals, and helps the body metabolize foreign substances. 

While there is no definitive proof that nettle tea can help with the flu, it has shown to be a useful herbal remedy.

Nettle tea is made by steeping stinging nettle leaves in hot water. It may have a strong or mild taste, and is also available in capsules and tinctures. However, most studies focus on the leaves themselves.

Catnip

Catnip has antiseptic qualities and is used as an inhalation remedy for cough, catarrh, and asthma. 

It also helps treat wounds and infections because of its tannins. These tannins speed up the healing process and stop bleeding from wounds. Catnip is also used to treat burns and piles and relieve nausea.

Catnip is easy to grow and tolerates a wide variety of soils. It is available as seed from several seed companies. You can start your plants by directly sowing the seeds on well-prepared garden soil or in a flat. 

When the seedlings are 5 to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, you can transplant them. Be sure to protect the plants from cats until they are fully grown. Alternatively, you can divide an established plant by cutting off its root mass.

Catnip is a perennial herb that grows 20 to 40 inches tall. Its leaves are triangular in shape and are brownish green. The flowers are white or pink, sometimes with purple spots. 

The herb is also widely used as a tea. It has been used as a menstrual inducer, relieved digestive problems, and as a sedative-hypnotic. It also helps to boost appetite.

Final Word

There are many different teas and herbs that can help fight off the flu or other respiratory tract infections. Each of these has unique compounds that can help boost your immune system and fight off infection. 

 

Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming any of these substances, as they may interact with other medications you are taking.