There are many ancient medicines for beating colds and flu, but do they really work? Today we are delving into some of the best natural remedies for cold and flu to see how they relieve symptoms.

Of course, prevention is the best cold and flu medicine, but even the healthiest people can catch a virus. When our immune systems are being challenged daily and viruses like the flu are so easily spread, knowing what really works can help you to recover within hours, rather than days or weeks.

How Do You Catch A Cold Or Flu?

Despite popular belief, going outside with wet hair doesn’t give you a cold. The flu and colds are caused by viruses. Colds can be caused by hundreds of different viruses, but the flu is caused by either the influenza A or influenza B viruses.

The best cold and flu medicine will not only mask the symptoms but can eliminate the virus behind them too. That is why some of the most ancient, homeopathic flu medicines are still being used today, because plants hold many powerful health benefits and they are easily digested by the body.

Here are the best natural remedies for cold and flu that have been proven to relieve even some of the more severe symptoms.

Olive Leaf Extract

The olive leaf has been used as a natural medicine for thousands of years due to its powerful compound, oleuropein. In the past, people would chew on the olive leaf to gain the health benefits, but thankfully it is now available as a supplement. Olive leaf extract like d-Lenolate® Plus Cold & Flu is carefully extracted to maintain its potency and has been proven to help protect the body and fight off harmful pathogens. This is due to its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-microbial benefits. The oleuropein in olive leaf extract also helps to eliminate toxins from the body, helping you to recovery faster.

Neem Leaf Extract

The neem tree is one of the most highly regarded trees in India. The leaves of this sacred tree have been used for hundreds of years as Homeopathic flu medicine with its antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Neem leaves  contain a compound called hyperoside which has been shown to significantly help influenza symptoms, without the side effects of many over-the-counter medicines. Taking neem leaf extract can also assist with cleaning the blood of impurities and strengthening the  immune system.

Aconitum Napellus

Aconitum napellus is one of the best natural flu medicines as it quickly reduces the notorious high fever that can come with many viruses. Derived from the beautiful aconite plant, aconitum napellus is also used as a homeopathic remedy for dry coughs and chest congestion, helping to relieve many respiratory symptoms of colds and flu. The pediatrician-approved herb is also used as a cold and flu medicine for kids at the onset of the virus to help it stop progressing.

Belladonna

The medicinal herb, Belladonna, is commonly used for treatment of colds and flu, earaches, migraines, flushed skin, sore throats, and fevers. The Belladonna plant would be poisonous to ingest in its whole form, but when it is extracted into non-toxic doses it becomes a potent homeopathic flu medicine. It also provides a calming effect on the nervous system, easing sensitivity to light or touch, and soothing nerve pain.

Echinacea

Echinacea has long been used as a natural flu medicine due to its ability to block many viruses from developing into symptoms. The typical symptoms we have from colds or flu such as congested nose, watery eyes, body aches, and fatigue, is your body’s response to the virions that have entered the body and bound themselves to a receptor. This binding allows the virus to enter the cell where it starts to replicate, and symptoms progress. Echinacea is said to help block the virus binding to the receptors, so the virus finds it harder to enter the cell.

Gelsemium Sempervirens (Yellow Jasmine)

Not to be confused with true jasmine, the gelsemium sempervirens is a beautiful flowered plant also known as the false jasmine. Once it has been extracted into supplement form, this homeopathic flu medicine has great ability to tackle heavy symptoms such as fever with chills and shakes, aching muscles, headache, and lethargy. This is because gelsemium sempervirens provides muscle relaxing and pain reducing effects on the body.

Eupatorium Perfoliatum (Boneset)

Eupatorium perfoliatum is often used as treatment for some of the worst cases of cold and flu. For example, when every part of the body aches, the bones feel fragile, and the skin feels painful to touch, this perennial herb offers anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial benefits. Boneset can help to relieve symptoms at any stage of a cold or flu and helps with the severe exhaustion that often comes with these common viruses.

Ferrum Phosphoricum

Ferrum phosphoricum is one of the best natural remedies for cold and flu, especially for babies, children, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system. Unlike the other remedies listed here, ferrum phosphoricum is not plant based, but mineral based, made from iron and phosphorus. Described as an anti-inflammatory cell salt, this homeopathic medicine is usually recommended in the early stages of a cold and for those with a low-grade fever. Always seek advice from a pediatrician for cold and flu medicine for kids under three years old.

Before you feel overwhelmed about which one to choose, it’s worth knowing that most homeopathic remedies work best when combined under the right dosage. An all-natural flu medicine such as the d-Lenolate Plus Cold and Flu contains the active ingredients that work together to provide fast, effective relief.

Consult with your health care professional if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Author Bio:
Geoff Melcher is the President at East Park Research in Las Vegas, NV. East Park Research has conducted in-depth studies into the healing properties of the olive leaf, resulting in the development of a unique olive leaf extract formulation, d-Lenolate®.